Friday 27 May 2011

The Insider

The Marlowe Theatre - Catering and Beverage operational requirements

Canterbury City Council wishes wants to identify suitable suppliers for all catering and beverage operational requirements (including specialist products) for The Marlowe Theatre’s new restaurant and bars.

In particular they require suppliers for the following categories:

Meat · Fish · Fruit & Vegetables · Dairy · Bakery · General Grocery (Dry, Chilled and Frozen) · Ice Cream · Confectionary · Beer · Wine · Spirits , non Alcoholic Beverages : Coffee, Tea & Hot Beverages · Tableware & Small Equipment · Disposable Packaging · Chemical and Cleaning Products

If you are interested in becoming a supplier for any items above please email procurement@canterbury.gov.uk or telephone Canterbury City Council Tel: 01227 862362 for an application form. Closing date for receipt of applications: 10 June 2011 (1300hrs)

Port Lympne £1m Make-Over

Port Lympne Wildlife Park has been transformed by a £1m investment in a new range of amenities and visitor experiences. Across their 600-acres they now offer four separate on-foot zones, linked by safari vehicles providing opportunities for families to discover previously out-of-bounds territory from which to view animals.

Two new restaurants with outdoor verandas have been built plus an education centre for talks and demonstrations by experts and an information centre where visitors can learn about the work of the Aspinall Foundation, the conservation charity behind the park.

A new Port Lympne Passport has also been launched which enable customers to return as many times as they like for a year from their first visit at no extra charge.

For further information about Port Lympne and the new Passport admission scheme please visit: www.aspinallfoundation.org

Search for Countryside Greeters

Walking and cycling enthusiasts prepared to share their passion for the Kent countryside and coast with like-minded people visiting the county are invited to join a new team of Countryside Greeters.

The Kent Countryside Greeters will be volunteers who will talk to visitors about the many different walks and cycle routes available to suit different levels of ability and interests, and then join them for a local walk or ride.

The Countryside Greeters project for coastal Kent is being launched at The Pines Calyx, St Margaret’s Bay, on Tuesday, 7 June. Everyone interested in becoming a Countryside Greeter will be given a short introduction to the Greeter programme and a walking tour of the area followed by discussions and a sandwich lunch.

No Hassle Serviced Offices and Meeting Rooms

Whether you’re expanding, starting out or working on a short term project, Channel Chamber has an office solution for you in Ramsgate and Dover.

* Low-cost, easy-in-easy-out terms
* Professionally manned receptions
* Furnished or non furnished options
* On-site, meeting, training and conference facilities with catering

We have already been successful in recruiting 10 small businesses including 4 business start-ups and 4 others new to Dover

For further details and an appointment to view please contact Sezen Zeki at Channel Chamber on 01303 270022.

Folkestone Rugby Club - Summer Ball

Don’t miss out on this year’s annual Summer Ball, being held on Friday 1st July at Folkestone Rugby Club. The Summer Ball is always a fantastic evening and proudly boasts of being one of the best social events in the district.

Contact summerball@folkestonerugbyclub.com to book now, or call Ian Fell (01303 257233)

Tuesday 17 May 2011

The Insider

Help us to get 100 residents On Line

The annual ‘Silver Surfer’ campaign takes place next week and Channel Chamber is making all efforts to get at least 100 local people (particularly the over 60's) to learn about and use the Internet.

We are holding a series of one-hour taster sessions (all FREE) throughout the week AND we are asking anyone interested to telephone us on 01303 270022 to make an appointment. If Chamber members (and your staff) know of anyone that needs such help PLEASE encourage them to contact us.

Join the Red Tape challenge

All hospitality, food and drink businesses are urged to take part in the government’s Red Tape Challenge and put forward their views on the red tape and bureaucracy which they feel is detrimental to their business.

This is a real opportunity for Chamber members in this sector to make their voices heard, giving practical suggestions to improve the current system.

To participate in the Red Tape Challenge (deadline 20 May) go to : www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/home/index/

Training courses to build links with golf tourism market

Businesses in East Kent are also being encouraged to swing into action ready to greet thousands of golfing enthusiasts heading for The Open.

Visit Kent, the county’s tourism champions, is organising a series of Welcome to Kent customer service training courses specifically tailored for people entertaining or providing services or accommodation to visitors to the county during the golf championship.

The courses are being held in Dover on June 14, in Margate on June 15, and in Canterbury on June 16 and are led by Cheryl Parker, who heads the Visit Kent campaign to position Kent as a first class golfing destination across the UK and overseas.

To find out more, or to book a place, call Georgia Mannering, at Visit Kent, on 01622 696935 or email: Georgia.mannering@kent.gov.uk

Inaugural Science and Technology Forum


Chamber members are invited to the Science and Technology Club discussion forums held in partnership with IOD Kent.

Held on May 18th at Canterbury Christ Church University this inaugural forum will focus on CYBERCRIME, its effects on business and how it can be avoided.

To reserve your place, please email Claire Fisher, Bookings Administrator
e: eventbookings.south@iod.net or call her on 023 8026 6548

Are You Environmentally Aware?

20th May 2011 - 09:30am - 12:00pm

Port Lympne Mansion, Port Lympne Park

Channel Chamber is holding this interactive seminar in this beautiful setting to provide an introduction of environmental benefits to small businesses. This workshop is sponsored by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and prepared and delivered by David Hall, Managing Director of Business Flow UK Limited, it provides an introduction to Environmental business improvement using the “Carbon Hub” and ISO 14001. Kent County Council’s Jenny Colville will be explaining the Kent County Council's 'South East Business Carbon Hub' and the benefits of free registration. An introduction to the work of the Aspinall Foundation will be followed by Andy Wilson Business Development Manager from the British Standards Institute (BSI) who will be showing you the way forward, how to certify and the benefits of Environmental standards in your business. The cost includes a lunch time buffet, tour of Zoo Park & networking. To book your place please contact Tracy Reynolds on 01303 270022

Member Price: £20 + VAT
Non-Member Price: £25 + VAT

The Insider

Support Demanded for Local Business

This morning on Radio Kent Channel Chamber urged all successful candidates in the local elections tomorrow to get behind East Kent businesses and help them to turn this area around.
The Chamber demanded that once elected all councilors at both parish and district levels should get out and meet their local businesses and find out how they can best help and support them.
We want our local councils to adopt a ‘can do’ policy towards business starting with a ‘buy local’ policy which they can adopt and also encourage their fellow public sector partners to follow suit. The total budgets of our councils, schools, colleges and hospitals comes to millions of pounds and much of this should be spent with our local businesses.
We also want our councilors to look towards the future of East Kent and make strong, bold decisions about regeneration and development. Businesses will be at the very heart of this agenda and they need their local councilors to be fully supportive of their growth and development plans if new jobs are to be created and the current level of unemployment to be lowered.

Sandwich and Deal Rail Times Slashed


Rail Travellers from Sandwich and Deal now have the prospect of a new High Speed Rail Service from 3 October 2011. This will slash the journey time to London to approx 90 minutes and aims to boost business confidence and support new employment opportunities in the area at the same time as Pfizer withdraws from its Sandwich site.
The service will provide 3 High Speed trains to London in the morning leaving Sandwich at 0551, 0617 and 0647 and calling at Deal 5 minutes later. Trains will return from St Pancras at 1740 and 1840.
The new service will build on the High Speed connections to be provided by Southeastern for the Open Golf Championship in Sandwich, in July.

Kent Schools Trade Fair


Businesses wishing to sell their services or products to Kent schools are invited to exhibit at the Kent CC Schools Trade Fair being held at the County Showground, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3JS on Tuesday 21st June 2011.
This is a popular annual event giving local businesses an opportunity to meet staff from Kent schools that have the responsibility for purchasing products and services. Last year’s Trade Exhibition was very successful with 400 people visiting 80 exhibitors.
For further details and a booking form please telephone 01227 284612 or email sfstradeexhibition@kent.gov.uk

New cross-media services launched in Dover

Dover-based company Buckland Press has launched a new range of cross-media services. The company, now rebranded Buckland Media Group, has expanded its existing range of print services to offer businesses a full range of cross-media solutions.
In addition to conventional high quality five-colour litho print, Buckland Media Group now offers personalised digital print, communication solutions, fulfilment and distribution, as well as online services, such as web-to-print, collateral management and an innovative virtual storefront to streamline the process of corporate print ordering.
Buckland Media Group has also launched an innovative dimensional print finish using the latest Kodak digital print technology, which brings images and text to life, adding extra impact and effects to printed materials.
For further details please contact: Kris Lancaster. Tel: 01227 768808

Forthcoming Chamber Events

Free Workshop - So you think you don't need a Will or Power of Attorney!

11th May 2011 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm,

Shearway Business Park, Folkestone

Without a Will or the correct type of Will and without a Lasting Power of Attorney the consequences for families can be disastrous with the courts and social services making decisions for you. If you are a partner or a major player within a company then things can come to a grinding halt. Jaci Godman Irvine is an Estate Planner specialising in Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate. She is well known for explaining the many issues involved in plain English and in a manner that can be easily understood giving the choices which one can have in such a way that an informed decision can be made. Come to an informal evening where Jaci will give a short presentation followed by a question and answer session. To book your place please contact Tracy Reynolds on 01303 270022

Member Price: Free
Non-Member Price: Free


Are You Environmentally Aware?


20th May 2011 - 09:30am - 12:00pm

Port Lympne Mansion, Port Lympne Park

Channel Chamber is holding this interactive seminar in this beautiful setting to provide an introduction of environmental benefits to small businesses. This workshop is sponsored by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and prepared and delivered by David Hall, Managing Director of Business Flow UK Limited, it provides an introduction to Environmental business improvement using the “Carbon Hub” and ISO 14001. Kent County Council’s Jenny Colville will be explaining the Kent County Council's 'South East Business Carbon Hub' and the benefits of free registration. An introduction to the work of the Aspinall Foundation will be followed by Andy Wilson Business Development Manager from the British Standards Institute (BSI) who will be showing you the way forward, how to certify and the benefits of Environmental standards in your business. The cost includes a lunch time buffet, tour of Zoo Park & networking. To book your place please contact Tracy Reynolds on 01303 270022

Member Price: £20 + VAT
Non-Member Price: £25 + VAT

The Insider

your Views on Manston Airport ??

Channel Chamber has been asked by Manston Airport to help them identify local business and travel needs.
Initial research undertaken amongst Chamber members indicates a significant demand for travel to a whole range of European destinations with staff members also keen to enjoy the prospect of many popular holiday destinations. If you haven’t taken part in this online survey please do so:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/channelchamber
It will be hugely valuable for Manston Airport to receive as many views as possible – from management and staff.

‘Folkestone’s Festival of Festivals’

FOLKESTONE Town Centre Management (FTCM) has invited local businesses, entertainment providers and community organisations to help present next year’s events programme as an all-embracing Festival of Festivals. It would include the town’s traditional summer season festivals and carnivals as well as local celebrations to mark unique national events.

Branding the events programme as a three-month something-to-please-everyone festival, claims FTCM, will enhance the marketability of Folkestone as a leisure, recreation and shopping destination and create extra sales opportunities for commercial and other enterprises which cater for and entertain holiday and day visitors

For more information please contact Folkestone Town Centre Manager on 01303 850522.

Recruitment for the Triennial

The Creative Foundation is recruiting for a number of summer positions for the Folkestone Triennial. The roles include Visitor Centre Manager, Invigilator Team Coordinator, Invigilators and Tour Assistants. Hours, pay and closing dates for applications vary for each role – details are in each Job Description.

Applications are by application form, covering letter and CV which need to be returned to the email address shown on the application form. Anyone who is interested, please find full details at www.creativefoundation.org.uk/job_opportunities.html or for an informal conversation about the roles, please call 01227 811777 or email maryann.lelean@yearoneconsulting.com

Forthcoming Chamber Events

Free Workshop - So you think you don't need a Will or Power of Attorney!

11th May 2011 - 17:30pm - 19:00pm, Shearway Business Park, Folkeston

Without a Will or the correct type of Will and without a Lasting Power of Attorney the consequences for families can be disastrous with the courts and social services making decisions for you. If you are a partner or a major player within a company then things can come to a grinding halt. Jaci Godman Irvine is an Estate Planner specialising in Wills, Trusts, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Probate. She is well known for explaining the many issues involved in plain English and in a manner that can be easily understood giving the choices which one can have in such a way that an informed decision can be made. Come to an informal evening where Jaci will give a short presentation followed by a question and answer session. Call Tracy Reynolds on 01303 270022

Member Price: Free
Non-Member Price: Free

20th May 2011 - 09:30 - 12:00

Are You Environmentally Aware?

Port Lympne Mansion, 20th May 2011 - 09:30 - 12:00
Channel Chamber is holding this interactive seminar in this beautiful setting to provide an introduction of environmental benefits to small businesses. This workshop is sponsored by the British Standards Institution (BSI) and prepared and delivered by David Hall, Managing Director of Business Flow UK Limited, it provides an introduction to Environmental business improvement using the “Carbon Hub” and ISO 14001. Kent County Council’s Jenny Colville will be explaining the Kent County Council's 'South East Business Carbon Hub' and the benefits of free registration. An introduction to the work of the Aspinall Foundation will be followed by Andy Wilson Business Development Manager from the British Standards Institute (BSI) who will be showing you the way forward, how to certify and the benefits of Environmental standards in your business. The cost includes a lunch time buffet, tour of Zoo Park & networking. To book your place please contact Tracy Reynolds on 01303 270022

Member Price: £20 + VAT
Non-Member Price: £25 + VAT

The Insider

Turner Contemporary Opens

After ten years of hard work and planning, this momentous day will happen on Saturday 16 April from 10am with Tracey Emin and Jools Holland opening the new Turner Contemporary Gallery in Margate .

Don’t miss this chance to see how Margate has changed. Visit the eclectic retro boutiques, galleries, cafes, bars, restaurants, unusual attractions and places of interest. There’s also a series of free and family friendly events, exhibitions, live music, art and performances planned around the town

For a day by day guide to what’s on in Margate , visit:

www.thisismargate.co.uk or call 01843 577577 for full details.

Fire service to stop attending fire alarms

Chamber members and businesses across east Kent with automatic fire alarm systems are urged to check their fire safety risk assessments and fire alarm systems are in order and working correctly ahead of new proposals that could affect them.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) has been called out to 30,000 automatic alarms in the last five years, of which 99.07% were false alarms. These were often caused by dust or faulty equipment and the responsibility to maintain equipment lies with the responsible person. KFRS intends to stop attending calls to automatic alarms, unless they get a 999 call in the normal way to say there is actually a fire.

There is no legal requirement for fire and rescue services to attend calls to fire alarms sounding, however KFRS will be considering at-risk sites and ensuring that it continues to protect vulnerable communities. The requirement for maintaining and managing a fire alarm system sits with the responsible person for the building or site. This includes a responsibility to make sure the system operates correctly and does not produce unwanted calls.

KFRS shall be meeting with a wide range of stakeholders to raise awareness of the proposed changes and to discuss any concerns people may have. A period of public consultation is also planned later in the year.

For more information visit www.kent.fire-uk.org

New World Record For Folkestone


Grand Auctions, a new auction house based in Folkestone AND Channel Chamber member, has established a new world record for an Alan Lowndes painting of £30,000.

Grand Auctions established this world record price for British artist Alan Lowndes’s ‘Beach Scene’ (oil on board, 32 x 48 inches) at their inaugural auction held recently held at a clifftop venue in Folkestone with views across the channel to the French coast.

The company’s next auction is on Saturday 25 June and will be held at The Tower Theatre in Folkestone; notable lots in the sale include 46,000 78rpm records including T.S. Elliot reading his poetry. For more information call 01303 220440, or email info@grandauctions.co.uk or visit www.grandauctions.co.uk

Future Jobs For Eight Young People Looks Promising

Eight young employees at Oriac House Learner Centre have recently passed the ECDL qualifications – giving them proof of skills gained when they seek employment in the future.

Their certificates will be presented by the Mayor of Folkestone on Wednesday 20th April at 11.00hrs at the Oriac House Learner Centre, in Folkestone.

Similar to Channel Chamber’s own Future Jobs Fund programme, Oriac, has employed 8 young people who were previously on Jobseekers’ Allowance.. Each has been employed full time by the Learner Centre as tutors and IT technicians and during the first month they were required to study and sit the ECDL (European Computer Driver’s Licence) exams, in order to become qualified IT Tutors.

The FJF employees are all actively involved in another community project as part of the government’s UK Online scheme to try to get as many digitally excluded people as possible using the internet by 2013.

For more information on the Oriac Learner Centre please contact Monica Titterton, Centre Manager on 01303 278 418 or email: monica@oriac.eu

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