The Insider

Up to £8,000 towards a Research Project

Businesses from any sector, based in the South East region can benefit from either a £4,000 or £8,000 voucher to spend with any UK university or public sector research provider.

The deadlines for this scheme are very tight - applications must be submitted by 9th March, 2011, vouchers awarded by 31 March and projects completed by 31 July 2011 - so we are endeavouring to reach as many businesses as possible as quickly as possible to give them an opportunity to take advantage of this offer. I believe it is worth posting on the Channel Chamber's website or e-mailing this to members and if businesses are interested they can contact me.

For a scheme application form and guidance notes please contact Samia Ounzab (Project Manager - Business Engagement, Centre For Enterprise and Business Development) on 01227 782093 or e-mail: sam.abdiche@canterbury.ac.uk

Thanet Community Safety Open Forums

Thanet Community Safety Open Forums are taking place over the coming weeks, starting on Monday 21st February at the Birchington Centre, Alpha Road , Birchingotn.

These event's will run from 6.30pm-8.00pm and will be an opportunity for residents and businesses to find out about local crime statistics, help set priorities for the next 12 months and speak to Chief Inspector Fox from Kent Police and Community Safety and Enforcement Service Manager - Mark Richardson, Thanet District Council, about any local concerns they have.

For further details please contact Jessica Bailey (Community Safety Co-Ordinator, Thanet District Council) on 01843 577737

2011 Census is coming

The 2011 Census takes place on 27 March and the data it provides will be vital for planning the future of Kent businesses.

Employers are being asked to play their part in gathering this essential data by telling staff about the census, making sure staff know their workplace postcodes for the travel to work statistics, and by publicising the census on their websites, notice boards and in newsletters. Away from the office, census data is equally important for employers and staff because it is used to plan public services which are vital for them, their families and their communities. These services include; health, education, and local facilities.
Census takes place once every ten years and is the only national survey that counts everyone in the country. Every household must take part in the 2011 Census and for the first time this year, responses can also be submitted online. For more information, posters and leaflets www.census.gov.uk or call 01329 444972

Joining Hands – An Auction of Promises

Local businesses are invited to a Fund Raising Gala evening being organised by the Chamber charity of the year – Joining Hands at Hadlow Manor Hotel on Saturday 12th March 18:30 till Midnight.

Tickets cost £40 and include a stunning 3 course dinner, an auction with a veritable feast of treats, and a capricious cabaret show to conclude the evening. For more information please contact Betsy on 07837 896122 or by E-mail to info@joininghandskent.co.uk

Financing a Sustainable Future

Due to sponsorship by the East Kent Social Enterprise Network (EKSEN), places at the Financing a Sustainable Future event at the Pines Calyx on March 9th, are now available at £25. This applies to all those who have already expressed an interest or booked (there is no need to re-book – you will automatically get the £25 rate

This event is open to anyone with a desire to establish and grow a social business and who needs to know more about the financial routes open to them. It is also useful for those who provide advice and support to the social enterprise sector, and who wish to learn more about the sector. Speakers, including Nigel Kershaw, Chairman of 'Big Issue' Invest, and Charles Bicker from Kent and Medway Social Enterprise Network, will cover a range of topics including the different financing options available to Social Enterpries. To book your place, please contact marie@eastkentlsp.org.uk Places will be allocated on a 'first come first served' basis.

Raise Your Profile, Raise Your Income workshop

This is an interactive FREE workshop that explores the impact of marketing communications on all aspects of your organisation, but with a particular emphasis on how it can help create funding and income opportunities.

Attend this workshop and you will learn how to get funders and partners begin supporting your organisation - without needing to break the bank!

It is being run on Wednesday 23rd February at the Margate Media Centre at 10am - 3pm Lunch is provided and all of this is FREE. For bookings and further information please contact Cara at TVCSF on 01843 609686

Masterclass in Modern Business Ideas

Modern business can be a blur of jargon. With thousands of books all claiming to hold the key to relentless success, you could spend hundreds of hours reading them all. In his entertaining and authoritative masterclass, Kevin Duncan condenses and summarises current thinking on modern business and marketing (featured in his current books ’Business Greatest Hits’ and ‘Marketing Greatest Hits’), giving you broad knowledge of some of the top, up to date business ideas.

This Masterclass takes place on Wednesday 9th March (6pm of 6.30pm) at the Old Sessions House, Canterbury Christ Church University . The cost is £34.50 (which includes your buffet supper and a copy of Kevin’s book ‘Business Greatest Hits’). To book a place email Fonte Maria Totaro, fonte-maria.totaro@canterbury.ac.uk or call 01227 782666.



Kent Community Recycling
Our Latest Sponsor
Don’t throw it – give it!

Did you know that you can help people in need without it costing you a penny? Simply drop in all your empty drinks cans from home and work to Kent Community Recycling in Aerodrome Road, Hawkinge [next to the Kent Battle of Britain Museum] between 8.00am and 4.30pm weekdays with late night opening till 6.00pm on Thursdays.

You choose which worthy cause you wish to support. Your support will be greatly appreciated and it costs you nothing! Our recycling has raised over £½ million so far for charities and worthy causes in Kent. We look forward to seeing you. www.kentcommunityrecycling.org.uk