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Chamber News
 April 2015
Growing Business in Cheltenham

Jet Age Museum Visit
 Gloucestershire Airport, Staverton

The Chamber and Midlands Air Ambulance are delighted to invite Chamber members and guests to a charity networking event at the Jet Age Museum on 16 April (5.30 pm). This is a unique insight into the history of Gloucestershire aviation, providing the story of people, places and aircraft that put the country at the forefront of the world’s aerospace industry. Always a popular visit for Chamber members and guests, and now for a great cause.
(See opposite for details; visit
 Chamber Events).


Win Tickets to the 
Cheltenham Jazz Festival
Cheltenham Jazz Festival Logo

Festival season is nearly upon us and there's plenty of fantastic music, science and literary events on offer. First up is the Cheltenham Jazz Festival (29 April - 4 May; tickets), which features Jazz Legends and Rising Stars, including Van Morrison (top), jazz saxophonist Joe Lovano (right),  Alice Zawadski and many other top performers. Come and enjoy great jazz from around the world right on your doorstep. 

Natalie Williams, Cheltenham Jazz Festival

To help celebrate the start of the new season, the Festival and Cheltenham Chamber have organised a chance to win two pairs of tickets to see MOBO award nominated jazz and soul artist Natalie Williams,(right) on Sunday 3 May. 

To enter the competition, which is open to all Chamber News readers, view the Member Profile video (opposite, above right) and answer the following question: which university did Ruth Dooley cox for in the Boat Race? Click
here to enter your answer. All entries must be received by 
12 noon, Friday 17 April; the winners be selected in a random draw, contacted by the Festival organisers on 20 April and announced in the next newsletter.

And don't forget, the Science Festival tickets go on sale soon too (15 April for Festival members; 22 April general public). Good luck and look forward to seeing you at the Festivals. 
 

Pre-election Debate
Sheds Some Light

by Chamber Deputy CEO Jon Leamon

Jon Leamon, Chamber Deputy CEO
More than 130 Chamber Members and guests attended a Pre–Election Debate at The Mercure Cheltenham Queen’s Hotel on Friday 27th March.  Read more.

 

Key Report on Cheltenham’s Economic Development Strategy
by Rob Duncan, Chamber Planning Advisor 

For all of you who are interested in the overall economic well-being and future of Cheltenham, a recent report prepared for the BoroughRob Duncan, Chamber Planning Advisor Council by Athey Consulting is well worth reading.  The Town’s previous economic strategy is so far out of date that it is virtually non-existent and as a result Athey were instructed to carry out a review setting out an economic strategy developing Cheltenham as a business location. (See Report).

 
 New Business Guide and Directory
for Cheltenham
 
A new free business guide and directory for Cheltenham has been launched this week in both a brochure format and an online guide. The directory provides an invaluable networking tool for companies already based in the borough and also highlights the benefits of working in the borough to businesses who may be considering making Cheltenham their new home. (Read more; download Directory).
 

Member News

Shareholders' Agreements -
Why Do You Need One?

by Peter Raybould
Peter Raybould, Willans LLP

Whether you are a small company with two, or a larger business with multiple shareholders, it is impossible to overstate the importance of having a properly drafted shareholders’ agreement. The agreement helps manage the relationship between directors and shareholders within a business, providing clarity and certainty and enabling directors to focus on the running of the business whilst also providing protections for shareholders. Read more
 
Trustees of Charities –
Is CIO Status for You?

by Kate Hickey
 Kate Hickey, Willans LLP
Since The Charities Act 2011 introduced the new form of legal entity, known as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) 3,426 charities have registered as CIOs. Willans LLP associate Kate Hickey explains why it may be beneficial for an unincorporated charity to convert to a CIO and the process for doing so. Read more.
 
Email Marketing List Quality –
What It Is and Why It Matters


by Julian Wellings

 
So, you’ve decided to do some email marketing.  You built up over 5,000 email addresses over 10 years and ready to send out your first issue. Oh, no you’re not! Unless you check and clean your contacts frequently, it’s likely the quality of your list will be very poor. Read more.

 

 

New Members



Contact: Stefano Pucello 
 
SPC is an independent consultancy, specialising in sales & marketing services that ultimately will generate a sustainable growth. The founder, Stefano Pucello, has worked more than 15 years across multiple disciplines and industries domestically and internationally.


Contact: Dee Bates
 
Established in 2012, FlowForma supports organisations in adhering to consistent business process management, improved organisational efficiency and productivity through innovative technology. FlowForma, a subsidiary of Irish IT solutions provider Ergo, is headquartered in Dublin with offices in London and Lithuania.
 
Listening to and working with employers to find business solutions, LeMay Consultants can design, develop and deliver bespoke, work-based learning and organisational development offered at a time and location to suit our clients.  This includes business planning (strategic and operational), personal and professional development, coaching, mentoring and well-being. 
 
Contact: Tim Crossman
 
Is your business achieving full potential? Whether you want to increase profits, build your sales and marketing expertise or create a more dynamic team. Tim Crossman will help you achieve your goals. Please contact Tim for a free introductory session.

 
 
Do you want to invest in property in Gloucestershire but lack the time, knowledge or contacts on how to find the deals and where to make the money, then you need to speak to Andy Sawers.

 

Contact: John Primett
 
YSU provides outsourced part-time Financial Controllers who work on site managing the accounts function, resolving issues and generating bespoke management information. Our professional staff aim to become a key member of the client team, minimising financial distractions and delivering financial reporting, enabling management to successfully focus on achieving profitable company growth.

 



Chamber Gallery
 See upcoming Chamber Events
(photos: Brian Chaplin, Eurovideo)

The general election campaign kicked-off in March with the Chamber's Pan-election Debate, sponsored by Cotswold BMW and hosted by the Queens Hotel. Most of the candidates participated (Alex Chalk, Conservative, Martin Horwood MP, Lib Dem, Christina Simmonds  UKIP, Simon Pickering, Stroud Councillor, Green Party, Richard Lupson-Darnell, Independent) along with Ruth Dooley, Hazelwoods, and Peter Goatley, barrister. There were seminars provided by Paula Williamson, Consultant at Harrison Clark Rickerbys on essential data protection.

We also would like to thank Paula Williamson (not pictured), Harrison Clark Rickerbys, and Sam Deeley and Jim Glanville, Cirrus Cloud Accounting for their excellent seminars in March. The Spring looks set to be even busier at the Chamber. Don't miss out on any of our upcoming events and seminars.
 
 

Cirrus Cloud Accounting Seminar

Sam Deeley and Jim Glanville

Panel Pre-Election Debate 

Participants (l-r): Simon Pickering,  Richard Lupson-Darnell, Alex Chalk, Christina Simmonds, Martin Horwood, and Paul Fong

Jon Leamon, Cheltenham Chamber Deputy CEO
Chamber Deputy CEO Jon Leamon


Pre-election Panel Participants


Panel Debate Audience, Queens Hotel
 

Keep up to date on business in Cheltenham via Twitter (@CheltChamber), Facebook and
Chamber website.

 
  
Ruth Dooley, Cheltenham Chamber Member Profile Video

Member Profile:

Ruth Dooley, Partner

 

Ruth Dooley (above), Partner at Hazelwoods, is known for a myriad of things besides her accountancy expertise. Some will recognise Ruth's work with GFirst LEP's Growth Hub or from her weekly spot on BBC Radio Gloucestershire. Did you also know that she started her career as a TV actor and coxed in the Boat Race? Well, for this and other enlightening facts about one of Gloucestershire's leading lights, see video.


After viewing the video, click here to enter the competition for one of two pair of free tickets to see Natalie Williams at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival (see opposite for details).

developed by:
Julian Wellings 


Seminar Series 
April - July 2015
(All seminars 11.30am - 12.30pm)


Building a
Customer-centric Business

Thursday 16 April

Bill Quinn
FlexableIT
Read more


Creating Presentations That
Deliver Your Message

Thursday 30 April

Gerald Crittle

 G Acceleration
Read more


Business Benefits of Coaching
Support and the
Growth Accelerator

Thursday 13 May
 
Tina O'Brien

Elle Coldman Associates
Read more


 Increase Your Sales
Thursday 4 June

Clare Davidson 
Thompson Marketing Ltd.
Read more


The Auto Enrollment Challenge -
Are You Ready?
Thursday 18 June


Sarah Withers
Auto Enrolment Bureau
Read more


Working with Charities Can Benefit Your Business
Thursday 3 July

Caroline Bell

Business in the Community
Read more
 
If you would like to suggest a topic or provide a future seminar, please contact Nigel Knowlman (07969 043 117). 
 
Chamber Events


Jet Age Museum
Charity Networking Evening
Midlands Air Ambulance
and Cheltenham Chamber
Gloucestershire Airport
Thursday 16 April, 5.30 pm–7 pm
£12 members; £24 non-members
incl. glass of wine and canapés
  

Bookings


Cheltenham Chamber Visits the Growth Hub
Gloucestershire Growth Hub
Wednesday 22nd April
2 pm to 5 pm
Free Admission

Read more; Bookings
(Photo: courtesy of Southwestbusinessonline)


Chamber Business Breakfast
Gloucestershire Business Show

Guest Speaker: Martin Surl
Gloucestershire Police Commissioner
Wednesday 13 May, 8 am - 9.30 am
£12.50 members/£25 non-members
The Entrepreneurs Bazaar
Hall of Fame Entrance
Cheltenham Racecourse 

BookingsRead more. 

 

News and Events Calendar


4th Annual Review
Wednesday 10th June 2015
Gloucester Services Southbound 
Bookings

 


See details of the Chamber visit above; bookings.

See also the Growth Hub's new Boost, Digital Growth Tool.

 

Members Events
 

All Golds Business Breakfast

The Growth Hub

Friday, 17 April 2015
7:30am to 10:00am 

Featuring:
'Women in the Boardroom'
Business Networking
BBC Sport Broadcaster Caroline Barker
Bookings



 

 

Breakfast Bites Workshops

20 April, 7am for 7.30am start
Speaker: Mark Owen, MD,
Moose Marketing & PR
 
Cotswold Grange Hotel Cheltenham

Free breakfast and parking
Bookings

"Understanding Your Customers Better"
27 April, 10am -12pm

The Growth Hub
Free Admission; read more
Contact: Nigel Knowlman



HCR Logo

Jennh Jones, Partner, Harrison Clark Rickerbys
Jenny Jones,  Partner (Barrister)
Head of Employment


Employment Law Breakfast Seminar 
28 April, 8 am - 10 am
Cheltenham office
Free Admission (spaces limited)

Bookings
 
 
The Cheltenham Chamber stand will be with
the Association of Gloucestershire Chambers 

The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse 
13 & 14 May 2015
(ContactSee Video)




Matthew Clayton, Partner
Head of Employment


Employment Law 'to-go'
Breakfast Seminars

Disciplinary Processes - FAQ

14 May 7.30am - 9am  

£15 admission incl. light breakfast
Read more (See 2015 Seminars)

 


Willans Charity Quiz Evening
Tuesday 19 May 2015, 7pm
Read more


Both Willans' breakfast seminar and
charity evening will be
at the National Star College




3rd and 4th June, 10am - 5pm
Inspirational
 UK and International 
Specialty Food & Drink Products
Organised by Hale Events
Bookings



St. Vincents and St. Georges logo

Summer Evening Garden Party at Stanway House
(featured in BBC adaptation of Wolf Hall)

Friday June 5th 7.30pm
Special Guest:
Lord Lieutenant: Dame Janet Trotter
£25 incl. Supper
Contact: Les Bonney -- 01242 572621, 07940536504
Read more; Bookings

 



Member Discounts


Spring clean your branding!

Spring is here and it's the perfect time to review business branding. Companies grow, change and become more well-defined over time. Is your branding keeping up? Change and innovation are essential to the success of your business, but so is good design. All commissions for a new logo placed before the end of April 2015 will include letterhead, compliments slip and business card design FREE OF CHARGE! Full details here.
 

 
Content Submissions Sought
 
If you or someone from your organisation are interested in submitting articles for Chamber News, please send your idea or proposal to the editorDan Harris. (below),  Read more.
 
 
Copyright © 2015 Cheltenham Chamber of Commerce, All rights reserved.
Please note: deadline for member submissions is the 24th each month.
 


Contact: Dan Harris, Editor