Hythe’s Future

Two major planning issues in Hythe are being discussed tomorrow by Shepway’s Development Control Committee – and Channel Chamber is speaking in support of both applications. As a business support organisation your Chamber firmly believes that Hythe will benefit from a new Sainsbury’s store as well as the refurbishment of the Hythe Imperial Hotel and relevant property development. Although these are hugely different, both offer Hythe the opportunity to attract more visitors and will encourage them to spend their money locally. More local jobs are also a vital ingredient for our local economy and hopefully, both developments may even stimulate other businesses to review their plans and think of Hythe as a place they want to relocate to.

The public gallery at the Civic Centre in Folkestone is most likely to be full of objectors to these applications, but if any Chamber members want to join us in support please ensure you arrive before 6.30pm to secure a seat.

Kent Property Market Report

The eighteenth edition of the Kent Property Market report has been published last Friday reviewing activity and major property deals throughout 2008-09. Encouragingly this report reveals that despite the economic situation,the Kent commercial property sector has continued a relatively healthy performance over the last year. The report also looks in detail at residential, tourism, retail and this year also the rural sector.The regeneration section features current and planned developments across Kent and Medway, focusing particularly on the growth areas of Kent - Thames Gateway Kent and Ashford. The report is available to view online via www.kentpropertymarket.co.uk.

Electronic VAT Returns and Payments from April 2010

For all businesses with an annual turnover exceeding £100,000 compulsory electronic filing of Vat returns and electronic payment of Vat begins on 1st April 2010.In addition all new businesses registering for VAT from 1st April 2010 will be required to file returns and pay electronically irrespective of their size.Unlike the introduction of online filing for PAYE returns, where the filing was optional and a financial incentive was paid to encourage online filing, the Vat change is compulsory and no incentive will be provided.

To register online on your own behalf you will first need to register with the Government Gateway. To start this process choose VAT Online from the green box on the HMRC homepage (www.hmrc.gov.uk) and then click on new users

Alcohol Awareness Week

This national campaign runs from 19 to 25 October and aims to encourage adults to think about how much they are drinking. Did you know that nearly one in three men and one in five women drink more than the NHS recommended unit guidelines for alcohol? Employers are being asked to get involved and to help promote this initiative amongst their staff and information is available inline at: http://www.alcohollearningcentre.org.uk/_library/AAW_stakeholder_pack.pdf

Free Cosmetic Surgery Information evening

A Free Cosmetic Surgery Information evening is being held on 6 November at the Ashford International Hotel organised by Chamber member – Spire Health Care (Spire St Saviour’s Hospital). Chamber members and their staff are welcome to attend and will receive a free consultation (normal cost £100). To book on this event please call 01303 233766.

Risk Management

Business insurance and risk management are closely related. The insurance is there to provide protection when the incident occurs and it works best when the claim is dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

However good your insurance protection, an active approach to risk management can help to reduce or even prevent a loss and the resultant disruption to the business.This in turn helps make the business attractive to insure and has a beneficial effect on premiums.

Our Insider Sponsor - Stennings offer general risk management advice and have access to specialist services that can undertake Health & Safety and Fire Risk Assessments, Business Continuity Planning, Fixed Wiring and Portable Appliance testing to give a few examples, together with training in a number of areas.Not only do these services improve risk management but in certain cases help businesses meet legal obligations.

To find out more please contact Stennings on 01303 864198 and ask to speak to either David Donald or Martin Bridges. October 19th, 2009

Hythe’s Future

Two major planning issues in Hythe are being discussed tomorrow by Shepway’s Development Control Committee – and Channel Chamber is speaking in support of both applications. As a business support organisation your Chamber firmly believes that Hythe will benefit from a new Sainsbury’s store as well as the refurbishment of the Hythe Imperial Hotel and relevant property development. Although these are hugely different, both offer Hythe the opportunity to attract more visitors and will encourage them to spend their money locally. More local jobs are also a vital ingredient for our local economy and hopefully, both developments may even stimulate other businesses to review their plans and think of Hythe as a place they want to relocate to.

The public gallery at the Civic Centre in Folkestone is most likely to be full of objectors to these applications, but if any Chamber members want to join us in support please ensure you arrive before 6.30pm to secure a seat.

Kent Property Market Report

The eighteenth edition of the Kent Property Market report has been published last Friday reviewing activity and major property deals throughout 2008-09. Encouragingly this report reveals that despite the economic situation,the Kent commercial property sector has continued a relatively healthy performance over the last year. The report also looks in detail at residential, tourism, retail and this year also the rural sector.The regeneration section features current and planned developments across Kent and Medway, focusing particularly on the growth areas of Kent - Thames Gateway Kent and Ashford. The report is available to view online via www.kentpropertymarket.co.uk.

Electronic VAT Returns and Payments from April 2010

For all businesses with an annual turnover exceeding £100,000 compulsory electronic filing of Vat returns and electronic payment of Vat begins on 1st April 2010.In addition all new businesses registering for VAT from 1st April 2010 will be required to file returns and pay electronically irrespective of their size.Unlike the introduction of online filing for PAYE returns, where the filing was optional and a financial incentive was paid to encourage online filing, the Vat change is compulsory and no incentive will be provided.

To register online on your own behalf you will first need to register with the Government Gateway. To start this process choose VAT Online from the green box on the HMRC homepage (www.hmrc.gov.uk) and then click on new users

Alcohol Awareness Week

This national campaign runs from 19 to 25 October and aims to encourage adults to think about how much they are drinking. Did you know that nearly one in three men and one in five women drink more than the NHS recommended unit guidelines for alcohol? Employers are being asked to get involved and to help promote this initiative amongst their staff and information is available inline at: http://www.alcohollearningcentre.org.uk/_library/AAW_stakeholder_pack.pdf

Free Cosmetic Surgery Information evening

A Free Cosmetic Surgery Information evening is being held on 6 November at the Ashford International Hotel organised by Chamber member – Spire Health Care (Spire St Saviour’s Hospital). Chamber members and their staff are welcome to attend and will receive a free consultation (normal cost £100). To book on this event please call 01303 233766.

Risk Management

Business insurance and risk management are closely related. The insurance is there to provide protection when the incident occurs and it works best when the claim is dealt with swiftly and efficiently.

However good your insurance protection, an active approach to risk management can help to reduce or even prevent a loss and the resultant disruption to the business.This in turn helps make the business attractive to insure and has a beneficial effect on premiums.

Our Insider Sponsor - Stennings offer general risk management advice and have access to specialist services that can undertake Health & Safety and Fire Risk Assessments, Business Continuity Planning, Fixed Wiring and Portable Appliance testing to give a few examples, together with training in a number of areas.Not only do these services improve risk management but in certain cases help businesses meet legal obligations.

To find out more please contact Stennings on 01303 864198 and ask to speak to either David Donald or Martin Bridges.