Your views are needed!
At Channel Chamber, we take the views of local businesses seriously. Our annual survey helps to provide us with a better understanding of the needs and expectations of both members and non-members in the current economic climate, and also helps to ensure our services remain relevant to the business community across East Kent .
The survey will take on average less than 10 minutes to complete.
Win Chamber Membership FREE for Three Months - All completed surveys submitted to us by 31 August 2010 will be automatically put into a draw and the winner will receive Chamber membership free for three months. You can of course enter your data anonymously if you wish.
Thank you for your cooperation. Your answers will not be released separately without your prior consent. If you have any questions or would prefer to complete a paper survey please call us on 01303 270022 or e-mail us at info@shepwaybc.co.uk
Survey (Link)
Chamber's New Look E-bulletin Designed by Digicooldesigns
Digicooldesigns creates websites that help businesses to grow and develop online. How: 1. Webdesign - for every level of business: simple brochure sites starting at £300 to full content management systems and ecommerce websites 2. Online marketing - flash animated banners search engine optimisation - climb high on google 3. Graphic design/marketing materials - flyers, brochures and business cards 4. Signwriting - your brand and message on your vehicles and shopfronts 5. Logo design - brand recognition 6. Photography - capturing the essence of your business and it's products With over six years of experience Digicooldesigns has worked with eBay, Agent Provocateur, Morcheeba, Lastminute.com, Hilton, Granta, Banana Republic and Saga. For a free consultation please call Kai Motta on: 07931914242 Or if you prefer to email: info@digicooldesigns.co.uk All work can be seen here at www.digicooldesigns.co.uk
Want to Recruit a Canterbury Christ Church Student?
Why not advertise your vacancies through the Canterbury Christ Church University JobShop. It is an easy-to-use web-based system, and once registered, you can simple list a vacancy as it arises.
The service is completely free and is designed to complement your existing recruitment process. In order to register with JobShop please follow the link www.canterbury.ac.uk/jobshop and select the employer section. Or telephone Hannah Greer on 01227 782260 for further information.
Dutch Language Beginners Course
The Transmanche Enterprise Network (TEN) Project has arranged for a 15 week beginners course studying Dutch. The course will be run each Thursday starting on 2 September 2010. All classes will be held at Canterbury City Council offices, Military Road , Canterbury and there are just 4 places remaining.
Each course will run between 1.30pm and 3pm and will include a light lunch and refreshments. All costs associated with the course will be funded by the TEN Project. If any Chamber member would like to attend please do not hesitate to contact Natalia Sukhram on 07766 253454 or email: Natalia.sukhram@canterbury.gov.uk
have Your Say with Damien Collins, MP
Chamber members and local businesses are invited to air their views with local MP Damian Collins at his first ‘Business’ Surgery being held on 3 September at Channel Chamber, Shearway Business Park, Folkestone.
This is your chance to say what you think of the proposed local regeneration plans, or maybe you have a particular issue you want to highlight with him !
To book an appointment with Damian on 3 September please email pitcherl@parliament.uk
The Challenges of Business in France and Belgium
If you are thinking of developing your business into France or Belgium or have French or Belgian clients or distributors please come along to this half-day interactive workshop on Tuesday 14 September 2010 at the University of Kent , Medway Campus
The workshop will cover topics such as contracts, partnerships, identifying your USP overseas, maintaining business overseas and cultural differences .After a networking lunch, representatives from UKTI, HSBC, Enterprise Europe Network and Zen Languages will be available for 1-2-1s. Please register for this event with estelle.timothy@medway.gov.uk or telephone 01634 331210
Thanet Groundwater and Industry Workshop
The Environment Agency is organising this FREE Workshop (10am – 4pm) at Pfizer Sports & Social Club, Sandwich on Wednesday 15 September to look at the problems surrounding our drinking water.
There is a heavy reliance on groundwater in this part of Kent for drinking and whilst it is treated and safe for drinking, this is not a long term solution. If the levels of pollution increase, treatment is unlikely to remain cost effective.
If you have an interest in this subject please email Lisa Beeching soonest as places are limited on lisa.beeching@environment-agency.gov.uk or telephone 01732 875057
Ecommerce Conference in East Kent
The first ever Ecommerce Conference is being held on Friday 5 November (10am to 4pm) at Pines Calyx, the award-winning Eco Conference Centre near Dover .
With experienced guest speakers from the world of eCommerce, this is an ideal opportunity to learn from those at the cutting edge of online retail. Subjects covered include strategies for success in mobile eCommerce; the role of social media marketing; essential information for online retail security; and how Kent 's 'secret' internet shoppers could improve your performance online.
Tickets are £95 + VAT including refreshments, lunch, a Champagne reception and a free shuttle to and from Dover Priory Station. To book your place please email alan@theicelab.co.uk
Internships for Folkestone Grammar School of Girls
The Folkestone Grammar School for Girls is seeking Internships for girls who wish to work wiIh Journalism in some capacity and who will be applying to read this at university . Placements are also being sought surrounding a variety of other subjects including law, library work, architecture, teaching, working with children, working with animals and retail .
These placements will be during either the Autumn term 2010, or Spring term 2011, and will be for 10hrs on Wednesdays. Local employers are needed to supply a supervised piece of work - maybe a piece of research, a marketing exercise, customer survey or other project you might not otherwise have the time to do.
For further details please telephone EBP Kent on 01843 609310 or email: anne.mcnulty@ebpkent.co.uk
Thursday 19 August 2010
Tuesday 3 August 2010
The Insider
Your views are needed
At Channel Chamber, we take the views of local businesses seriously. Our annual survey helps to provide us with a better understanding of the needs and expectations of both members and non-members in the current economic climate, and also helps to ensure our services remain relevant to the business community across East Kent .
The survey will take on average less than 10 minutes to complete.
Win Chamber Membership FREE for Three Months - All completed surveys submitted to us by 31 August 2010 will be automatically put into a draw and the winner will receive Chamber membership free for three months. You can of course enter your data anonymously if you wish.
Thank you for your cooperation. Your answers will not be released separately without your prior consent. If you have any questions or would prefer to complete a paper survey please call us on 01303 270022 or e-mail us at info@shepwaybc.co.uk
Survey (Link)
Business As Usual for Business Link, South East
Recent announcements from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills have confirmed a commitment to replacing Regional Development Agencies with local enterprise partnerships. This includes reviewing responsibility for business support. The Department has also explained that in the meantime Business Link will continue to offer support to local businesses in their areas.
Peter Green, Partnership Manager of Business Link in Kent, which is delivered by Serco, acknowledges that the business support landscape is under review but emphasises it remains 'business as usual' for all Business Link customers.
"We remain absolutely committed to delivering effective business support via the Business Link service in the region. We continue to provide advice and support services as well as events and on-line resources for all of our local business communities, and will work with SEEDA to implement any future policy changes as necessary."
Folkestone Racecourse
Arena Leisure, owners of Kent’s only racecourse are currently working on proposals to develop an all-year-round facility which will provide a significant increase in the number of permanent, race day and spin-off employment opportunities for business, leisure and tourism. They will also seek to improve the current on-site access arrangements for each of the Racecourse, Westenhanger train station and Westenhanger Castle
To help fund these proposals, an enabling development is also planned to include residential development supported by employment and community facilities.
Arena Leisure intends to keep local residents and the business community fully informed as the process moves forward and will be presenting development options at a Public Exhibition, most likely to be held in mid-September 2010. To be kept informed of events, please do not hesitate to contact racecourse@rpsgroup.com or visit the project website – www.folkestone-racecourse-consultation.co.uk
Launch of ‘Partner Finder’ online tool
A new FREE online tool has been launched designed to help find the right European partner for your business.
Thousands of the latest business opportunities are available from over 44 countries within this network. If you are looking to trade with Europe and want to find a commercial partner, a technology partner or a research partner, please contact www.enterpriseeurope-se.eu/partners
Online Business Support
BT have developed a web site for small businesses and entrepreneurs that provides a wealth of practical tips and resources across a number of business areas. Some of the key themes include how to boost productivity, keep customers happy and reduce costs.
This online resource is a great tool for members to access information and download guides on everything from day to day and long term planning for success, getting the best from suppliers and advice on marketing your business and increasing sales.
Please do visit the site at http://www.insight.bt.com/
Your Help is Needed
Enthusiastic Shepway-based employers are being sought by Pent Valley Technology College and the Marsh Academy to help with the design and delivery of the new Diploma IT programme. Throughout the next two years course students aged 14 – 16 years will be applying their practical ICT skills into business contexts and preparing themselves for the job market of the future.
Local employers and their staff are needed to become involved in a range of activities including work experience programmes and visits to the company premises.. Visits to the schools will also be encouraged using business scenarios that are based on the company’s’ history and performance or using standard business document as exemplars.
If you feel your business can support this new Diploma programme please contact Katy Tibbles at Katy.Tibbles@pent-valley.kent.sch.uk
Improving Speaking and Listening Skills -
This is a call to business who want to help Improve standards in secondary schools in Dover Canterbury and Thanet. Business volunteers are being sought to provide up to 6 x 2hr sessions in their local school. Free training is provided along with a CRB check if required.
A business breakfast in October for interested parties is planned and if you would like further details pleas contact Peter Gabriel at Roger.Gabriel@kent.gov.uk
EMPLOYER Law Update
Annual Leave
A recent European court decision has addressed the issue of the annual leave of an employee who converts their employment from a full time to a part time basis. In the recently reported decision of the European court in ZDL Tirols v. Land Tirol, the European Court has confirmed that a reduction of working hours when moving from full time to part time employment cannot reduce the right to annual leave that the worker had accumulated during the earlier period of full time employment. More
National Minimum Wage Rates
National Minimum Wage rates are to rise October 2010 with the minimum rate for workers aged 21 and over raising to £5.93 an hour. Also for the first time a minimum wage for apprentices has been set. More
Folkestone Quaterhouse –Autumn Season 2010
The Quarterhouse in Folkestone are delighted to present their autumn programme packed with a fantastic mix of top comedy acts, live music, theatre, family shows, free family workshops, films and the Folkestone Book Festival.
If you visit Quarterhouse to pick up a copy of their new brochure you can collect a wristband that will entitle you to 10% off tickets for any event in the autumn season and 10% off your bill from the Quarterhouse bar & restaurant.
Channel Chamber Breakfast at the Grand 11th August 2010
Our networking breakfast does "exactly what it says on the tin", it gives members and non-members an opportunity to network, to meet many other businesses in a relaxed, fun yet business environment.
We meet from 7.30am onwards for open networking, with breakfast being served at 8.00am, We have a ten-minute speaker slot, followed by a quick round the room introduction, there is never any pressure to give referrals or to speak in public if you don’t want to.
Good humoured and inclusive, and you are bound to feel at ease, and able to sell yourself and your business. Remember to bring your cards!! To avoid disappointment please contact Tracy Reynolds on 01303 270022 or email: info@channelchamber.co.uk
At Channel Chamber, we take the views of local businesses seriously. Our annual survey helps to provide us with a better understanding of the needs and expectations of both members and non-members in the current economic climate, and also helps to ensure our services remain relevant to the business community across East Kent .
The survey will take on average less than 10 minutes to complete.
Win Chamber Membership FREE for Three Months - All completed surveys submitted to us by 31 August 2010 will be automatically put into a draw and the winner will receive Chamber membership free for three months. You can of course enter your data anonymously if you wish.
Thank you for your cooperation. Your answers will not be released separately without your prior consent. If you have any questions or would prefer to complete a paper survey please call us on 01303 270022 or e-mail us at info@shepwaybc.co.uk
Survey (Link)
Business As Usual for Business Link, South East
Recent announcements from the Department for Business Innovation and Skills have confirmed a commitment to replacing Regional Development Agencies with local enterprise partnerships. This includes reviewing responsibility for business support. The Department has also explained that in the meantime Business Link will continue to offer support to local businesses in their areas.
Peter Green, Partnership Manager of Business Link in Kent, which is delivered by Serco, acknowledges that the business support landscape is under review but emphasises it remains 'business as usual' for all Business Link customers.
"We remain absolutely committed to delivering effective business support via the Business Link service in the region. We continue to provide advice and support services as well as events and on-line resources for all of our local business communities, and will work with SEEDA to implement any future policy changes as necessary."
Folkestone Racecourse
Arena Leisure, owners of Kent’s only racecourse are currently working on proposals to develop an all-year-round facility which will provide a significant increase in the number of permanent, race day and spin-off employment opportunities for business, leisure and tourism. They will also seek to improve the current on-site access arrangements for each of the Racecourse, Westenhanger train station and Westenhanger Castle
To help fund these proposals, an enabling development is also planned to include residential development supported by employment and community facilities.
Arena Leisure intends to keep local residents and the business community fully informed as the process moves forward and will be presenting development options at a Public Exhibition, most likely to be held in mid-September 2010. To be kept informed of events, please do not hesitate to contact racecourse@rpsgroup.com or visit the project website – www.folkestone-racecourse-consultation.co.uk
Launch of ‘Partner Finder’ online tool
A new FREE online tool has been launched designed to help find the right European partner for your business.
Thousands of the latest business opportunities are available from over 44 countries within this network. If you are looking to trade with Europe and want to find a commercial partner, a technology partner or a research partner, please contact www.enterpriseeurope-se.eu/partners
Online Business Support
BT have developed a web site for small businesses and entrepreneurs that provides a wealth of practical tips and resources across a number of business areas. Some of the key themes include how to boost productivity, keep customers happy and reduce costs.
This online resource is a great tool for members to access information and download guides on everything from day to day and long term planning for success, getting the best from suppliers and advice on marketing your business and increasing sales.
Please do visit the site at http://www.insight.bt.com/
Your Help is Needed
Enthusiastic Shepway-based employers are being sought by Pent Valley Technology College and the Marsh Academy to help with the design and delivery of the new Diploma IT programme. Throughout the next two years course students aged 14 – 16 years will be applying their practical ICT skills into business contexts and preparing themselves for the job market of the future.
Local employers and their staff are needed to become involved in a range of activities including work experience programmes and visits to the company premises.. Visits to the schools will also be encouraged using business scenarios that are based on the company’s’ history and performance or using standard business document as exemplars.
If you feel your business can support this new Diploma programme please contact Katy Tibbles at Katy.Tibbles@pent-valley.kent.sch.uk
Improving Speaking and Listening Skills -
This is a call to business who want to help Improve standards in secondary schools in Dover Canterbury and Thanet. Business volunteers are being sought to provide up to 6 x 2hr sessions in their local school. Free training is provided along with a CRB check if required.
A business breakfast in October for interested parties is planned and if you would like further details pleas contact Peter Gabriel at Roger.Gabriel@kent.gov.uk
EMPLOYER Law Update
Annual Leave
A recent European court decision has addressed the issue of the annual leave of an employee who converts their employment from a full time to a part time basis. In the recently reported decision of the European court in ZDL Tirols v. Land Tirol, the European Court has confirmed that a reduction of working hours when moving from full time to part time employment cannot reduce the right to annual leave that the worker had accumulated during the earlier period of full time employment. More
National Minimum Wage Rates
National Minimum Wage rates are to rise October 2010 with the minimum rate for workers aged 21 and over raising to £5.93 an hour. Also for the first time a minimum wage for apprentices has been set. More
Folkestone Quaterhouse –Autumn Season 2010
The Quarterhouse in Folkestone are delighted to present their autumn programme packed with a fantastic mix of top comedy acts, live music, theatre, family shows, free family workshops, films and the Folkestone Book Festival.
If you visit Quarterhouse to pick up a copy of their new brochure you can collect a wristband that will entitle you to 10% off tickets for any event in the autumn season and 10% off your bill from the Quarterhouse bar & restaurant.
Channel Chamber Breakfast at the Grand 11th August 2010
Our networking breakfast does "exactly what it says on the tin", it gives members and non-members an opportunity to network, to meet many other businesses in a relaxed, fun yet business environment.
We meet from 7.30am onwards for open networking, with breakfast being served at 8.00am, We have a ten-minute speaker slot, followed by a quick round the room introduction, there is never any pressure to give referrals or to speak in public if you don’t want to.
Good humoured and inclusive, and you are bound to feel at ease, and able to sell yourself and your business. Remember to bring your cards!! To avoid disappointment please contact Tracy Reynolds on 01303 270022 or email: info@channelchamber.co.uk
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