The Insider

Skills Kent 2011

Employers in all sectors are now being recruited to exhibit at the forthcoming Skills Fair on Wednesday 9 February at the Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone.

With up to 1,400 secondary school and college students in Shepway set to attend the Fair, this is an ideal opportunity for 100 local employers and post-16 training providers to provide information regarding their organisations and the jobs they offer.

Channel Chamber in conjunction with the Shepway Secondary Learning Partnership has now appointed Cassie Long to ensure this event is fully supported by Chamber members and that the local business community is kept fully up to date with developments over the next three months.

For further information on Skills Kent 2011 and details of exhibition space please contact Cassie on 01303 270022

London 2012 Business Opportunities

There are still many opportunities to be awarded in the London 2012 supply chains which are listed on the www.competefor.com website. To respond online businesses need to be registered and fully published on the site. The process of registering is a great way to experience and practice completing an online prequalification questionnaire even if these opportunities are not suitable.

Now that many other major buyers (Crossrail, Transport for London, Local Authorities etc…) are posting opportunities on the CompeteFor site it makes it even more interesting for local businesses to take advantage of both; the possible opportunities, to see companies in supply chains by looking at the awarded contract information and just using the site, details of awarded contracts and published suppliers for market intelligence.

Recycling Champions

Did you know that empty glass bottles recycled and crushed at Hawkinge by Kent Community Recycling are supplied to the world famous Becker Studio as well as the Natural History Museum and the Royal Horticultural Society at Hampton Court.

Widely proclaimed as the best quality glass cullet in Kent, chamber members are encouraged to make full use of this facility for all their recycling needs. For more details please contact Mark Wyatt on 01303 or visit the KCR website:
www.kentcommunityrecycling.org.uk

Canterbury Christ Church Job Fair

On Friday 21st January Canterbury Christ Church University are holding their annual JobFair. Businesses across East Kent and beyond will have an opportunity to network with the students and discuss recruitment and summer internships.

Please see further details please contact the Employability and Careers team at: careers.events@canterbury.ac.uk or visit http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/support/careers-and-student-development/events/jobfair.asp

Business Volunteers Needed

Young Enterprise is looking for business volunteers in East Kent who can commit a couple of hours each week to assist and advise students within local schools.

The active involvement of volunteers from business and the local community is fundamental to Young Enterprise’s mission to inspire and equip young people to learn and succeed through enterprise. Their volunteer business advisors also share in the learning experience, exploring and developing their own skills and knowledge alongside students.

Opportunities for involvement in the YE programmes are currently available at the Marlowe Academy, Cranbrook School, The Archers at Dover and Brockhill Park School at Hythe. For further information please contact Trudie Hartridge on 07702 887997

Santa Shopping Specials to Hythe

Romney Marsh residents are being offered free return travel to Hythe on the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway's 'Santa Shopping Specials' on Saturdays December 4, 11 & 18.

Hythe High Street will be closed to traffic from 5pm – 10pm on December 10, when a three-hour programme of family fun and entertainment will feature Santa Claus and a horse-drawn sleigh. Members of Hythe Chamber of Commerce will be offering special discounts and shoppers can enjoy mulled wine, hot chestnuts and nibbles. For further information please contact Kate Blyth on 01303 267236.

New Guide to Shepway

A 32 page full-colour guide of Shepway is now being distributed via UK tourist information centres and other outlets in Britain and the near – continent. Published by the Discover Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh tourism partnership, the guide will play a vitasl role in promoting shepway as a short break holiday, day-out and leisure destination.

Kent Rural Tourism Showcase Returns

Preparations are under way for Countryside 2011 following this year’s hugely successful inaugural campaign – and rural businesses in Kent are being urged to sign up without delay.

Village communities, stately homes, farms, tea shops, hotels, B&Bs, vineyards and everything in between – all country-based event organisers, businesses and attractions across the county are being galvanised to join forces and help boost rural visitor numbers.

Countryside 2011’s ‘fortnight of discovery’ takes place from 28 May to
12 June. All organisers in Kent who meet the campaign criteria can add their attractions, events or activities to the Countryside 2011 programme free of charge. For full details of the campaign and how to register visit www.countryside2011.org.uk

Chamber Christmas Lunch with Damian Collins, Limited Spaces Left

On Friday 10th December at The Grand, Folkestone Channel Chamber members, their staff, partners, customers and friends are invited to join us and enjoy a glass of Mulled Wine alongside a roaring open fire, listening to a pianist playing all your favourite Christmas Carols. A fabulous three-course luncheon, wine, coffee & mince pies will be served then sit back, relax and enjoy a host of entertainment.

This is a very popular event and attracts over 100 members every year. Places are going fast and we only have two tables left so you will have to book quickly to secure your place.

To avoid disappointment simply reply to this email or give us a call on 01303 270022