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.

WinChamber 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)

New board members invited

The Chamber AGM will be taking place at lunchtime on Friday 12th November. Full details of this event will follow next week and we are hoping this year to attract a good number of Chamber members.

At this stage the Chamber Board seeks nominations from members who wish to nominate themselves or another member (in which case their consent will be required). Any nomination should include the full name of the individual, the business organisation, some background in terms of relevant experience and qualifications and a brief note of the skills that he/she could bring to the Board.

Please indicate your interest to peter.hobbs@channelchamber.co.uk at your earliest convenience, and you will then be contacted for further information

Shepway Development News

We are pleased to signpost you to the latest edition of Shepway’s Local Development News, which will provide an update on Shepway District Council's work in the production of the Local Development Framework Core Strategy. Here is the link to the relevant section of the council's website: http://www.shepway.gov.uk/content/view/200313/953/

London 2012

The London 2012 procurement portal www.CompeteFor.com is still a great learning opportunity for many SMEs in understanding what ‘Fit to Supply’ means. Many new business opportunities from a wide range of buyers, both in and out of the 2012 supply chains are still being posted on the portal every week.

Kishor Gurung guitar performance


Kishor Gurung the International Nepalese classical guitarist is making his premier UK performance at the Tower Theatre, Shorncliffe on 24th September. This event is in aid of raising funds for the Folkestone Gurkha Memorial Fund and tickets can be purchased via the box office number: 01303 223925 or details via website: www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk

Zeena Invites You

Zeena Cooper of MCCH in Folkestone is inviting Chamber members to the Zena Cooper Racing networking event at Brands Hatch Formula Ford Festival on October 17th. Enjoy the fabulous views of the track from a penthouse suite whilst watching some of the finest racing in Britain and network with other businesses and like minded individuals.

Along with the suite and refreshments throughout the daythere will be access to both paddock and pit areas and the chance to talk to the drivers and get the full motorsport experience. For more information about this unique event go to:

http://ticket.motorsportvision.co.uk/calendar/2010/october/101017-formula-ford-bh.aspx and for information about the suite go to http://www.racingevents.info/

10% Off your Bill

The Burlington Hotel in Folkestone is offering fellow chamber members a 10% discount when booking their small meetings or large conferences up to the end of Feb 2011. To take advantage of this offer please telephone 01303 255301info@theburligtonhotel.com

Public Exhibitions- Proposals Development at Folkestone Racecourse

Following on from a local residents’ workshop, held on Saturday 17th July and a Local Business Panel meeting held on Tuesday 20th July, Arena Leisure has now started the production of masterplan options to support its submission for inclusion of the Racecourse in the Shepway District Council Core Strategy as a Strategic Site.

Two Public Exhibitions have been organised for local residents and businesses to drop in and view the plans. These are being held at:

The Spitfire Room, Folkestone Racecourse, on Wednesday 15 September 2010, between 3:30pm and 7:30pm

Saturday 18 September 2010, between 9:30am and 12:30pm

A dedicated Project Team will be in attendance to answer questions on a range of topics including Racecourse design, housing type, density and location, access, heritage, construction and sustainability/green issues amongst others. There will also be a FAQ sheet available to aid further understanding of issues and feedback forms to allow comment on the proposals.

If you would like to discuss issues prior to the Exhibitions, please do not hesitate to e-mail racecourse@rpsgroup.com or write to Folkestone Racecourse Consultation, Freepost RRZJ-YYEL-RXKS, RPS Group Plc, 1st Floor West, Cottons Centre, Cottons Lane , London , SE1 2QG .

Can you help Joining Hands?

Joining Hands will be holding an Auction of Promises fundraising event on the 6th November at Hadlow Manor Hotel. Joining Hands provides skills training, courses and workshops in disadvantaged communities in Kent . The funds raised from this event will be used to support Joining Hands’ work in our local communities. Furthermore, 5% of the net proceeds will be donated to Help for Heroes charity.

We are in the process of collecting merchandise and services for the event, and I am writing to request your assistance in making Joining Hands’ event a success. By donating an item you will be making a tax deductable contribution that will help Joining Hands continue to help make life better for individuals in needs, right here in our communities.

Additionally, you will benefit from exposure of your company’s name to those who attend the event, and local media. Donors will be listed on the event programme, and the merchandise you give will be on display through the event.

Should you wish to donate an item or a promise to support our continued work, please contact us on 0800 612 3328 or by email at info@joininghandskent.co.uk to find out how to participate? To find out more about the work of Joining Hands please visit www.joininghandskent.co.uk

Earn and Learn programme is coming to University Centre Folkestone!

University Centre Folkestone will introduce a unique study opportunity this autumn. The successful Work Related Learning Degree, with a focus on Business and Management, will be presented during our open day - September 7th 2010
The degree is aimed at anyone employed or self-employed looking to lay the foundations for a career in business and management, or professional managers seeking to update their skills and knowledge. This undergraduate degree does not require traditional A-level or equivalent entry qualifications. A brief conversation with our academic staff will determine your eligibility.

Because it is a part-time degree, you will be able to learn whilst working and also have the chance to immediately apply the skills learned in your workplace. Furthermore, you will be able to study in stages for either a Certificate in Higher Education, a Diploma in Higher Education or a BA/BSc Degree.

I am pleased to share with you, the financial flexibility that the Work Related Business and Management Degree can offer you. Modules can be paid for individually, offering complete flexibility to suit your business or personal budget. 25 Work Related Business and Management Degree places have been allocated to the University Centre Folkestone, with a late September start. I am keen to hear from you to reserve you a place if you are interested

Alternatively you are welcome to attend one of the summer open events taking place on Tuesday 7 September 2010, 4pm - 7pm. I have attached an invitation to you, for you attend these events if you would like to learn more.

For more information about this programme please visit:

http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/courses/prospectus/undergraduate/c.asp?cours

Welcome to Telford Associates

Telford Associates are a finance and business consultancy specialising in providing part-time and interim Finance Directors to small amd medium sized businesses. We provide free initial consultations to businesses to assess their requirements and are also currently offering an exclusive 15% discount to Channel Chamber members. Please contact Mark Telford for more information at mark@telfordassociates.com or visit www.telfordassociates.com