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)

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