The Insider

Message from David Frost, Director General British Chambers of Commerce

Overall, last week's Spending Review wasn’t as bad as we expected. After months of warnings that the Review would provide a harsh blow to us all, the Chancellor’s announcements felt rather calm and measured by comparison. Business has always said that this Spending Review would be hard – and we also said it would be necessary.

So as individual departments begin to reveal the real projects and real jobs that face the axe, the local impact of the Spending Review will become clearer. Sitting in Westminster , however, I would make three big comments on how business interests have fared overall.

First, we have won the overall war to preserve a decent level of capital spending on critical infrastructure. The BCC has campaigned loudly for protection of investment in infrastructure, which helps business productivity, and for this we can claim a measure of success.

Crossrail, the second Mersey crossing, New Street Station, improvements to the East Coast Mainline and a better M62 and A11 will all go ahead, for example.

Second, the battle is still to be won when it comes to providing UK exporters with the support they need to crack new markets – and in many cases, to export for the very first time. Serious cuts to the core budget of UKTI, and possible cuts to export support in the devolved nations, along with a continuing failure to address problems relating to trade finance and trade credit insurance, will continue to be a rallying cry for our lobbying work in the coming months.

Third, the Government must now turn its attention to developing a real strategy for growth. It has spent months speaking the language of austerity and cuts; if the private sector is now to generate jobs to follow in the wake of those cuts, businesses need to feel that central Government has a confident and positive plan for the UK ’s economic resurgence. That’s why the BCC will be calling on ministers to make 2011 a Year for Growth.

For further background please visit the BCC website at: www.britishchambers.org.uk

Recruiting Channel Chamber members

We are looking for someone to recruit new Chamber members across the Shepway area. This role will be on a commission basis only, with flexible hours and full training will be provided.

An ideal position for someone who has 2/3 days per week to spare who can follow up on leads provided by our marketing campaigns. The successful candidate will also be expected to build relationships with new and existing members ensuring the professional, friendly image of the Chamber is maintained.

For further information please telephone Sezen Zeki on 01303 270022

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
third ‘Business’ Surgery being held on Friday 5th November 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
the 5th November, please email sezen.zeki@channelchamber.co.uk

Business Volunteers needed!

"Young Enterprise is a charity that was founded in Chatham , Kent 47 years ago and has gone on to become a National organisation. Its aim is to promote and encourage entrepreneurship attitudes and business awareness amongst students.

Company Programme enables students to set up and manage their own real businesses. Its aim is to help students understand the world of business and give them an insight into what is involved in running their own company. This is normally run with year 16/17-year-old students and lasts from September/October time until May. As part of the scheme they have the help of a volunteer adviser, usually drawn from the local business community, to give them advice and guidance. Currently we are in need of more advisors and would be pleased to hear from any Chamber members who are interested in finding out more of what is involved."

If you are interested in becoming a business volunteer please email dave.tibbert@yese.org.uk

Chamber Breakfast 3rd November, Ramada Hotel, Dover

Our popular networking breakfast does "exactly what it says on the tin", giving members and non-members an opportunity to network, to meet 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. 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 humored and inclusive, and you are bound to feel at ease, and able to sell yourself and your business. Don’t forget to bring your business cards!!

For further details or to book your space, contact Tracy Reynolds on 01303 270022 or email info@channelchamber.co.uk