The Chamber Insider

Promoting Folkestone in London: Monday 14 December!

Following news about the pre-Christmas poster advertising campaign in London we have now spotted on the Council’s website that they are organizing a promotional day at St Pancras Station on Monday 14 December.

Robert Bliss and fellow district councilors will be travelling up on the High Speed 1service to promote the advantages of moving to the Channel Coast and talk to commuters.

It has already been suggested to the Chamber that we also need a more effective local campaign to make local residents more aware of the fantastic service now being offered to them.

What do you think ? Have you any ideas on what else needs to be done? Post your thoughts on the SERP Blog today ! www.regenerateshepway.wordpress.com

Becoming a Young Enterprise volunteer
Members will already be familiar with the Young Enterprise scheme and we are delighted to introduce you to Rachael Fagg, their Development Manager who is now responsible for YE in East Kent.

You will no doubt meet her at forthcoming Chamber networking events but, in the meantime we would like to encourage Chamber members to become one of their Business volunteers. No previous experience or expert knowledge is required, other than individual experience of work, business and enthusiasm to work with young people. Business volunteers act as role models from the world of work. They work alongside teachers with specifically designed Young Enterprise programmes and each has a volunteer pack containing information on the programme and how to present/facilitate it as well as support from Young Enterprise on hand if needed.

By getting involved you can make a real difference to the aspirations and potential of young people in the community helping to encourage creativity, build their confidence, life and future employment skills, as well as gain satisfaction by investing time, skills and knowledge for the benefit of a new generation.

If you are interested please contact Rachael on 077028877997 or email: Rachael.fagg@yese.org.uk

Christmas in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh
For details of all the Christmas festivities in Folkestone contact FTCM Ltd on 01303 850522 or visit www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk for many more Christmas events in Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh.

Christmas Lunch with the Chamber President – Places still available!
On Friday 11th December at the Mercure Hythe Imperial both Michael and Sandra Howard will be joining Chamber members and their staff for a fabulous three-course lunch, wine, coffee, mince pies, Christmas carols, a charity raffle and a host of entertainment.

Book individually from £29.50 (per member). Or to book a table telephone Tracy Reynolds on 01303 270022.


Raffle prizes donated so far:




· Bottle of wine - First Learners Nursery

· Cream Tea for Two – The Grand

· Bed & Breakfast Voucher – The Marquis of Alkham

· Aromatherapy facial – The Mercure Hythe Imperial

· A1 poster of The Specials "Ghost Town" – Picture This

· 8 x A5 postcards of 2-Tone designs www.2toneposters.co.uk – Picture This

· Family Ticket for Four – Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway

· Hologram paperweight – Benham Covers Ltd

· Two Bottles of Moët Champagne - Girling Solicitors

· A Meal for Two – No 11 Restaurant

· A Luxury Marylebone Food Hamper – Christchurch Nursery School

Have a great time AND raise funds for local charities
With more than £25,000 raised for local charities this year, the London Beach Country Hotel and Spa is pleased to announce that it is introducing a special “Christmas Party Lunch Charitable Offer”. The Charitable Christmas Party Lunches will run from December 1st to 31st and will require pre-booking with a minimum of six guests. The total food bill will be donated to the charity of choice, which has to be stipulated at the time of booking.

Pierre Edmonds, the Hotel Manager is hoping that businesses and their guests will be able to fully enjoy the Christmas festivities while at the same time knowing that the total value of their Christmas lunch will go to support their favoured local charity.

For further details contact Pierre on 01580 766279

An Offer from our Insider Sponsor McCabe Ford Williams
Free 2 hour meeting offer until 22 December 2009 to discuss how MFW could reduce your tax liabilities or accountancy fees,

Call John Shipley now on 01304 204006.

Here are some useful tips for fellow members in the lead up to Christmas from our Chairman, Ray Johnson. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you’re doing anything unusual that you are happy to share with other local businesses.


Ask staff for ideas – they know what they want so why not follow it

You could consider a buffet/takeout in the office instead of a meal – much cheaper than going out

Why not share an event with another company

Get your own DJ – maybe a member of staff! Or everyone could contribute with their ipod!

With all the stuff on the TV at the moment, why not do your own ‘Strictly’ or X Factor’ for a laugh

Organise a secret Santa - good fun and staff contribute between £5 - £10 each

Get staff to enter the local Santa Fun Run event, dress up in Santa costumes and run for charity. Great fun, good for team morale and, for your health!

Why not donate a prize to a local charity Christmas raffle