The Insider

Our New Chamber President - Damian Collins, MP for Folkestone and Hythe

I’m sure all Channel Chamber members and readers of this Insider bulletin will welcome the news that Damian Collins has been appointed as Channel Chamber President at a short lunchtime ceremony on Friday.

For the past 26 years this post has been held by Michael Howard and his recent retirement brought to a close a key period in the history of our Chamber. Now, as the official BCC Accredited Chamber for East Kent we have members of all sizes and in all sectors located in Shepway, Dover and Thanet districts. The Chamber serves these members by providing practical advice, networking facilities, education, funding and business support.

Damian has also agreed to hold a regular business clinic from September onwards – the first of its kind in the UK ! This will be held at the Chamber Offices in Folkestone on the first Friday of every month. As part of his commitment to support local businesses, and with the help of Channel Chamber he intends to invite businesses to meet him on a one-to-one basis and discuss any issues they may have.

New Member of the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee

Laura Sandys MP for South Thanet and Sandwich tells us that she has been elected onto the Energy and Climate Change Select Committee last week. She has been involved with many aspects of energy policy not least promoting Thanet’s role in the renewable sector which is a key development opportunity for Kent .

If Chamber members have any local issues they want to raise with her such as the flooding problems relating to Sandwich please telephone 07936 340184 or email: laura@sandys.org.uk

Demise of SEEDA

As you will have seen from last weeks Emergency Budget (section 1.89) Regional Development Agencies will be replaced by Local Enterprise Partnerships. While there are differing views on this subject, Chambers of Commerce across the south east region will be seizing the opportunity to help define a vision for their areas and will ensure that business is at the heart of future LEPs. This will be critical as different areas bid for investment from a new Regional Growth Fund, which is due to be detailed along with the Government’s policy on LEPs in a White Paper this summer.

Community Ministry Coordinator Role

St Saviour’s Community Centre in Folkestone is seeking to fill a full-time position to lead on a new initiative, aimed at increasing employment and making life better for residents in East Folkestone . Working with local job seekers and in partnership with Job Centre Plus and Channel Chamber, a community cafe and a range of other activities.

Full details and application pack are available from:David Grimwood, tel : 07960 369681 or by email to d.grimwood@zedakah.co.uk Application deadline is 5.00 p.m. on 23rd July. Interview date: 2nd August.

Special Deals for Senior Citizens

Port Lympne: The Aspinall Wild Animal Experience, is inviting senior citizens to enjoy its mansion & gardens with an exclusive special offer for June & July. Come and enjoy wildlife, horticulture, history and art for half the standard price!

For just £7.50 senior citizens will get admission to the park and tea and cake. For more information about this offer and the park please visit: http://www.aspinallfoundation.org/portlympne/ and visit the events page

Calling all Creative Businesses

The Media Tree Team in Maidstone is conducting a survey across the Creative Industries in Kent and has asked for support from relevant Chamber members and readers of our Insider Bulletin. Please take 5 minutes to fill out their questionnaire, which seeks your views on Media Tree.

Every completed response that includes contact details will be entered into a FREE prize draw to win two bottles of Biddenden sparkling wine. The deadline for responses is Friday 2 July.

Visit the survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7B3NT3M



A date for your diary!

The Ramada Hotel, Dover are asking for Chamber members to support their Annual Charity Ball, which is scheduled to be held on Friday 24th September 2010 in the “Grand Marquee”.

The profit from this event will be going towards raising money for “Beyond The Moon”. This charity offers children suffering from a life-threatening disease and their families, the opportunity to spend valuable quality time together and enjoy a memorable, cost-free and carefree vacation in a child-friendly environment far from hospitals and daily treatment. Last year they raised just over £8,000 and are now aiming to raise £21,500, which would enable them to nominate Six local families.

For more information on Beyond The Moon please go to www.beyondthemoon.org

FREE BT Business Growth Club

This interactive business growth workshop will help you to drive new business, identify efficiencies and control your costs, through the effective use of IT & Communications.

Our partners at BT Business have many years experience of this and have been working with many local chambers across the UK, with 95% of all members attending events stating that it was a worthwhile use of their time.

We know, that for many, the integration of today's technologies is often seen as a mystic art. We hope to wipe away those myths, leaving you with a fresh clear understanding of new ideas that can help you to get the best out of your IT & Communication systems

Taking place on 7th July 10:30am - 1:30pm at the Courtstairs Country Club, Pegwell Road, Ramsgate CT11 OJE

This event is Free of Charge and spaces are limited, Lunch and refreshments included. To avoid dissapointment contact Tracy Reynolds on 01303 270022 or email info@channelchamber.co.uk

Welcome to New Chamber Members

We welcome our most recent members, for further details follow the link below http://www.shepwaybc.co.uk/search_directory.php

Cloudsys
Jagger Creative Communication LLP
Folkestone Harbour Company Ltd
Digicooldesigns
Folkestone Invicta F.C. Club