The Insider

Minister for Transport meets Channel Chamber Members

This morning at Dover Priory Station Lord Adonis, the Minister for Transport accompanied by John Prescott and Lord Heseltine met with a small group of prominent Chamber members to hear their views about the Fast Rail service to London and how this could be the catalyst for reviving our local regeneration plans.

Channel Chamber, CEO was contacted by the Department of Transport last week to identify major local employers who could meet up with Lord Adonis and the following responded:

Dover Harbour Board, GSE Group, Holiday Extras, Veolia Water Southeast, Howletts Wild Life Park and London Ashford Airport.

Please keep an eye open this evening for the media coverage.

0% loan from the Carbon Trust

In the current economic climate every business needs to stay one step ahead. A 0% loan from the Carbon Trust could help Chamber members do just that. You can borrow between £3,000 and £500,000* (flexible to your business needs), interest free and unsecured. Applying is straightforward and with no arrangement fees, capital can even be accessed without denting cash flow.

Please feel free to visit http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/energysavinghub for additional information.

Charity concert for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal: Wednesday 17 February

This Charity concert taking place at The Quarterhouse (7pm), in Tontine Street Folkestone features exciting live performances by musicians from Folkestone and beyond. Tickets are £9 on the door (£8 adv) and bookings should be made directly via the box office on:01303 858500 www.quarterhouse.co.uk

The Marquis at Alkham - Michelin rated 'Rising Star'

Our congratulation go to Chamber member Charlie Lakin of The Marquis Restaurant who is one of only three chefs in England to be awarded a rising star in the 2010 Michelin Guide.

Sadly, due to the snow last Thursday our Networking Breakfast at the Marquis was cancelled but we have quickly rescheduled this event at the 200-year-old former village inn to Thursday 25 February.

We've just a few places left and if you want to be pampered at 7.30am in such delightful surroundings, please phone Tracy TODAY on 01303 270022.

For further information about the Marquis, to reserve a table or book accommodation, visit www.themarquisatalkham.co.uk or telephone 01304 873410 or email: info@themarquisatalkham.co.uk

New - Jersey service from Lydd Airport

For full details of the new service please visit here for further details

Sainsbury's Supermarket planning application in Hythe

News has just reached us that the Secretary of State has decided that any invention would not be justified and will allow Shepway District Council to proceed with this application.

March Events for your Diary:

Shepway Young Chef 2010 Competition

On the 3rd & 4th March the Rotary club of Folkestone together with Folkestone, Hythe & District Hotel & Catering Association (FHDHCA) will be holding the Shepway Young Chef 2010 competition held at Folkestone Academy and South Kent College respectively. This competition will culminate with a presentation dinner at The Kingsnorth Restaurant, South Kent College, Shornecliffe Road, Folkestone where Chamber members are invited to support this excellent youth project by bringing friends, partners/ spouses.

Tickets for the evening costs £16 per person for an excellent three course buffet dinner with coffee, plus an arrival drink with canapés Please email: daniel@castlewoodhotels.com if you wish to attend.

Are You Ready To Tender? ISO Workshops

The Channel Chamber Of Commerce is holding a number of workshops over the next three months to help small businesses qualify for big money contracts.

A series of three workshops are being sponsored by the British Standards Institute (BSI) and will be delivered by David Hall, Managing Director of Business Flow UK Ltd and are an introduction to the ISO standards.

Kent County Council's Strategic Procurement Manager - John Tunnicliff will also be taking you through the schedule of tenders suitable for SME's during the year ahead

Andy Wilson, Business Development Manager from the British Standards Institute (BSI) will be showing us the way forward and how to certify and the benefits to your business, and a Business Link executive will offer practical help and expert advice on how to take full advantage of these opportunities for public sector procurement.

Spaces are limited so early booking is recommended. Call Tracy on 01303 270022 or email info@channelchamber.co.uk

Dates & Venues:

Tuesday 16th March (8.00am - 10.30am) - Channel Chamber of Commerce, Folkestone

Tuesday 13th April (8.00am - 10.30am) - Ramada Hotel, Dover

Tuesday 18th May (8.00am - 10.30am) - Thanet - Venue TBC

Cost (including full English Breakfast) :

£15 +VAT Chamber members

£20 + VAT Non-members

Networking Breakfast - Holiday Inn Express, Kent International Airport 23rd March

As a bonus to Chamber members the Hotel is offering an introductory rate on the 22 March of £25.00 per room reduced from £59.95 Paul Etheridge, the General Manager will be hosting a drinks reception that evening in the bar from 7.30 - 9pm. For further details and booking please telephone Paul on 01843 820 250