The Insider

VAT Increase

Just in case anyone has forgotten may we remind you that the Standard rate of VAT will be increasing to 20% on or after 4th January 2011.

Weekly Policy Updates

We have arranged for Channel Chamber members to start receiving Weekly Business Policy Updates direct from the British Chambers of Commerce. This e-newsletter gives an insight into what the policy team at the BCC have been working on
each week, along with any Government announcements that might be relevant to their policy work. Adam Marshall, the BCC Policy Director writes an upfront introduction giving an overview of what has been happening in Westminster throughout the week, and there are contact details for the relevant policy staff if more information is required.

University Support at 50% Discount

A new initiative has been launched by the University of Kent which enables businesses to tap into their expertise and assist you with the development of innovative, creative or enterprising projects. The Innovation Voucher scheme offers a contribution of 50% (excl VAT) of the cost of working with the University on projects such as consultancy and training.

Innovation Vouchers give businesses the opportunity to improve growth and performance by tapping into the University of Kent’s academic expertise and gaining access to specialist facilities and knowledge. It may be that you have a technical issue that requires the latest research to produce a new product or service; or it may be that your workforce requires special training to improve their management skills or special presentation techniques to secure new orders.

Further details may be found at: www.kent.ac.uk/enterprise/innovationvouchers

Big Society Workshops

The East Kent LSP and CASE Kent are hosting a series of learning workshops on social enterprise which will run from January until March 2011. Bookings will open in January 2011; in the mean time please register an interest with Marie Hamm on marie@eastkentlsp.org.uk

The Impact of High Speed Trains on the local economy

Chamber members wishing to contribute towards this survey please visit the EK LSP homepage www.eastkentlsp.org.uk The closing date is 21st January 2011.

Channel Chamber Closing Dates

Channel Chamber’s offices at Folkestone, Ramsgate and Dover will be closing at noon on Friday 24th December and will reopen again on Tuesday 4th January at 9am.

If members have any urgent needs or queries please do not hesitate to email myself or Sezen and we will pick these up remotely. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.