The Chamber Insider

2010 Member Special Offer:

In partnership with Vital Software Limited, Channel Chamber is delighted to offer our members across East Kent ContactTracker - a powerful and cost-effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system from only £149.99 per license. ContactTracker CRM is now in use by Channel Chamber as our preferred system, and we are one of many organisations that are using this system to improve sales and marketing efforts, and enhance customer satisfaction and communication.

To find out more join us at our Networking Breakfast at the Marquis Restaurant, Alkham in 11th February when Roger Knight, Vital Software will tell you all about our exclusive, no obligation 7-day trial . Or contact Channel Chamber on 01303 270022

Business Support Awareness Survey

Chambers of Commerce across the South East England are working with other partners to identify the level of awareness of Business Support Services amongst businesses. This is to ensure that you have good access to this support and the services can be shaped to fit business needs. Please help us by completing this short survey which will take only a few minutes. Your replies will be treated in confidence, in accordance with the Market Research Society Code of Conduct.

Free IPod Touch to be Won

Everyone completing the survey can be entered into a prize draw for an iPod Touch. If you would like to be entered, simply complete the email address section at the end of the survey. Details entered for the prize draw will not be used for any other purpose. The closing date is noon on Friday 12th February.

To enter just click on this link: Chamber Business Support Survey

Corporate Open Day Burlington Hotel: Thursday 4th February

It's been a few years since Daniel Sangiuseppe and his staff last invited local businesses to view the Burlington’s conference, restaurant and bedroom facilities. Why not pop along and join them from 4pm to 9pm for an afternoon of networking and enjoy a cup of tea and some nibbles. As an extra incentive, attendees will be offered 10% off their first conference booking.

University of Kent free networking session: Wednesday 10th February

This event, called Strengthen Your Business, is free to attend and takes place over cheese and wine, from 17.30 to 19.30. A series of short presentations will demonstrate how companies can work in close partnership with the University, and tap into its extensive commercial knowledge and resources. Included will be testimonials from companies currently engaged with the University in commercial ventures. Speakers will also outline the opportunities for businesses to work with the University via government-funded projects, work placements, graduate recruitment and specialist initiatives such as the newly launched Digital Media Hub.

For more details or to book, call 01227 827376 or book online here.

London 2012 - Creative & Digital Opportunities: Tuesday 2nd March

Business Link and MediaTree are hosting this free workshop for creative businesses in Kent, to find out from the experts more about the latest opportunities. Taking place at the Maidstone Studios, Vitners Park, Maidstone, registration opens at 8.30am and the workshop is run from 9am to 4pm.

£2,500 to Take on an Apprentice

Over the next ten weeks the National Apprenticeship Service is providing £2,500 grants for employers of 16 and 17 year olds. This will enable employers to offer new Apprenticeship places and take on an unemployed 16 or 17 year old as a new apprentice immediately.The grant is in addition to the costs of training which are already met by the National Apprenticeship Service.

Small and medium sized employers in particular are being encouraged to take advantage over this new grant which will be paid in two instalments. £1,500 when the young person starts their Apprenticeship and A further £1,000 after 12 weeks. Both payments and the paperwork will be administered by South Kent College.

Find out more by contacting Loretta Izod on 01303 858419

The costs of workplace parking

Just when you thought it was safe to drive your car to work again, the Workplace Parking Levy (England) Regulations 2009 are set to make their entrance. Britain’s first workplace parking levy scheme is proposed soon for Nottingham and has been approved by Nottingham City Council. This will result in employers being charged for providing the benefit of enabling their employees to park their car at the workplace. The parking levy scheme in Nottingham will no doubt set a precedent for other cities across the country, once the operational practicalities and considerations have been observed and ironed out.

Five Ways to make the most of the Recovery

There will still be tough times ahead for most local businesses, but the Govt’s announcement of growth is a step in the right direction. To help your business benefit as the recovery advances, Business Link has compiled a useful guide on key areas, including:

Retaining and motivating your people.
Keeping costs under control.
Planning for growth.
Marketing.

Select this link to view the guide. Or contact Business Link at: 0845 600 9006