Enterprise Hubs to Support
Start-up Businesses
(Above: Opening of the Isbourne Enterprise Hub in Cheltenham: from left: Stephen Marston, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Gloucestershire (UoG), Michael Ratcliffe, Cheltenham Chamber CEO, Basil Omar, Enterprise and Incubation Manager (UoG), Wendy Flynn, Mayor of Cheltenham; photo, John Ryan, University of Gloucestershire)
The University of Gloucestershire has unveiled the new Enterprise Hub at Isbourne House in Cheltenham on Tuesday 15 July. Martin Horwood MP, a supporter of incubation and innovation, paid a visit to the new Enterprise Hub before the official opening, and was shown around the new facilities by Michael Ratcliffe, Chief Executive of Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce, and Dr Basil Omar, Enterprise and Incubation Manager (UoG). Read more.
Chamber Fights for Full-time A&E at Cheltenham Hospital
Possible Judicial Review Looming
by Kevin Daws
Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce have vowed to continue the fight for a full time A&E Department at Cheltenham General Hospital, following yesterday’s ‘flawed decision’ by the Gloucestershire Care Commissioning Group (GCCG) to divert all Emergency Ambulances from Cheltenham General Hospital to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital from 8.00pm to 8.00am every day.
“Yesterday’s decision by the GCCG was not only a flawed decision it was the wrong decision for residents across Gloucestershire.” commented Michael Ratcliffe, Chief Executive of Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce ( right). “We fear that the decision to reduce the A&E service at Cheltenham was taken some time ago.” Read more. (photo: Brian Chaplin, Eurovideo)
President's Message
by Martin Quantock
President, Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce,
and Manager, Cheltenham Business Partnership
After being elected President of the Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce in May of this year, I hope you will forgive me for taking this opportunity to share a few thoughts with you.
I have taken up the Presidency of the Chamber at a very interesting and opportunistic time. The recent cessation of the Gloucestershire Chamber of Commerce, after becoming subsumed by GWE Business West, has given a greater importance for the local Chambers and business organisations within Gloucestershire to ensure the voices of local businesses are heard loud and clear. I am determined that the Cheltenham Chamber will take up this responsibility and play its part for the good of the businesses in Cheltenham. Obviously it is essential that the Chamber understands the requirements and priorities of its membership. It is therefore very important that if you have any thoughts on how best the Chamber can remain a valuable and relevant resource to the membership, you make them known by dropping a line to the Chamber office. If you prefer to speak with members of the Executive Board, including myself, there are plenty of events where this is possible – particularly at the many high quality networking events run by the chamber throughout the year. The Chamber is here to serve you, the membership, please ensure that you benefit by making use of it!
Thank you for your time – I look forward to meeting up with you soon.(photo: Brian Chaplin, Eurovideo)
Cheltenham is blessed with fine hotels and leisure spots. Whether grand mansions or attractive B&Bs, Cheltenham’s hotels are one of the most sought after features of the Cotswolds. With prime locations in the town centre and the outskirts of Cheltenham, Hilden House and Hilden Lodge are examples of these excellent hotel offerings. They are owned and managed by Sue Blatchford. We caught up with Sue to ask about her business ambitions and the current economic climate for the travel and leisure industry in Cheltenham and the rest of Gloucestershire . Read more.
Ambitious plans for the £20 million re-development of Cheltenham Spa Station have taken a major step forward. Transport chiefs yesterday decided to award more than £3 million of funding to the improvement plan, which would see a massive revamp of the station. Two new platforms would provide a terminus for trains to and from London Paddington and Wales, freeing up the existing platforms to reduce frustrating delays. Read more.
Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Plan
Jon Whitbread, Partner, Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Jon Whitbread, Partner at solicitors Harrison Clark and former President of the Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce, provides a monthly update of the Local Enterprise Partnership's (LEP) Business Membership Group (BMG) in which he represents Cheltenham. This month Jon highlights the LEP Growth Plan for Gloucestershire and the opportunities for individuals and businesses to get involved in its development. For a full update on some of the most recent developments and news, please have a look at the LEP press releases. To provide feedback on these and other LEP activities, please contact the Chamber office. (photo: Brian Chaplin, Eurovideo)
Cheltenham Borough Council is continually striving to improve the quality of life in the town and increase its economic prosperity. Part of this vision involves making a number of changes to the road network in the town centre, known as the Cheltenham Transport Plan. If implemented, these proposals will help bring a number of benefits to the town.
Gloucestershire Borough Council is consulting on the proposals in the Cheltenham Transport Plan and would like to know what you think. You can do this in a number of ways.
Please visit:
http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/cheltenhamtp and complete the online questionnaire (survey) or pdf version on the Chamber website. Completed paper questionnaires can either be handed in at the Municipal Offices, at the consultation events or returned in the freepost envelope provided.
All responses must be received by 1st September 2013.
Free 30-minute Clinic for New Family Clients
The family team at Hughes Paddison are pleased to offer an initial 30 minute consultation for all new family clients free of charge. If you wish to book a no obligation free meeting with one of our experienced family team, please contact us on 01242 574 244 or email Diane Kemple or Katie Buswell. Read more.
Free Publicity for Your Company
Do you want some free publicity? If you're a fully-paid Chamber member and have a newsworthy story about a product launch, a significant customer acquisition or something special happening in your business, we can help you promote your news through the Chamber communications (e.g. newslettter, Twitter, Facebook). Just let us know! Take advantage of this key benefit of membership to build awareness of your company at no cost!. Send your submissions to the Chamber office today. (photo: Brian Chaplin, Eurovideo)
|
|
|
Keep up to date on business in Cheltenham via Twitter (@CheltChamber), Facebook and
Chamber website.
|
|
|
|
|
