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Chamber News
 February 2014


Growing Business in Cheltenham
 



Cheltenham Chamber Provides
Free Legal and Accountancy Helplines



Legal Advice Helpline (01242 216253)

Chamber members can receive up to 1 hour of free face-to-face or telephone advice on a business or family legal issue. Please call the number below and provide your company’s name and Chamber Membership number. The Helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. This complimentary service is provided by long-standing Chamber member Harrison Clark Rickerbys. Read more.
 


 

Accountancy & Tax Helpline (01242 252555)

Chamber members can receive up to 100 minutes of free face-to-face or telephone consultation on any accounting or tax related-related questions. Please call the number below and ask for Mark Minchella, a partner at Davis Mayers Barnett LLP and Chamber Executive Committee Member, who will be providing this service personally. Please give Mark your company’s name and Chamber Membership number. The Helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. Read more.

 
Member Profile: Tim Barnes
Programme Director
IT Schools Africa (ITSA)

 
IT Schools Africa (ITSA) is a charity that every business can get behind. Its effect is visible, impactful and lasting, and can add great value to any business’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

Since 2004, ITSA has been providing computers to schools in a growing number of African countries. The computers are donated by companies and organisations here in the UK, which ITSA refurbishes and sends to deprived areas of sub-Saharan Africa. ITSA also works with schools, the unemployed and prisons in the UK to refurbish the computers, enabling those to develop IT skills and help find a job or re-enter society. To date ITSA has delivered over 40,000 computers to over 1,600 African schools, giving thousands of young people an opportunity of a better future.

Tim Barnes, Programme Director of ITSA, has led the charity since 2006, supported by a talented, dedicated team that has kept the faith through good times and bad. We caught up with Tim to ask him about his career, how he became involved and what keeps driving him and his team to deliver for Africa’s children.Read more.
 


New Association of Gloucestershire Chambers
and Business Groups

by Kevin Daws
 
“At last week’s meeting of Gloucestershire Chambers of Commerce and county-wide Business organisations it was agreed to set up the Association of Gloucestershire Chambers & Business Groups to allow businesses to speak with one voice on the ‘Big issues’” commented Michael Ratcliffe, Chair of the newly formed Association of Gloucestershire Chambers & Business Groups, “We have agreed a number of common objectives and would like to work in partnership with others in making Gloucestershire the UK’s number one destination for new business in addition to supporting local businesses across Gloucestershire.” Read more.


Climbing Kilimanjaro for Dad
and MacMillan Cancer Support


 
Maitland Walker Assistant Solicitor Vicky Salter and her sister, Rachel, will embark upon a challenge of a lifetime…a 9 day trek to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. In August 2014, the girls will depart for Tanzania and stand at the foot of the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Vicky and Rachel are self-funding their trip in order to raise as much as they possibly can in memory of their father and Macmillan Cancer Support so that other families can be given the support that their family received during his illness.

Please visit their fundraising page for more info or to make a donation. To learn more about Vicky's trip and their cause, read more.

 
Boost Your Employability with Further Study
 
Whether you’re looking to change your career, acquire specialist knowledge or stand out from the crowd, the University of Gloucestershire can help you achieve your ambitions with one of our postgraduate or professional qualifications. We understand that mature students all have different requirements and commitments and we therefore offer programmes that provide flexibility and choice within a supportive learning environment.
 
Come and find out about the different options available by chatting with our course leaders at our Postgraduate, Professional and Short Courses Open Event, 4pm-7pm on Thursday 13th February. We will be holding the event across all our campuses: Park and Francis Close Hall in Cheltenham and Oxstalls in Gloucester. Please visit our website www.glos.ac.uk/pgopen for more information and to find out which campus you should visit.
 
To confirm your attendance, please contact us on 0844 846 4 846, email enquiries@glos.ac.uk or book online


News from Willans LLP

New Business Partnership with Commercial Group
Shares Common, Environmental Ground

 
Cheltenham law firm, Willans LLP, has appointed Gloucestershire-based sustainability veteran Commercial Group to not only provide its office supplies, but also, to help improve its environmental programme.

Commercial began its own green crusade in 2006 and has, since that time, supported over 250 environmental projects with customers nationwide. For Willans, working with a local business that could provide that added, environmental, dimension to its service made all the difference. Read more.

New Face of the Litigation Team 
 
Willans welcomes Nick Southwell to its chambers–rated litigation and dispute resolution department this week. Nick, who is seven years’ qualified, has broad commercial and property litigation experience. He is also an accredited civil and commercial mediator. 

He joins a team which handles many high-value commercial matters ranging from complex High Court litigation to disputes involving commercial contracts, IT and IP related issues and commercial supply, distribution, franchise and commercial agency agreements. The department boasts a loyal client base from national companies to SMEs. Read more.
 


Fundraising for Insight Gloucestershire

This month we are taking part in the ‘Road to 2015 sponsored walk’ which has been organised by Gloucester Rugby Club on Sunday 9th February. Sixty percent of the money raised by Pitman Training Cheltenham will go to Insight Gloucestershire, who provide invaluable support for Partially Sighted and Blind People. The remaining 40% will be donated to the Gloucester Rugby CIC for the delivery of programmes to the community. Contact Kath or Kevin Daws at Pitman Training Cheltenham on 01242 228080. Read more.

 

 

The University of Gloucestershire and GFirst LEP have formed a new and innovative partnership in the county to boost the development of world-class companies, increase exports and fast-track entrepreneurial start-ups with high growth potential through a proposed new Growth Hub. The Growth Hub will be a new way of providing business support services in Gloucestershire that will act as a catalyst for a step change in driving economic growth in the county. Read more.

 
The Jockey Club Recruiting for
Gold Cup Festival 2014

 
Over a quarter of a million race goers attend The National Hunt Festival! We serve all the food and drink to these visitors. We need 2500 staff per day to fill over 10,000 shifts during the week. Do you know anyone who would like to work for us?  We need people who can fill the following roles: 
 
Bar / Restaurant Cashiers / Hospitality Waiting Staff / Restaurant Waiting Staff / Restaurant Runners /Tea Bar & Catering Assistants/ Washing up Staff / Kitchen Porter Staff / Porters / Table & Glass Clearing Staff

For further information about these opportunities, read more

 
Quiz Night Success!

 (photos: Brian Chaplin, Eurovideo)
 
The Chamber's Quiz Night was a sell-out event and, as always, a great social occasion. Above left, host Jon Leamon, (Deputy Chamber CEO), joins the winners ("Catriona and the Waves") Rod Harris, Pauline Harris, and Cartriona Murray (Colin Pilsworth not pictured) along with quiz master Diggory Seacombe.

 
Advertising and Sponsorship
Members can secure advertising space at advantageous rates and participate in sponsorship deals which will be available on the new Chamber website and other areas. Make a smart move by including the Chamber in your marketing plans for 2014! Contact the Chamber office (01242 252 626) for details.
 
Keep up to date on business in Cheltenham via Twitter (@CheltChamber), Facebook and
Chamber website.

 
  
Upcoming Events
 

Chamber Networking Event
Queens Hotel 
 
Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NN
Wednesday 19 February, 5.30 – 8.00pm
Members: £5; Non-Members: £10
Contact: :
Pauline Harris (01242 252 626)
 
Come and join us at the Queens Hotel and meet with fellow members as well as Chamber executives over wine and canapés in the conservatory of one of the town’s landmark hotels. This event is open for both members and non members of the chamber so please feel free to publicise this event to other employees within your organisation and your customers. Read more.
 
 
Business Series Kicks off
with Growth Seminar 

Martin Douglas is the Growth Manager in Gloucestershire for the Growth Accelerator and he will be advising local businesses how to ‘Grow Your Business Rapidly and Sustainably'. Commented Michael Ratcliffe, Chief Executive of Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce, “This is a unique opportunity for local businesses to find out about the ‘Growth Accelerator’ and how they can grow their businesses sustainably.”

Seminar organiser, JoAnne Fairchild, added, "these seminars aim to provide Cheltenham business owners with the right tools and knowledge to help them succeed, whether they are members or non-members. The presenters are accomplished professionals in their respective field so you know that you are learning directly from the best.”
    
6 February
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Grow Your Business Rapidly and Sustainably
Martin Douglas, Growth Accelerator
20 February
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
An Effective Marketing Plan: the Roadmap to a Successful Business.
Darren Stevens,

Prestbury Marketing & Consulting Ltd
6 March
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Doing Good is Good for Business. Increase Your Company’s Profile and Bottom Line.
Claire Thayers & Associates
20 March
12 pm – 1 pm
Gain More Media Coverage and Free Publicity and Increase Your Sales. 
Geraldine McCullagh
3 April
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Connect with the Right Customers with Savvy Social Networking
Angela De Souza, 
Women's Business Club
24 April
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Opportunities to Trade in China
Candy Yu (Yuan Ltd.) and
Mitchell Wolfe

Seminars will be held at Cheltenham Chamber’s Business Centre, 2 Trafalgar St, Cheltenham, GL50 1UH. 

Free for members; £5 for non-members. For reservations, call 01242 262525. Spaces are limited. Read more.

 



Meet the Chamber Networking Event

Thursday 6th March, 6.00 pm

Free Entry

Following on from the success of our first “Meet the Chamber” event in 2013, we are holding another on Thursday 6th March at 6.00pm at the stunning Ellenborough Park Hotel and Spa. Our last “Meet the Chamber” event was our best attended event of 2013 with over 80 members and businesses attending. Read more.




14th February: Next Grow Business Breakfast, Vantage Point Business Village
7th - 8th March
Skillsfest, Gloucestershire College
21st March
Public Sector Procurement Event, Stroud College
23rd April
Energy Event, Oxstalls Campus
11th June
Growing Gloucestershire Event, Park Campus
17th June
GFirst Annual Event 2014, Gloucestershire Airport

Check out GFirst LEP's events calendar for a more up-to-date list or to submit an event that you'd like to share.
 
 
Member Events


Employment Law ‘To Go’ Seminar Series

Dilapidations Update for Property Professionals
Monday 10 February 2014
4.30pm - 6.30pm (5pm start)


Top 5 Employment Law Issues for Not-for-profit Organisations
Tuesday 18 March 2014
7.30 am  (Registration) - 9am

Charity Quiz Night
In aid of Sue Ryder (Leckhampton Court Hospice)
Thursday 27 February 2014
6.45pm for a 7.30pm start


For seminars and events contact:
 Lesley Kadwell (01242 514 000),
 Read more.

 
 

Cirrus Cloud Accounting Breakfast Seminar
What can it do for your business?

Co-hosted with Xero Accounting Software
Prize Draw (Vintage Claret)
8 am - 9.30 am, 4 March 2014
Cheltenham Chase Hotel
Contact: 
Sam Deeley 01242 216200 
Read more



LEP's Energy Sector Group Event 
University of Gloucestershire
Wednesday  23rd April
Oxstalls Campus.

For more information, read more.

 

Women's Health and Well Being

Exhibition and Forum

Free Entry
International Women's Day
Support by Cheltenham  Borough Council
Municipal Offices
Wednesday 12 March, 12pm - 2.30pm
Intro: Mayor Wendy Flynn
Chair: Dame Janet Trotter, DBE

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Members Offers


 
The family team at Hughes Paddison are pleased to offer an initial 30 minute consultation for all new family clients free of charge. Please contact us on 01242 574 244 or email Diane Kemple or Katie Buswell. Read more.
 

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Welcome
New Members

 
 
Contact: Tim Smith
 
Five Valleys Ecology provide clear, pragmatic ecological advice grounded in current best practice to inform land use planning and nature conservation decision making. We understand the importance of development to communities and work as part of your team to provide the best possible solutions, reducing risk and informing the development process with impartial professional advice which can significantly add to the value of a site and support the allocation of ecology credits under BREEAM and Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) schemes. 

 

                         Contact: Samantha Deeley                         
 
Cirrus Cloud Accounting offers high quality accounting services where your financial data is held securely on the cloud and it enables us to become your virtual finance director- dealing with matters as they arise and to assist with tax planning. We have fixed fee packages which services ranging from book keeping, VAT, Payroll and year end compliance to suit your individual needs. (See Member Events, above).

 

Contact: Lorah Kelly
 
Lorah Kelly offers an exclusive corporate and business photo service that uses her unique style to capture your business elements in a creative and original way. Lorah also provides services for weddings, families and supports local charities (King’s Daughters).   
 



                                 Contact: Simon de la Rue                                  

Click Innovation is an innovative and vibrant company based in Cheltenham designs client relationship management (CRM) and sales management software, ClickHQ. It has been written using the latest technologies and based on real world experience from our own directors and customers. The result is a system that is built on business intuition designed to maximize productivity and sales to add real value to the bottom line of your business.

 

Contact: 
David Kingscott
 
The Local Answer serves our advertisers and readers by delivering unrivalled print and online coverage of products, services and events in your location and nearby. Developing and nurturing long-standing relationships with our customers is of paramount importance. We are ever-mindful of the need to deliver a cost-effective, professional and courteous service – the longevity of our relationships with customers depends on them achieving a ‘return on investment’ and enjoying the process.

 

M G EXECUTIVE TRAVEL

             Contact: Mike Gibson   
 
With 25 years in the travel industry, Mike Gibson,  is an experienced driver who takes pride in ensuring his clients get from A to B in the maximum of comfort with the minimum of hassle. A reliable and professional chauffeuring service (Mercedes Benz E Class) for airport transfers, business travel, weddings, sporting events, tailor-made tours and other transport related services. 

 
        Tomorrow's Business (International Ltd.)             
Contact: Neilson Kite  
 
Tomorrow’s Business is focused on business productivity through the development of management and marketing projects and training programmes. The aim is to get the best out of people and assets to boost growth and profits. Neilson works with businesses and public sector organisations to help improve operational, financial and, in the case of commercial firms, sales performance. 

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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. newsletter, 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)
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Copyright © 2014 Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce, All rights reserved.
Please note: deadline for member submissions is the 24th each month.