The Insider

Quarterly Economic Survey
The latest QES fieldwork period comes to an end TODAY, 15th March.

Thank you to all Chamber members who have taken part so far, but we do need a few more of you to take a couple of minutes to complete the survey.

As ever, the British Chambers of Commerce will be taking the Q1 results to the Bank of England to discuss them ahead of their next interest rate decision.
Kent Excellence in Business Awards
The entry deadline is this Friday 19th March– please don’t miss this opportunity to raise the profile of your organisation and enhance its reputation by promoting the great work you have been doing over the last year.

KEiBA aims to recognise and reward excellence in Kent and Medway businesses of all sizes and across every sector - as well as individuals. Full details of how to enter the awards, entry criteria for each category and entry forms are available at www.keiba.co.uk

Ten Years Of Investment
Our congratulations to Chamber member, Boys & Maughan solicitors who have been presented with a 10 Year Award from Investors in People UK, in recognition of their continuous attainment of the Investors in People standard.

In receiving the award certificate Andrew Baker, Quality Partner at Boys & Maughan, remarked that “as an organisation that delivers knowledge on behalf of its clients, we have always invested heavily in our staff to enable them to convey their understanding in people-friendly way".

The Kent Quality Mark
Following a year of hard work, Chamber member, First Learners’ Nursery of Cheriton has been awarded the Kent Quality Mark. The Kent Quality mark is a quality improvement tool that builds upon the strong practice that already exists in the county and supports practitioners to improve their ‘children’ focused outcomes.

Kent Air Ambulance Anniversary Awards
The Kent Air Ambulance Trust is busy organising a high-profile Anniversary Awards evening on 8th May to mark their achievements and celebrate being operational in Kent for 20 years. Both KOS Media and Heart FM will be joint media partners for the project and the Awards ceremony that will be hosted by Hearts Neil Kefford at the Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone.
There are six award categories – Sporting, Business, Youngest, Group/Club, Most Unique Fundraising and the Kent Air Ambulance Special Award – and KAAT are now seeking businesses in the county that will sponsor a category each. They are looking for a sponsorship sum of £600, which will include dinner at the event for the four finalists and a guest plus two representatives from the sponsoring company. This will also include the supply of the award/trophy for the chosen category.

If you are interested in being being involved in this exciting event please contact Lynn Hyder – Senior Fundraiser at lynnH@kaat.org.uk

Enjoy Les Miserables in Edinburgh on 22 April
The Aspinall Foundation has been made a beneficiary of a special Press evening performance of Les Miserables in Edinburgh on Thursday the 22nd April 2010. This gives friends and supporters of this Charity and theatre lovers the opportunity to help them while enjoying a splendid break in Edinburgh.

Howletts & Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, are devoted to saving rare and endangered animals and returning them to protected areas in the wild including The Scottish Wild Cat. By selecting the Aspinall Charity Ticket you not only receive a free programme and interval drink but are making a £25 donation to this Charity.

To book tickets: http://www.uktickets.co.uk/event/lesmistour_edinburgh/offers/ or call 0871 789 1004 and quote “Aspinall Foundation”.

Employ a Graduate at a subsidised rate for three months
The University of Kent is now funded to pay Graduates £500 for three months. to work with local SME’S. Any Business interested would be required to top up the salary to at least the National Minimum Wage. For more information, guidance notes on applying and the application form, please visit their website at http://www.kent.ac.uk/enterprise/student_placement/graduateinternships.html

Grand Opening of the New Play Park
Chamber members and their guests are invited to the Grand Opening of the newly built play towers in the child’s play area at New Romney station on Saturday 20th March. Greeting at 11am with a short train ride at 11.30am the opening ceremony at 12.15pm will be accompanied by the music of the Hythe Town Band, concluding with a buffet lunch.

RSVP to Alison.chapman@rhdr.org

Employment Simplification Report
Employment regulations are the burden that businesses complain about most. It isn’t just the extra cost, but the constant tinkering and changes which are an issue.

The British Chambers of Commerce is publishing a report on Tuesday 16th March - Employment Law: Up to The Job?- which explains the common problems businesses face, and sets out practical measures for reform, not only within the law, but also within the tribunal system.

Luxury Serviced Accommodation in the heart of the Creative Quarter
This weeks Insider sponsor-Chamber member Quake provides self contained, fully furnished and serviced accommodation available to rent from £230 per week. There is a choice of a 3 bedroom cottage on the harbour with views across to France, or a newly renovated one-bedroom maisonette in the Old High Street with a secluded sunny roof terrace. Both properties are decorated and furnished to high standards. Discounts are available for longer lets depending on the level of service required. An additional discount of 10% is offered to all Chamber members. For more details and pictures go to www.stadecottagefolkestone.co.uk or email Rachel on stadecottage@btinternet.com