4FRONT Magazine (Winter 2012/2013 Edition)

The business magazine of South Cheshire Chamber

HS2 . . .Crewe toLondon in just 58minutes!Page 8

£6m rail revitalisationis full steam aheadPage 23

www.sccci.co.uk Winter Edition 2012/2013

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FOREWORD

Well what a start to 2013, the HS2announcement and the work has startedon the £6m overhaul of Crewe RailwayStation.

Crewe to London in 58 minutes and thedevelopment of a maintenance depot inCrewe creating more than 300 jobs is aboost for the area and firmly puts Creweback on the map leading to investment andgrowth.

The Chamber is playing a major role inshaping the local infrastructure andeconomy through our involvement in the‘All Change for Crewe’ regenerationprogramme and these announcements arefantastic news for the area. This is only justthe beginning of the ambitious plans torevitalise and regenerate the town and thesurrounding area.

‘All Change for Crewe’ is a private sectorled partnership with Cheshire East Counciland it is vital for the future economy of thearea that it achieves its goals, but it needsthe input of local businesses both large andsmall. The Chamber will therefore beincreasing its efforts to gather localintelligence, in both Crewe and Nantwich tomake sure the right decisions are made forthe South Cheshire Business Community.

Despite difficult economic conditions during2012, the Chamber both witnessed andspoke to businesses who had enjoyedtremendous success and bucked thenational trend. The evidence to supportthis was clear to see at our Annual BusinessAwards at Crewe Hall. There is no reasonwhy local success will not continue this yearespecially with the confidence boostingannouncement of HS2 for Crewe.

International trade advice and support isalways a priority for the Chamber and lastyear saw the introduction of an ‘ExportClub’, which provides members with theopportunity to learn about exporting goodsabroad, share best practice and find outhow the Chamber can help. IncreasingInternational Trade is vitally important to therecovery of the local economy and this ishighlighted by the success shown by BentleyMotors, who last year increased theirexporting figures by 22%, to maintain theirposition as the leading manufacturer ofluxury vehicles in the world.

I hope you enjoy this edition of 4FRONTand I encourage all Members to submitarticles for future magazines.

So it is with great optimism that theChamber enters 2013 and we will be doingour utmost to ensure the views of businessare heard and on behalf of the Chamber Iwould like to wish you a happy andprosperous year and remember that theChamber Team is here to assist you andyour business, so please do not hesitate tocontact the Chamber.

Acting Chief Executive

Welcometo the Winter edition of4Front, the magazine forbusinesses in South Cheshire

4Word

Chamber Team

Paul ColmanActing Chief Executive

Jon BarnesChamber Executive- International Trade

Co-ordinator

Tina HankeyChamber Executive -

Membership Co-ordinator

Rachel BradshawCheshire East

‘A’ Team Apprentice

Euan StubbsChamber Executive

Business DevelopmentManager

Nadeem AhmedChamber Executive -Business Engagement & ICT Development

Madeleine AbbeyChamber Executive- Events & Marketing

Anne XiourouppaAccounts

Richard WeildingBusiness Loans

Executive

Erika FloodgateCEO Administration

Apprenticeto Paul Colman

Articles to be submitted to:Tina Hankey

South Cheshire Chamber, Lyme Building, Westmere Drive,

Crewe Business Park, Crewe CW1 6ZDTel: 01270 504700 • Ext 16

Fax: 01270 504701 Email: [email protected]

For Advertising Sales contact:Euan Stubbs

South Cheshire Chamber, Lyme Building, Westmere Drive,

Crewe Business Park, Crewe CW1 6ZDTel: 01270 504700 • Ext 18Mobile :07896 820 525

Email: [email protected]

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Winter Edition 2012/2013

NEW MEMBERS

Meet our new members . . Holdcroft Volvo CreweWeston Road, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 6JSTel: 01270 [email protected] Vehicle Retail & Business

Inspired Film & Video LtdInnovation Centre 2, Keele University, Science & Business Park, Keele, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 5NHTel: 01782 613 675michael@inspiredfilmandvideo.co.ukwww.inspiredfilmandvideo.co.ukFilm and Video

Cheshire Farm Ice CreamDrumlan Hall, Newton Lane, TattenhallChester, Cheshire CH3 9NETel: 01829 770995jonathon@cheshirefarmicecream.co.ukwww.cheshirefarmicecream.co.ukIce Cream Manufactuter

Zeus Public Relations Ltd24 Mill Green, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1JGTel: 01260 [email protected] Relations & Communications Consultancy

Boot PropertyStapeley House, London Road, StapeleyNantwich, Cheshire CW5 7JWTel: 01270 619 [email protected] Agents/Management

Crewe and Nantwich Accountants LtdFrederick House, Princes Court, Beam Heath Way, NANTWICH, Cheshire CW5 6PQTel: 01270 620 [email protected]

Owness Solutions10 Keats Drive, Rode Heath, Stoke-on-Trent,Staffordshire ST7 3TPTel: 01270 883 [email protected] & Telecommunications

Bare Bones MarketingWestview, 6 Croxton Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 9EYMobile: 07787 153 [email protected]

Apexselling Ltd130 Boundary Lane, MossleyCongleton, Cheshire CW12 3JFMobile: 07792 386 [email protected] & Consultancy

CRJ Property Services30 Somerville Street, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 7NRMobile: 07779 113 [email protected] Maintenance

Snazzy Sweets7 Hampstead Drive, Weston, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 5GTMobile: 07855 945 [email protected] www.snazzysweets.comRetail

Creme de la Creme19 Clonnersfield, Stapeley, Nantwich,Cheshire CW5 7GUTel: 01270 620 [email protected] for all Occasions

My Speech Therapy Ltd58 Brereton Drive, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6HFMobile: 07412 589 [email protected] Care

Card Compliance Services LimitedWinnington Hall, WinningtonNorthwich, Cheshire CW8 4DUTel: 0161 424 [email protected] Card Services

Brill EnergyWarrington Road, Cuddington, Cheshire CW8 2LHTel: 0845 600 [email protected], Gas and Water

Navitas Holistic Therapy & Reiki Centre248 Crewe Road, Shavington, Crewe,Cheshire CW2 5AQTel: 01270 260 [email protected] & Beauty

Cheeky Robin LtdThe Cedars, Newcastle Road, Woore, Shropshire CW3 9SNMobile: 07949 133 [email protected] Structures

Stepping Stones NurseryMain Road, Weston, Crewe, Cheshire CW2 5LDTel: 01270 252 299info@steppingstonesgroup.co.ukwww.steppingstonesgroup.co.ukChild Care

The Acacia SuiteWybunbury Road, Willaston, Nr Nantwich,Cheshire CW5 7ERTel: 01270 661 195david.blackhurst@btinternet.comwww.theacaciasuite.co.ukLeisure

For more information on joining the Chamber contact Tina on 01270 504700 Ext 16 or email [email protected] you would like a meeting with a member of the Chamber Team, please contact the Chamber on 01270 504700

Spring Issue due out April 22nd 2013Editorial Deadline8th April 2013Contact [email protected] Deadline5th April 2013Contact [email protected]

A pub believed to be the oldest in Crewemarked its first anniversary under newownership by welcoming a large crowd ofbusiness people as part of a South CheshireChamber networking event.

Samantha Norris, Mark Trotter and ColinStarkey came to the rescue of The WhiteLion in Weston last October and set abouta sympathetic restoration scheme behind-the-scenes and front-of-house. PartnersSamantha and Mark, who had a long careerin the hotel industry behind them and Colin,a chef, have invested more than £70,000 so

far in refurbishing its bedrooms and creatinga modern kitchen which has helped triggera roaring trade in food.

She said: “The pub was facing closure whenwe took over which would have been ahuge loss to the village. We are working withlocal organisations and the primary schoolto make it the hub of village life again.“There’s a lot more work to be done on therestoration but we were proud to showcasewhat has been achieved so far to such aninfluential group of local business people.

”The trio hosted the Chamber’s earlyautumn networking event which attractedmore than 50 people from a variety ofbusinesses across South Cheshire. All areasof enterprise were represented from hoteland catering to recruitment, banking, PR andfamily law. Chamber acting chief executivePaul Colman said: “The White Lion is a locallandmark and we were pleased to see itbuzzing with life and looking in great shapeagain. Sam, Mark and Colin were generoushosts laying on a great spread and we wishthem well for the future.”

For more information on how to enteror join the Chamber call 01270 504700

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CHAMBER NEWS

White Lion hosts Samantha Norris and head chief Colin Starkey with South Cheshire Chamber

acting chief executive Paul Colman

South Cheshire Chamber has chipped in£300 to charity after inviting golfers frombusinesses and organisations across theregion to tee off in its annual tournament.

They battled it out from tee to green atCrewe Golf Club and there was excellentplay between teams of four from WulvernHousing, South Cheshire College, CountyInsurance, P & L Networks and MMUCheshire. Other teams included BanksSheridan, Afford Bond, Bentley Motors, TheTravel Visa Company, Hamond McNulty andBEB Property Services.

The team prize was won by South CheshireCollege staff Neil Greenhalgh, John Warham,Gary Robinson and Chris Bentley whoscored a combined total of 83 stablefordpoints. County Insurance finished runners up

on 82 points while Afford Bond finished inthird place with 80 points.

South Cheshire College staff received aspecial Bentley trophy at an evening three-course dinner and prize presentation. Therewere also individual prizes for participantson the day which included the Chairman’sPrize, which was won by nine handicapperChris Reade, who scored a fantastic 42stableford points. Kev Catterrall from CountyInsurance won a prize for nearest the pin onthe short eighth hole and Chamber actingchief executive Paul Colman, won thelongest drive competition on the par five13th.

Prizes for the event were kindly donated byCrewe Alexandra Football Club and TheTravel Visa Company. Chosen charity for thisyear’s competition was Crewe-based Climbwhich supports Children Living WithInherited Metabolic Diseases.

Chamber Acting Chief Executive PaulColman said: “This was another memorableevent which saw keen competition andfriendly rivalry between local businesses andorganisations. It was an excellent day andhelped to raise money for a locally-basedcause which supports children nationwide.

“Proceeds from a collection at theevent was presented to CLIMB byChamber Marketing and EventsExecutive, Madeleine Abbey

South Cheshire college`s winning team memberswith the Bentley Trophy, left to right, Gary Robinson,Chris Bentley, Neil Greenhalgh and John Warham

ChamberForthcomingEvents 2013

Pub is a roaring success withbusiness community

Businesses were in full swing for charity

Chamber Networking Lunch 22nd February 2013 at ReaseheathCollege

Peer to Peer Export 28th February 2013 at The Hunters Lodge

Tour for Members February / March 2013

Chamber Annual Dinner March 2013

Export Club March 2013

Chamber Networking Evening April 2013

Joint Networking with ShropshireChamber April 2013

Export Club May 2013

Texas Scramble Golf Tournament May 2013

Joint Networking with North Staffs ChamberJune 2013

Pre-Nantwich Show BusinessReception July 2013

Export ClubJuly 2013

AGM & Annual Business LuncheonSeptember 2013

Export Club September 2013

Tour for Members September / October2013

Networking Lunch October 2013

Annual Golf Tournament October 2013

Export ClubNovember 2013

Chamber Business Awards November 2013

Christmas Networking LunchDecember 2013

More events to be added shortly,and don’t forget that you canpromote your own eventsthrough the Chamber MemberInteractive Portal www.sccci.co.uk

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ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS

All that is great and good about the area’slocal businesses was celebrated at the 16thSouth Cheshire Chamber Annual BusinessAwards in association with Crewe Chronicle.

The event proved yet again that there’snothing like a global recession to remindcommunities just how important localbusinesses are - creating employment,boosting local economies, and improvingthe general well-being of citizens.

And it highlighted the many examples ofSouth Cheshire companies that have morethan just weathered the storm.

Rewarded were the entrepreneurs whoseideas and enthusiasm have launched newventures, managers who have inspiredchange and improvement, and staff whoseflexibility and hard work has kept businessesprofitable.

More than 200 people attended theglittering night at Crewe Hall where, in hisopening address, Chamber chairman JohnDunning applauded all those nominated andpaid special tribute to businesswomen andyoung entrepreneurs who were forgingCrewe’s modern economic profile.

“There are no losers,” he explained, as allhad played a part in helping the localeconomy rebuff the worst effects of therecession.

Despite an economy showing little sign ofsignificant recovery for several years yet,South Cheshire, he said, continued toperform relatively well, generating manysuccess stories.

He said: “The awards show what atremendous range of successful businessesand what an array of talented individuals wehave here in South Cheshire.”

Martinus Louwerse general manager ofCrewe Hall Hotel hailed 2012 a ‘fantasticyear’ and praised his hardworking team afterscooping Large Business of the Year.Since 2006 the hotel has benefitted from£13.5m of investment in new facilities.Bedrooms have increased from 65 to thecurrent total of 117 to allow for larger eventsto be accommodated at the hotel and in2008 a new Events Centre, Leisure Club andSpa were opened to meet the increasingdemand for high quality meetings andevents facilities and the growing demandsfrom the leisure market.

Young Business Person of the Year JamesMacfarlane, 27, of Jaymac Electrical said hiswatch words were ‘Professional,Competitive, Reliable and Friendly’ and said‘hard work’ had paid off. At 27, James hasenjoyed a diverse career all working

towards his true goal of being successful inthe field he is most passionate about withthe addition of owning his own business.

Best Start Up Business of the Year BareBones Marketing is simply down-to-earth,commercial marketing advice, planning andservices. They'll set you in the right direction,put your marketing plans in place and helpyou deliver them! They pride themselves ondelivering a no-nonsense, friendly servicewith a commercial focus.

Best Small Business of the Year TheTravel Visa Company are involved in theissuing and obtaining of travel visas forbusiness clients and general public who aretravelling Worldwide for business andpleasure to Countries where a visa isrequired for entry. The most populardestinations being: India, China, Russia,Australia, America, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Best Employer of the Year RichmondVillage Nantwich Limited provides a qualityand security of life that is built around theconcept that life is for living, offering awealth of activities and facilities in stunningsurroundings, with as much or as little first-class care as each person needs. Bespokepackages ensure everyone's changing needscan be met. Their standards of care wereevident not only for their customers but fortheir employees.

Contribution to the Community KevinEdge of Design Office UK Limited. Workingin partnership with Crewe Women's Aid theDesign Office rebranded the charity andcreated a new corporate identity. Aphotography assignment was also carriedout to support the visuals with real life, localimagery. The printing of a new stationerysuite, leaflets and brochures completed thefirst phase of the project. As part of theoverall marketing package Design Office arealso flowing the new brand into a new website. Design Office have always activelyassisted local voluntary organisations withinthe community prior to supportingSkillShare so this was also one of theconsiderations made when selecting awinner for the 'Contribution to theCommunity' award.

Excellence in Customer Service WinnersThe Old Surgery Dental Practice wasopened in 1998 by Steve Lomas on the siteof the previously relocated HungerfordRoad Doctors Surgery. In 2000 Rich Willisjoined the practice as a partner. They havealways made it a priority to demonstrate anexceptional level of care and strive to makethis evident to patients, and have alwaysbeen extremely firm in installing theenthusiasm for customer care that theirnew staff need to exhibit.

Winner of the Exporter of the Year Astunning set of figures paid testimony to anoutstanding 2012 for Bentley Motors, whichcarried off the Award. More than 8000Bentley cars worth £1.2billion wereexported to foreign shores – a 33% increasein export sales and notably a 95% increasein export sales to China marked a seismicshift in the company’s worldwide profile.

Acting Chief Executive Paul Colmancongratulated all those nominated who hadcontributed to South Cheshire’s growingprofile as a world class economic player.

Fundraising on the evening was dedicated toThe One in Eleven Appeal. It contributed£1000 to the fund to build a neo-natal unitat Crewe’s Leighton Hospital.

Rewards for the crème de la crèmeof the area’s businesses

The Chamber would like to express itsthanks to the generous sponsors of theevening: Bentley Motors, Cheshire EastCouncil, KPI Recruiting, MMU Cheshire,Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting,RBS Corporate Banking SouthCheshire, Crewe Chronicle andSkillShare.

Thanks also to compares for the nightRedShift Radio presenters GavinHammond and Liz Southall, Crewe HallHotel, Code Audio Visual, ConcordeTrophies, Flowers by Alison, Here toThere Logistics, i2i Photography,Johnsons Printers and Pure PR for theirassistance in making the night anotherhuge success.

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ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS

Young Business Person of the YearJames Macfarlane picks up his award

from Bentley Motors

Best Start-Up Business of the YearBare Bones Marketing Ltd was rewarded

by Cheshire East Council

Best Small Business of the YearThe Travel Visa Company Ltd received its award

sponsored by KPI Recruiting

Best Large Business of the YearCrewe Hall receiving its award from

RBS Corporate Banking South Cheshire

Employer of the YearRichmond Village picks up its award

from MMU Cheshire

Exporter of the YearGeoff Dowding receiving the award from Chamber Chairman John Dunning on

behalf of Bentley Motors

Excellence in Customer ServiceThe Old Surgery Dental Practice Limited

is rewarded by Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting Limited

Contribution to the CommunityKevin Edge of Design Office UK Limited is

presented by SkillShare

Award photography i2i Photography

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ALL CHANGE FOR CREWE

Key players in a special partnership set upto drive forward Crewe’s regeneration haveheralded HS2 as a ‘new beginning’ for thetown.

All Change for Crewe (ACFC) says the highspeed rail link cutting journey times fromCrewe to London in just 58 minutes will putthe town back on the map for its excellentlocation and help restore its reputation as agood place to live and do business.

John Lea, chairman of the ACFC board, said:“This is the most exciting news for ageneration.

“Crewe was invented by the railway 175years ago and, inevitably, was showing signsof its age but the fact that it is going to berejuvenated by the railway once again isfantastic news.

“It’s great for the economy and all thepeople who live in the area. A newbeginning for a town famed for rail travel.”

With members drawn from the public andprivate sector, ACFC was founded to helpdeliver a strategy for the sustainable growthof Crewe.

Key areas include the long-term physicalrenewal and development of the town withactions to improve economic prospects andsocial conditions for its residents.

Mr Lea, managing director of Mornflake inCrewe, added: “Local people have sufferedyears of broken and empty promises. Therehas been a lot of talk and schemes totransform the town which have come andgone.

“But at the station they can at last see somesignificant progress. Already a £6m schemeis underway to revitalise its facilities andnow they have news of a multi-billion-pound investment in HS2.

“Although a long way off, it creates a positivevibe about the town. There’s every reasonfor this announcement to act as a platformfor restoring civic pride. Crewe is famed forits rail station, engineering excellence anddiverse economy but still doesn’t get thecredit it deserves. Now that could change.”

Regional media was out in force to capturereaction when Home Secretary Theresa Mayarrived at Platform 6.

ACFC members, South Cheshire Chamberofficials and council leaders discussed theplan in a private meeting soon after theofficial announcement.

Reporters heard how the second phase ofthe HS2 project, the Y-shaped networknorth of Birmingham to Manchester andLeeds, will pass directly through Crewe.

The proposed route will pass under Crewetown centre in a specially-constructedtunnel with a rail spur ensuring Crewe is thecritical junction between the new line andthe West Coast Main Line.

Travelling up to 225mph, the super-fasttrains are expected to have airycompartments and a glass roof as well asTVs and computer screens for travellers.

Mr Lea added: “If you picture the UK as awhole, Crewe is almost smack bang in themiddle of that. I reckon around 30% of theUK population is within 100 miles. This is afantastic location and HS2 underlines that.”

ACFC backs the high-speed revolution The Chamberhas welcomedHS2

ON BOARD: Home Secretary Theresa May with South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce chairman JohnDunning (left) and chairman of the All Change for Crewe board John Lea

The new high speed rail, designed tocut travel times and easeovercrowding, is also aimed to boostregional economies by creating tens ofthousands of jobs, says theGovernment.

Speaking immediately after theannouncement, John Dunning,chairman of the South CheshireChamber of Commerce, said: “It’swonderful and a great opportunity forCrewe. It is bringing the railway homeof Crewe. What we will do now isencourage the business community toget behind it.”

The new 211-mile Y-shaped routeheading north from Birmingham willsee two new stations built atMancheste - one alongside theexisting Piccadilly Station, and theother, an interchange by the M56between Warburton Green andDavenport Green serving ManchesterAirport.

There will also be new stations in theEast Midlands, Sheffield and Leeds.

For South Cheshire, there will be a"dedicated link" alongside the high-speed line at Crewe.

Although Crewe is not earmarked fora new station, it is on the high speedline and will link up with standardtrains.

This will reduce travel times to citieslike Liverpool. However the highspeed rail is a long way off.

The first phase – from London toBirmingham – is due to be finished in2026.

The second phase, which coversCrewe, is not due to be completeduntil 2032.

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NETWORKING

CREWE NANTWICH CONGLETON MALPAS STOKE STAFFORD BURTON TAMWORTH

To book an appointment call 01270 588244Visit www.ctchealthcare.co.uk

Crewe-based physiotherapy, health and wellbeing experts CTC Healthcare are celebrat-ing a�er winning a national award at the Department of Health’s Health at Work Part-nership Forum – part of the public health responsibility deal.

�e responsibility deal is a public health initiative (started in March 2011) aiming to achieve national success through voluntary organisations and companies working in collaboration. �e responsibility deal involves various pledges which companies can sign up to and promote public health within that area. One of these such pledges is 'health at work', the core commitment is ' We will actively support our workforce to lead healthier lives'.

�e day revolved around case studies that members had submitted outlining how they had implemented the Responsibility Deal pledges, the challenges they encountered and the outcomes they realised. Dame Carol Black (Expert Adviser on Health at Work to the Department of Health) judged CTC Healthcare’s case study as the best on the day.

CTC Healthcare’s case study centred around an innovative project it implemented in partnership with a major employer in Crewe. �e ambitious project had the aim of im-proving the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of employees within 6 months.

CTC Healthcare was praised by Dame Carol Black for the positive outcomes achieved during this timescale. �ese included:

classi�cation

Paul Shawcross, CTC Healthcare Consultant and Physiotherapist explains how the pro-ject worked.

allowed us to give our client an overarching summary of the health of its workforce. We then developed a series of health and wellbeing interventions that we implemented over the 6 months. We believe that the success of the initiatives was due to us recruiting wellbeing champions from within the company.’

has been at the forefront of delivering innovative health and wellbeing solutions that result in tangible bene�ts for our clients. We are extremely proud to receive such high acclaim for our case study.’

Business people from a wide variety of backgrounds enjoyed aChristmas get-together organised by the South CheshireChamber at Rookery Hall.

Mercedes-Benz of Stoke, unveiling its new A Class car,generously sponsored the Christmas networking event for thethird year.

General manager Rob Dawson said: “As a business based just15 miles from Crewe we are very keen to meet local businessesand contribute to the South Cheshire area, so we were verypleased to support the Chamber’s December event again.”

More than 60 people attended and all areas of enterprise wererepresented from hotels and catering to recruitment, law,accountancy, banking, IT and PR.

Rookery Hall served a delicious hot buffet lunch and all guestswent home with a pass to use the hotel health club with abusiness contact or friend.

Chamber acting chief executive Paul Colman added: “The eventbrought another hard-working year to a close for the businesscommunity and gave them an opportunity not only to makenew contacts, but enjoy the spirit of Christmas in an informalsocial setting.”

For more information on Chamber networking eventscall Madeleine Abbey on 01270 504700 • Ext 20

Car firm drivesnetworking event

TOP CLASS: Rob Dawson and Cathy Tinsley of Mercedes-Benz of Stoke with Chamber Chairman John Dunning and acting

Chief Executive Paul Colman at Rookery Hall

Pictures courtesy of i2i

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MEMBERS NEWS

A specialist skin clinic is celebrating its firstbirthday in Nantwich after raising more than

£20,000 for charity and trebling its workforce.

Skin Health Spa has proved a huge hit onWelsh Row, attracting more than 4,000 clientsin its first year and increasing staff numbersfrom three to 10.

Owners Adam and Maxine Flint say state-of-the-art treatments and affordability is thesecret to their success.

Mr Flint, an entrepreneur who hails fromAlsager, said: “We are delighted to seeNantwich become such a success. We havecontinually invested in the latest equipment,training and staff members. After opening

with just three, we now have a team of 10who love their jobs and this creates a greatatmosphere and relationship with theirclients.”

Various fundraising events, open days anddonations from the sale of treatments havehelped raise a staggering sum for St Luke’sCheshire Hospice and The Wingate Centrein Wrenbury.

The first birthday was celebrated with anopen day for clients who were treated towine, Bucks Fizz and nibbles while each wenthome with a goody bag containing a 30minute treatment of their choice.

SPARKLING SUCCESS: Skin Health Spa therapistsStacey Leach, Kayleigh Petherbridge and Laura Farr

Beauty proves charity money-spinner

The week before Christmas, StorageBoost had a huge delivery of 2000 toys!The self storage facility on Weston Road,Crewe had volunteered to be the hub forthe delivery and distribution when theyheard about the toy project beingorganised by CVS (Community & VoluntaryServices) Cheshire East and AstraZeneca.

The project was organised in the hope ofbringing a smile and some Christmas joy

to children from families who are perhapsless well off or who may be going througha troubled period.

The toys had kindly been donated byemployees from AstraZeneca at AlderleyPark who had picked up an extra presentor two for children of all ages, from babiesthrough to older teenagers. The toys werethen taken to Storage Boost in Crewe,where CVS divided them between 32 localcharities and voluntary & communitygroups across Cheshire East.

Chris Doherty from AstraZeneca said,"We are delighted to support CVSCheshire East and their partner charitiesto help bring a little festive cheer to someof the children in our community with thisheartfelt gesture from our colleagues atAlderley Park.”

Caroline O’Brien, Chief Officer of CVSCheshire East said “We are extremely

pleased to have helped to facilitate thisproject together with AstraZeneca. It islovely to feel that we are helping localchildren in some small way this Christmas”

Katie Vost, Manager of Storage Boost said"We were very happy to provide Storagehere in Crewe for the project and it was apleasure to be involved with the staff atAstraZeneca and CVS Cheshire East.

Just some of the 32 organisations receivingtoys included Vale Royal Women’s Aid,Crossroads Care Cheshire East, TogetherTrust, Monks Coppenhall Children’sCentre, Nantwich & Rural Children’sCentre and South Cheshire CLASP basedin Crewe.

To find out about CVS Cheshire East,please visit www.cvsce.org.uk

To find out more about StorageBoost, please visitwww.storageboost.co.uk

Storage Boost welcomes 2000Christmas presents for local charities this Christmas!

Bentley has announced global growth of 22%in 2012 as deliveries to customers increasedto 8,510 cars (7,003 cars in 2011).

This maintains its position as the leadingmanufacturer of luxury vehicles in the world.Deliveries were up in every internationalregion as Bentley increased its global salesnetwork by 10%. Bentley’s chairman andchief executive Wolfgang Schreiber

(pictured) said: “2012 was an excellent yearfor Bentley. This strong performance waspossible due to our continuing investment innew models and the hard work andcommitment of a highly motivated Bentleyteam. We expect the luxury market in 2013to continue to be challenging but, withsignificant new model introductions, webelieve we have the potential to maintaingrowth throughout the year.”

The Americas finished 2012 as Bentley’slargest global market, with 2,457 carsdelivered to customers in the region, a 22%increase on 2011 (2,021 cars). China followedclosely with 2,253 cars delivered, Bentley’slargest ever volume in the region and a 23%increase on 2011 (1,839 cars).

In Europe deliveries grew by 12% with 1,333cars delivered to customers (1,187 in 2011).The increasing popularity of the Bentley

brand in growing markets like Russia, wheredeliveries were up 37%, contributed to thestrong performance of the region. In the UK1,104 cars were delivered to customers, a 7%increase on the previous year (1,031 cars).

The Middle East region performed very wellwith deliveries up 44% to 815 cars (566 in2011). Asia Pacific also increased its deliveriesby 44% to 358 cars (249 in 2011). FinallyJapan saw exceptional growth of 73% with190 deliveries (110 in 2011)

The flagship Mulsanne saw sustained growthof 10%. Four out of every ten Mulsannesbuilt in Crewe were sold in China, where thepopularity of the pinnacle limousine wasboosted by the Diamond Jubilee specialedition. The Flying Spur also continued to sellwell, particularly in China, Bentley’s largestfour door market.

Bentley sales soar worldwide

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CHAMBER/MEMBERS NEWS

Financial expertmade Fellow

A Cheshire financial adviser iscelebrating after being awardedFellowship of the Personal FinanceSociety (PFS), one of the financialservices industry's highest accolades.

Rob Jackson, Financial Adviser atCrewe-based Jones Sheridan FinancialConsulting, specialises in pensions,investments and inheritance tax andwas awarded Fellowship Status to joinfewer than five per cent of the 34,000PFS membership.

Speaking about Rob's achievement,David Williams, Managing Director of Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting, said: “This is a fantasticaccomplishment by Rob and is adirect result of his hard work,dedication and professionalism. All ofus here at Jones Sheridan are veryproud of him.”

This award comes just as The RetailDistribution Review is implementedacross the UK.

“RDR is forcing big regulatory changeson the market for IndependentFinancial Advisers in an effort toprotect consumers. This will only seekto reinforce the importance ofqualifications such as fellowshipstatus,” added David.

For any media enquiries, please call Gemma Hayes on0845 303 77 88

Rob Jackson

A Nantwich company is ending the year on ahigh after scooping another major contract.

Environmental specialists Suddenstrike hasfended off competition from companiesacross the country to provide wildlife safetycontrol measures on railway embankmentsalong the Great Northern and Great Easternline in Lincolnshire.

It means more new jobs will be created atthe firm which was founded by father-of-twoSteve Wilkinson in 1997 with just one van.

Now with a workforce of 11 and a fleet of 10 vans and trucks the family business is

providing pest control, wildlife managementand groundwork services to homes and firmsacross the country.

This year it also won a contract to providerepair and improvement services to WeaverVale Housing Trust in Northwich. That camehot on the heels of a two-year countrywidecontract with DEFRA.

Staff numbers have increased from seven to11 and in the New Year another three jobsare being created for pest control techniciansand a grounds worker to boost the newdrains repair arm to its business.

Mr Wilkinson, who runs the business with hisson and daughter, James and Emily, will alsobe investing £60,000 in new vehicles.

Emily said: “This has been a phenomenallybusy year and while we have become anational name in pest control, groundworkand wildlife management, we are very muchcommitted to our local roots. The phrase ‘nojob is too small’ is our mantra and we alwaysaim to recruit staff locally.”

For more information on Suddenstrikeservices call 01270 619147

TOP TEAM: Suddenstrike staff celebrate a record year

Family business celebrates a record year

Police and Crime Commissioner JohnDwyer met with Chamber Acting ChiefExecutive, Paul Colman and representativesof the business community across Cheshireto discuss their priorities and to ask fortheir views on the budget and council taxfor policing.

John Dwyer said, “A vitally important part ofmy role is to represent the views of thebusiness community when holding theChief Constable to account. I have madesure that my first police and crime planreflects this area of policing and I intend tomake it my business to ensure that thepolice work hard to further reduce crimessuch as robbery from businesses, theft byemployees, shoplifting and making offwithout payment.”

Discussions included how they can domore to help their members prevent on-line credit card fraud and metal theft andassist the policing of hauliers. They alsodiscussed the need for businesses toreport crime to the police and not simplyaccept losses from crime as inevitable.

John Dwyer added, “The figures forbusiness crime in Cheshire are very low.Last year just 91 business robberies werereported, a 14% decrease on the previousyear. Commercial burglary fell by 16 %.

In this economic climate, the police andbusinesses need to work together toensure that we are doing all we can. I haveseen some great work being done by thepolice at ground level; for example, inhelping to prevent people making off fromfuel stations without paying.”

Paul Colman commented “Business crimeis low in Cheshire, but that does not meanwe should be complacent. The Chamberwill be working closely with localbusinesses to address any concerns theymay have and find solutions to preventcriminal activity.

I encourage businesses to contact theChamber if they are having any problemswith crime in their business”

Contact the Chamber on 01270 504700or email [email protected]

Commissioner makes business crime a business

Acting Chief Executive Paul Colman and Police &Crime Commissioner John Dwyer ahead of the

meeting to discuss business priorities

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MEMBERS NEWS

Couples caught up in the crossfire of divorceand relationship breakdown are beingoffered free mediation advice during a series

of open days at a family law firm.

Solicitor David Lago is marking the launch ofhis family law and mediation centre inNantwich by staging events highlighting howmediation can help resolve hotly-contestedfinancial and property disputes as well asclashes over children.

Free advice sessions about mediation arebeing staged at his new office in GeorgeHouse, off Beam Heath Way nearSainsbury’s.

Mr Lago, who was previously based inCrewe, said: “The breakdown of anyrelationship is a harrowing time but so manyimportant decisions have to be made, suchas division of assets and arrangements forchildren.

“Professional mediation gives parties theopportunity to meet in a neutralenvironment where they can put feelingsaside and negotiate a final settlement whichis fair to them and any children of thepartnership. All this is less painful, andconsiderably cheaper, than sitting oppositeeach other in a courtroom.”

Mediation is available to divorced orseparated couples. As of spring 2011, itbecame necessary for parties to considermediation before going down the route ofcostly court battles.

For more information on the advicesessions call David Lago of FamilyMediation Cheshire on 01270 504850in advance to arrange an appointment

MEDIATION MATTERS: Lawyer David Lago with staffFran Passmore and Jackie Snelson at his new Family

Mediation Cheshire base in Nantwich

Solicitor marks move with mediation open events

Nantwich Food and Drink Festival set tillsringing to the tune of more than £2m, anew report has revealed.

Traders reaped the benefits of streetsthronged with more than 30,000 visitors,with many doubling their takings at a timewhen things generally quieten down fortourism in September.

An economic analysis carried out by festivalorganisers also showed more peoplewilling to spend greater amounts in localshops. While the vast majority spent under£50, growing numbers shelled out £100plus on goods including clothes, jewelleryand household goods.

Most of the 141 town traders whoresponded to a survey carried out byfestival volunteers were overwhelmed bythe boost to trade.

One fashion shop reported a 134%increase in trade. A confectionary shop ranout of ice cream, a café sold an extra 100scones and a baker’s pork pies weresnapped up at a rate of 300 a day.

Festival chairman Deborah Robb said:“Attendance was a great success, bringinga much-needed lift to local business. Anincredible 100% of visitors said theyenjoyed the festival, with 69% saying theyhad a most wonderful time.

“Some 31% of visitors spent between £50and £100 in local shops while almost 20%spent over £100.

“With the estimated number of visitorsbeing 30,000 people, we are thrilled toannounce over £2m spent in town overfestival weekend.”

Foodies flocked to enjoy attractions whichincluded a Gourmet Food Court andmarquee filled with fine foods on theBowling Green car-park as well as a fooddemonstration theatre on the town square.

Nantwich Civic Hall was turned into afood-lovers paradise while shops acrosstown staged quirky food and drink makingcompetitions, quizzes and demonstrations.They demonstrated making their pies,biscuits, pizzas and cakes while non-foodshops offered special festival discounts.

All attracted huge crowds who enjoyedsamples of fine food and drink from aroundthe world.

Main sponsors were Mornflake,Cheshire East Council, NantwichTown Council and Bentley again in 2012.

Words and pictures by Jan RobertsPure PR Solutionswww.pureprsolutions.co.uk

CROWDED: The festival drew bumper crowds to Nantwich

Food lovers serve up £2m boost to town

The new food court behind the Gourmet FoodHall marquee on the Bowling Green car-park wasa hit with families who enjoyed food from aroundthe world including Thai, Indian and Caribbean as

well as noodles, pizza and ostrich burgers

MOUTHFUL: Ashley Barrow, from Nantwich,samples an ostrich burger

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MEMBERS NEWS

By demonstrating their continuedcommitment to the environment andaddressing their attitude to climate change,Overwater Marina recently achieved theCarbon Smart Blue Certificate Award 2013.

Being Carbon Smart means taking anintelligent, flexible approach to reducingtheir carbon footprint and taking practicalactions to reduce environmental impact.Overwater Marina highlight their dedication

to being carbon neutral and ethical in theirbusiness practices by having proactive plansand policies in place to measure carbonemissions and reduce their ownenvironmental impact. This clearlydemonstrates the marina’s commitment notonly to the immediate environment but toits customers, staff and suppliers. TheCarbon Smart Certificate confirms thatOverwater makes improving environmentalperformance an everyday part of theirbusiness.

The marina was developed by the Maughanfamily in 2009/2010 as a diversification oftheir dairy farm, opening for the first boatsin Spring 2010. Unlike many other marinas,Overwater remains privately owned andmanaged by the family. Janet Maughan, whomanages the marina office says “our aim wasto create not only one of the most beautifulmarinas in the country but a warm andfriendly atmosphere where people could

feel at ease and appreciate the wonderfulCheshire countryside as much as we do”.The marina can accommodate 230narrowboats and had been designed withconservation, wildlife and the countryside asthe main theme so that the marinabecomes a destination, not just a boat park.

For more information call 01270 812677www.overwatermarina.co.uk

Marina carries off top green award

Crewe Alex manager Steve Davis was theguest of honour at a ‘cake-athon’ organisedby RedShift Radio at the Boot and Shoe pubin Nantwich.

Friends of RedShift, Sue and Chris Dewhirsttragically lost their son Matthew Dewhirst

last summer during rugby training inShropshire.

Matthew, who would have been 18 on theday of the cake-athon fundraiser collapsedwith an undetected cardiac defect.

The Matthew Dewhirst Foundation, nowlinked to CRY(Cardiac Risk in the Young) hasbeen set up in his memory to raiseawareness and funds to ensure that youngsports people across South Cheshire andShropshire can be provided with the testthat will detect any heart problems thatcould be affected by sports training.

RedShift Radio’s Liz Southall said: “I wasthrilled with the turnout. There was such alovely atmosphere and it proved a brilliantlaunch to our campaign to get our localsports teams tested for a condition whichclaims many lives.

“Having the commitment from Steve Davisto be a Patron for the Matthew DewhirstFoundation is superb and I would like tothank him for coming along at short notice.”

The event invited sweet-toothed regulars tochip in £1 per slice to enjoy cakes anddesserts by members of the ClandestineCake Club.

The group, which includes keen cooks fromacross Nantwich, pops up at venues to sharedelicious cakes and recipes with membersof the public.

Local coordinator, Helen Gregory said: “Thiswas by far the most popular Cake Clubmeeting since we started six months ago.It’s so nice to know that our cakes wereshared by so many and helped to raise awhopping £350 for CRY.”

The next Clandestine Cake Club willmeet on Monday February 18. Forinformation on the “secret” locationemail [email protected] or call01270 214 868

To find out more about Cardiac Risk Inthe Young, visit www.c-r-y.org.uk

Icing on the cake for sportsmans parents

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS: Crewe Alex manager SteveDavis with Liz Southall of Redshift Radio and

Helen Gregory of the Clandestine Cake Club (left)launching their fundraising drive for the MatthewDewhurst Foundation at the Boot and Shoe pub inNantwich. Also pictured, Sue and Chris Dewhirst,

Matthew’s parents

From 2012, changes to pensions law willaffect all employers with at least one workerin the UK. This Fact sheet, provided byCitation plc and based on The PensionsRegulator’s document ‘Workplace PensionsLaw is Changing’, is an overview of these

changes, including what employers must doand how they might set about getting ready.

Citation plc is the UK’s leading EmploymentLaw and Health & Safety complianceconsultancy.

For more information, please call 0845 844 1111 or visit www.citation.co.uk

Pensions auto-enrolment – an overview

14


CHAMBER/MEMBERS NEWS

Crewe Hall maintenance man SteveMurrell (pictured) is a driving force when itcomes to fundraising after completing across-Europe rally in his 18 year-old car.

Steve raised £2,000 for The WingateCentre in the L-registered VW Polo he paidjust £50 for four years ago and has drivenevery day since after carrying out all themechanical repairs himself on his driveway.

The Crewe dad took part in the 2,400 mileScrewball Rally crossing though France,Belgium, Germany, Italy and Switzerland,sponsored by workmates at the iconichotel which covered his fuel for themarathon.

At his side was his 22 year-old son Kieranwho has often borrowed the car to driveup to Hull University. Steve said: “One ofour receptionists was going to scrap thecar because it needed a new petrol tank. Ibought it and fitted a new tank and it’snever let me down since.

“It has failed its MOT only once, which wasthe last one, but after spending £130 on

E-Bay for spares, I repaired it and it’srunning like a dream again.”

The car, now on 81,000 miles, needed newsprings, shock absorbers, wheel bearingsand brake linings. No trouble to Steve whohas kept all things mechanical runningsmoothly at the hotel for 15 years.

Crewe Hall general manager MartLouwerse said “Steve was an example ofwhy Crewe Hall scooped ‘Best LargeBusiness’ at the South Cheshire Chamberawards in November”.

He said: “We have several members of staffwho have notched up long service. Theylove their job and contribute to the happyatmosphere and smooth running of ourhotel.

“Steve is a great member of the team andwe are all very proud of his achievementwhich raised a grand sum for The WingateCentre, a worthy cause and our chosencharity.”

Steve is planning another European rallynext autumn – in the same car.

Crewe Hall’s Steve rallies to thesupport of charity

A Cheshire based accountancy firm hasrecently launched a Retail SupportPackage designed to help Cheshires’independent retailers increase footfall,strengthen their cashflow and improvetheir profitability. Mercer & CoAccountants, based in Beam Heath Way,Nantwich have spent the last three yearsdeveloping a unique level of supportspecifically for the smaller retailer.

MD of Mercer & Co, Mr Steve Mercer, saidthat the independent retailer has had arough time throughout this currentrecession but most of the supermarketshave grown consistently so we examinedwhat they were doing to makethemselves ‘recession proof’. “….retailingat a national level is now a science andsales are monitored in ‘real time’.” said MrMercer, “Clearly that is too complex andexpensive for smaller retailers so we havetaken the systems and techniques thatthe supermarkets use and distilled theminto an effective tool-kit that anyindependent retailer can use.”

Mercer & Co’s unique support package isnow tried and tested and is helpingretailers in Cheshire to regain lost marketshare. Steve Mercer said that, with the useof digital cameras, they had recentlyhelped a franchisee identify flaws in theirshop layout resulting in lost sales. Theseflaws have now been addressed and thefranchise company are very interested inhow it has helped with customer flowand revenue.

This is not the kind of support that youmight expect from your local accountancyfirm but Mercer & Co is no ordinaryaccountancy firm as they are constantlylooking for new and groundbreaking waysof helping their clients. According to thefirm’s administrator, Sue Mercer, “….clientsare continually praising us for the highlevel of innovative support that theyreceive.”

“Independent retailers have to becomemore proactive in the way they managetheir businesses ifthey wish to survive in these harsheconomic times andusing Mercer & Co’s Retail SupportPackage is one wayof ensuring thatCheshire’sindependent retailsector has a future.”said Mr Mercer.

Contact Mercer & Co on 01270 619955

Cheshire firmlaunches RetailSupport package

Tap into theElectronic NewsletterThe Chamber’s Fortnightly Newsletter is sent by email tohundreds of members fortnightly and is a great way to keep up-to-date with business news and local events.

It also provides a platform for members to promote their news and events free of charge. Members wishing to have their events listedshould email the information to: [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: Members wishing to receive the South Cheshire Chamber e-newsletter must add [email protected] totheir contacts list to avoid it being treated as spam.

Retired rally-driving couple Roger and GillianGoodwin are gearing up for a 14,500-kilometre journey across South America –in a 54-year-old sports car.

They are getting behind the wheel of acompletely-rebuilt and modified AustinHealey 100-6 for the 9,000 mile Great SouthAmerican Rally. Their 39-day journey willtake the couple across desert and into theAndes as they travel through Argentina,Brazil, Bolivia, Chile and Peru. The car willsoon be shipped to Rio de Janeiro ahead ofthe February rally.

Now the Goodwins, of Madeley areappealing for sponsorship for their charitystunt in support of the Donna LouiseChildren's Hospice Trust. The Austin Healey100-6 has been rebuilt by Ipstones-basedMoorland Classics Cars after being deliveredin boxes and bits.The couple first becameinvolved in rallying 12 years ago.

Gillian, aged 63, who will navigate for herhusband as they travel 650 kilometres-a-day,said: "There are competitive parts to therally but we think of it as a personalchallenge to see if we can complete it."Wehave done numerous rallies over the yearsand we chose this one because South

America is the only continent we haven'tbeen to. Our first rally was in Tibet. "Myhusband has always been interested in cars,he absolutely loves them, especially old cars,and his passion just rubbed off on me.

"We love rallies because they are a greatway to see the world. For me, the best bitabout it is the freedom and seeing thedifferent countries. We have met somewonderful people in the past and have hadthe chance to learn more about theircultures.

Roger, aged 64, added: "We decided tosupport the hospice because it does such atremendous job for local children and theirfamilies. We are now looking for sponsorsto help us make as much money as possiblefor the hospice."

The Trentham Lakes hospice needs to raise£2.4 million every year to care for andsupport seriously-ill children.

Communications officer Andrea Harpersaid: "The Goodwins have taken part inrallies before but this time they decided tocombine their love of driving with raisingmoney and chose us because we are a localcharity.

"They are looking for people to sponsorthem, whether it is for a leg of the journeyor even just one kilometre."

To support the Goodwins log ontowww.justgiving.com/RogerGoodwin

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MEMBERS NEWS

Unique car set for charity rally across South America

16


PATRONS

Businesses across the region can benefitfrom a new range of computer courses atSouth Cheshire College.

The IT programmes have been launched tobring businesses up to speed with advancesin technology and help employees workmore efficiently in the office.

They include a ‘Make the Most of Your iPad’(KikStart) course and a ‘Touch Typing forComputer Users’ (e-type) programme.

The new iPad and touch typing eveningcourses can provide businesses with theskills to succeed in a fast changing market-place.

The KikStart for iPad course aims to unlockthe potential of technology on the moveand show what a powerful tool the iPad canbe.

It also enables businesses to equip their staffwith iPad technology and encourageemployees to use iPads more effectively asa workplace tool.

The course features a tutorial app for iPadwhich includes interactive training andguides people through the functionality onthe iPad, from gestures to more advancedfeatures.

Meanwhile, the touch typing course isdesigned to provide employees withproficiency in keyboard skills which canmake a huge difference to the efficiency ofa business.

The e-type course is a fun and flexible wayto learn how to type quickly and accuratelywithout having to look at the keyboard anddevelops hand-eye co-ordination, goodposture and prevents repetitive strain injury.

The KikStart for iPad course leads to acertificate of competence from BCS, theChartered Institute for IT, while the e-typecourse is an internationally recognisedqualification which demonstrates keyboardskills.

More traditional college IT courses which can benefit businesses include the internationally recognised EuropeanComputer Driving Licence (ECDL)qualification, CISCO Networkingprogrammes, Spreadsheets and ComputerGaming courses.

The College’s Work-Related Training Teamalso creates bespoke training for employeesand can work with businesses to tailor aprogramme for their company andindividual needs.

Apprenticeships in IT are also availablewhich can provide businesses with highlyskilled employees and local companies suchas Bentley Motors are benefiting from ITapprenticeships.

Apprentices can work for either four fulldays in the workplace and come to collegeon the fifth day, while others undertake alltheir study and assessment in theworkplace.

Rachel Bromley, Head of IT at SouthCheshire College, said: “Technology hasmoved on at such a fast pace that some ofthe more traditional IT courses may not beas relevant to businesses as they once were,so specific courses which tackle moderntechnology head-on could be just what theyare looking for.”

For more information about the IT courses,contact the College’s Work Related Trainingteam on 01270 654638.


The ‘Make the Most of Your iPad’ course is anexciting new course option for businesses.

SOUTH CHESHIRE COLLEGEBusinesses invited to tap into college IT expertise

Water is an essential element in our worldand we are increasingly trying to conserve itwherever we can. Air Products is leading the

development of hi-tech, oxygenated watertreatment systems. These systems are usedby process industries and landfill sites tomake sure the water released back into theenvironment is always clean and pollutant-free. They can also help to encourage waterreuse too.

Oxygen works naturally. It dissolves into thewastewater, encouraging the growth ofmicrobes or bacteria that help to cleansethe water by removing any pollutants. Usingadvanced oxygenation technologies,available from Air Products’ Halia™ range ofwater treatment solutions, water users cantreat high strength effluent onsite and meetthe standards set by EU legislation.

And legislative standards are set to tightenfurther. In Europe, the far-reaching WaterFramework Directive, which is currentlybeing rolled out to member states, aims toensure that all ground and surface watersacross the European Union achieve ‘good’ecological status by 2027.

Philip Whittaker, business development leadfor water systems at Air Products, said: “Ouradvanced oxygenation systems allowindustries and other water treatment sitesto treat large volumes of effluent quickly andefficiently. At the same time, the processmanager can rest assured that specific waterquality standards are being met and they canuse the system to facilitate water reuseonsite too.”

AIR PRODUCTSClean ways with water

For more information about the Halia™ range of water treatment solutions, visitwww.airproducts.com/haliawastewatersolutions.

For more information on Air Products visit www.airproducts.com or call 01270 614000

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PATRONS

Reaseheath College is hoping to forgecloser partnerships with similar traininginstitutions in China following aninternational exchange by Chineseeducationalists.

A six-strong delegation from China spent aweek at the Nantwich specialist college aspart of a Vocational Education LeadershipTraining programme. The programmeenables delegates to look at best practicewithin the field of vocational education andis funded by the Chinese government.

The visit concluded with the signing of twoMemorandi of Understanding to set upcollaborative partnerships betweenReaseheath College and the XinjiangAgricultural Vocational Technical College andthe Xinjiang AKSu Vocational and TechnicalCollege, both located in the north west ofChina.

It is hoped that the collaboration will lead toan exchange of knowledge between the twocountries, particularly in the teaching areasof horticulture, agriculture, food technology,engineering and animal husbandry.

A third college, the Qinghai Vocational andTechnical College of Animal Husbandry andVeterinary Sciences, was also represented,as was a government training agency.

The visitors looked at topics includingstrategic planning, programme development,staff development and student welfare. Theyalso toured Reaseheath’s campus farm,anaerobic digestion plant, cutting edge foodcentre and equestrian centre.

Yang Guiquan, Deputy Director of XinjiangAgricultural Vocational Technical Collegesaid: “After a week attending lectures and

looking at training programmes, we have aclearer picture of how agriculture and foodproduction is offered in the UK throughvocational education.

“We were very impressed with thecombination of theoretical and practicalteaching offered by Reaseheath. We alsoadmired the way the college develops itsstaff and with its strong engagement withindustry. We were very impressed with thecollege farm and beautiful campus and wehave lots of ideas to take home.”

Reaseheath Principal Meredydd David said:“We were delighted to be able to work withour educational partners from China.Hopefully, this collaboration will lead to alonger term relationship which willencourage the exchange of knowledge andskills between both countries. This willenhance staff development which will, inturn, benefit students and the globalcommunity.”

For more information on ReaseheathCollege call 01270 625131

The Chinese delegation joins Reaseheath heads ofdepartments during their fact finding visit

REASEHEATHChinese visit leads to closer partnerships with Reaseheath College

Staff at Manchester Metrpolitan Universityhave added their congratulations to thoseflooding in for Dame Sarah Storey aftershe was awarded a DBE in the New Year’sHonours list.

Sarah, who won gold in the C5 Pursuit,the Time Trial C4-5 500m, the IndividualRoad Time Trial C5 and the IndividualRoad Race C4-5, trained three times aweek in the Department for Exercise andSport Science altitude chamber in the runup to the Games, which she said made an“incredible difference” to her athleticperformance.

Dennis Dunn, Dean of the Cheshirecampus, said: “Sarah’s DBE comes as no

surprise to those that know her and arepart of her incredible and continuingjourney as one of the world’s outstandingathletes. Her accomplishments alreadyposition her amongst the pantheon ofsporting greats.

“And as an Ambassador of MMU it isDame Sarah the person, a role model forall University members that is mostimpressive. At MMU we are delighted tocontribute to the sport science supportof ‘Team Storey’ and will be working withSarah and Barney up to the Rio Games.”

Sarah has previously said that both sheand Barney hoped to continue theirrelationship with MMU Cheshire in therun-up to Rio 2016.

Both have been sponsored byManchester Metropolitan University forthe past three years, and in the run up toLondon 2012, Sarah spent much of hertime training with Neil Fowler and theteam from the Department for Exerciseand Sports Science at the Cheshirecampus in Crewe.

For any enquiries regarding the use or hire of specialist testingfacilities contact Trevor A Brownthe Cheshire Enterprise Manager on 0161 247 5767

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITYParalympian honoured in New Years list

18


PATRONS

The redesigned reception and entrance areaat Bentley Motors’ headquarters in Crewehas been announced as the “OverallWinner” at the 2012 Society of BritishInterior Design Awards.

The prestigious award was judged by a rangeof influential designers including ProfessorJimmy Choo OBE.

Bentley’s new reception area was designedby leading British design agency FutureBrandin conjunction with Bentley. It combines allthe hallmarks of Bentley’s contemporaryluxury design values.

Fine Bentley materials are showcased in thebespoke furniture which features traditionalBentley veneers and hides, whilst the uniqueskills of Bentley’s craftsmen and women areembodied in a handcrafted desk whichechoes the graceful lines of a Bentley car.Trophies from Bentley’s famous heritage aredisplayed alongside an innovative new

boutique for the Bentley Collection.

Stefan Buescher, Bentley’s Director ofProduct and Marketing, said: “We aredelighted that the design of our newreception area has been recognised withsuch a prestigious, international award.Bentley is a globally renowned luxury brandwith a strong heritage and forward thinkinginnovative design. We are planningsignificant growth for the company in thecoming years and updating our global brandDNA is a key part of that journey.

“The unique luxury design language we haveused at our ‘Home of Bentley” in Crewerepresents a significant and innovative stepfor our corporate brand identity. With thisinternational award under our belts, wecouldn’t have asked for a better start!”


BENTLEYBentley makes for an impressive entranceat design awards

Wulvern customers in Crewe andNantwich are being helped to maintaintheir tenancies and access support thanksto the appointment of a new FamilyServices Worker, Sue Meredith.

The post has been jointly funded for twoyears by Cheshire East Family Service andlocal affordable housing provider, Wulvernand will be aimed at intervening at anearly stage to support familiesexperiencing difficulties such as rentarrears or tenancy breaches.

Sue explains: “Families can face a range ofchallenges in sustaining their tenancy.Keeping a roof over your family’s head isobviously a priority for any parent yet alltoo often circumstances can lead tospiralling debt and even eviction. We alsorecognise that many customers are goingto face lots of changes due to WelfareReforms. Wulvern are committed to

helping their tenants and I will be workingwith families to a get them the supportthey need.”

Wulvern’s Director of Housing SimonWilson said: “This post builds onpartnership work Wulvern is alreadydoing with Crewe Citizens Advice Bureau,Christian’s Against Poverty, AdullamHousing, Crewe YMCA, CheshireProbation Service and Cheshire EastSupporting People - all aimed at giving ourcustomers every possible opportunity tomake their tenancy work.”

For more information on WulvernHousing visit www.wulvern.org.uk

WULVERNWulvern appoints Family Services Worker

Gold medalists Sarah and Barney Storeyofficially opened a multi-million poundExtraCare development in Crewe.

Pickmere, which is owned and managedby local affordable housing provider,Wulvern, comprises of 85 one and two-bedroom apartments available for rentand shared ownership. Pickmere alsoboasts a bistro café, hairdressing andbeauty salon, health and well-being suite,an IT facility and library.

Dozens of residents joined in thecelebrations, hearing the paralympian’s

inspirational story, followed by a treeplanting ceremony and burying of a timecapsule which contained memorabilia ofthe achievements and events of 2012.Guests also enjoyed viewing TeamStorey’s array of medals and having theirphoto taken with the Olympic torch.

Pickmere enables residents to liveindependently, enjoying fantasticcommunal facilities where there is alwayssomething going on. Residents can alsobenefit from individual care if they need itwith the added support and reassuranceprovided by the on-site ExtraCare team

and 24 hour emergency response.

Wulvern’s Director of DevelopmentAngela Hardman said: “ExtraCare housingis specifically designed to ensure thatresidents are supported to continue livingindependently in their own home for aslong as possible. We are delighted tohave completed this development aheadof schedule and within budget. Itreinforces our commitment to providinga choice of high quality, affordable homesfor our customers, as well as improvingtheir quality of life.”

Paralympians open Pickmere ExtraCare

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PATRONS

Mornflake staff have bid farewell to one ofthe company’s longest serving employees.

Chris Porter, 66, was honoured with asurprise party and presentation of gifts afternotching up more than 50 years at thefamous breakfast foods company.

The Crewe gran started her career in theoffice of the former Walter Brown flour millback in |January, 1962 on leaving the town’sLudford Street Secondary School.

Staying in the office when it was taken overby the porridge-makers the same year, hercareer involved several roles includingaccounts, wages clerk, secretary and creditcontrol.

In recent years, Mrs Porter has played a keyrole as intake administrator, coordinating thelorries that arrive on site laden with the oatswhich make the Mornflake porridgeproducts seen on supermarket shelves upand down the country. To the Grain tradeshe became the voice of Mornflake, makingfriends throughout the United Kingdom.

Apart from taking time off to have her son,Steven, 32, her service has been unbroken.

Colleagues and Mornflake managing directorJohn Lea organised a party bash in theGresty Road building, inviting all staff andformer members of staff who have retiredover the years.

Chris said: “Mornflake has been a smashingfamily firm to work for. No one here feelslike a number, more like part of a big family.

“After travelling down Gresty Road since agirl of 15 to come to work, it was quiteemotional leaving, but it was lovely to see allmy friends who have retired and the giftswere especially generous.”

She was showered with cards and presentsincluding a Rotary watch and compactcamera and flowers.

The keen gardener has plenty to keep heroccupied in her retirement including

spending time with her grandchildren, Harry,eight, and Billy, six, as well as her newGolden Retriever puppy, Cindy, eightmonths.

And it’s not goodbye for Chris as she willpop in to get her porridge supplies from theshop on site. Her husband Harry, a retiredrailway worker, eats it every night for hissupper - with jam on.

Managing director, John Lea, said: “In an erawhen we are constantly told that it’s notpossible to spend a lifetime working for thesame Company, we are delighted to bebucking that trend.

“Our culture is one of face-to-facerelationships and long-standing relationships.Many of our employees have been with usfor decades, Chris being one of the longest.

“She has played an important role in thecompany for many years and we wish her avery happy and long retirement.”

Mornflake exports its products across theworld carrying the name of Crewe to over56 countries around the World.

For further information visitwww.mornflake.com

Chris Porter (centre) and Mornflake managingdirector John Lea with Edward and James Lea and

John Borrowdale at her farewell party

MORNFLAKECompany bids farewell to long-serving Chris

SG World employees have cracked a 1000year milestone by achieving a combined1142 years total service to the company.

The Crewe-based health and safety andvisitor management solutions company hasbeen in operation since 1969 and in thattime has built up its reputation for providingsimple solutions to over 20,000organisations across the UK.

With over 134 employees based out of thehead offices, the reputation of stability andlongevity in the business carries overinternally with employees regularly

celebrating milestone anniversaries rangingfrom five years all the way up to 35.

“SG World takes pride in providing excellentproducts, excellent service and a guaranteeof stability; our employees are integral toour reputation and success. We encourageour employees to develop and grow withthe company, and our commitment tohome-grown talent is clear in our success inrecruiting and retaining the best in theindustry,” CEO Arnold Haase said.

In 2012, SG World inducted two newmembers to the Centurion’s Club, thehonorary society for employees who haveworked with the company for 20 years orlonger. The Centurion’s Club has 24members, who have worked with thecompany since its inception as an American-owned subsidiary called Safeguard Inc.

Members have seen the company move toa purpose-built headquarters in Crewe, theexpansion of the sales force nationally andinternationally into commercial and publicsector markets, and have contributed to thesuccess of the company following a

management buy-out and rebranding as SGWorld Ltd.

Customer Service Advisor Sue Shepherd,who has been with the company for over32 years, said. “I wouldn’t work anywhereelse. It’s so easy to provide great customerservice when you have a good team andbrilliant customers like ours.”

SG World has shown a commitment toprofessional development for its staff,providing resources and time for employeesto undertake further education orprofessional certification. In summer 2012, italso created its current ApprenticeshipProgramme, taking on three local youngpeople aged 18 - 22 for a long-term contractthat provides access to qualifications andon-the-job training.

The company also maintains a positive socialenvironment with an active socialcommittee planning social events, includinga recent all-company darts tournament andthe annual Christmas party.

For more information on ReaseheathCollege call 01270 625131

SG WORLDEmployees notch up a millennium milestone

20


ADVERTISING

21

www.sccci.co.uk

MEMBERS NEWS

A Crewe-based financial advisory firm hasannounced the successful purchase of MikeTaylor Financial Services taking their totalnumber of acquisitions this year up to three.

Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting hastaken ownership of Mike Taylor FinancialServices, previously based in Haslington nearCrewe.

The acquisition is a healthy boost for JonesSheridan as they set out earlier this year toacquire four businesses in the run-up to theRetail Distribution Review. This acquisitionincreases their funds under influence tocirca £250 million.

In January they purchased Warrington-basedfinancial advisory firm, K F Garner FinancialConsulting, later going on to purchase thefinancial services arm of Brown & CorbishleySolicitors based in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Speaking about the decision to sell, businessowner Mike Taylor said: “The RetailDistribution Review (RDR) deadline is amatter of weeks away and is forcing bigregulatory changes on the market forIndependent Financial advisers.

“We wanted to feel confident that ourclients will be receiving the best possiblefinancial advice and support post RDR and

so took the decision to partner with abusiness which is already RDR ready.

“Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting was theperfect choice. They have been establishedmore than 30 years and have built areputation for offering top quality advice anddelivering an exceptional service across theregion.”

Jones Sheridan Managing Director, DaveWilliams has been spearheading theacquisition drive with several more in thepipeline

“This year has been extremely fruitful inexecuting acquisitions and with the RetailDistribution Review just around the cornerwe expect this to continue into next year.

“We look forward to working with MikeTaylor during this period of transition andwish him all the best for the future,” addedDave.

Jones Sheridan, Datum House, Electra Way, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 6ZFTelephone 01270 530975

Cheshire Financial Services business celebratesnew acquisition

Dave Williams and Mike Taylor

The partners and team at Afford Bond LLPChartered Accountants, the leadingCheshire independent practice, have thisyear become Mo Bros and Sistas for themonth of Movember and raised in excess of£5,500 for local and national charities.

Following the sad loss of a long serving andvalued colleague earlier in 2012 and alsothrough supporting staff and clients withsimilar conditions, Afford Bond saw this as avery appropriate cause. This has reallybrought the team together and the supportreceived from valued clients and contacts inthe business community has beenexceptional. Afford Bond would like to thankeveryone who has donated and shownextreme generosity in making this such asuccessful campaign.

Jonathan Curwen, partner at Afford Bondcommented, “we have been overwhelmedwith the support we have received which isan indication of the importance of thecampaign and the exceptional relationshipwe have with our clients. It’s been great fun

too with the biggest challenge being keepinga straight face during the Novemberpartners meeting. I don’t think any of themoustaches will make it to Christmas”

Afford Bond’s campaign has been focusedaround a matched donation to St Luke’sHospice. St Luke’s provide such animportant and valued service to our localcommunity and we are delighted to be ableto support such a fantastic organisation. Wehope to be able to continue our support inthe future.

Nantwich Office, 31 Wellington Road,Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 7EDTelephone 01270 623731

Afford Bonds Mo Bros (and sistas) raise inexcess £5,500

PA4You, the Chamber members callhandling support services based onNantwich Road Crewe have been busy thisweek with the bad weather effecting clientsbusinesses. Several of their nationwideclients have closed their offices or aresending staff home early and clients havebeen able to go home and divert all theircalls straight into their PA4You call handlingteams so they don't lose valuable orders.

With the bad weather and flooding seasonnow well and truly upon us there have alsobeen power failures at several business’since Xmas and PA4You have had to swinginto emergency divert mode and activatetheir arrangements with BT to get callsdiverted for clients into the PA4You office,particularly with clients based on the Stokeside of the region which has suffered badweather recently.

Quite often your office insurance policy maycover the cost, depending on the situationof course.

If you think you need to send staffhome and need some temporarybusiness continuity support callPA4You on 01270 219 500

Emergency business continuity support duringbad weather

22


ADVERTISING

Work is starting on the first phase of a £6moverhaul of Crewe Rail Station.

The scheme is central to ambitious council-backed plans to revitalise and regeneratethe town and surrounding area. This visionis called ‘All Change for Crewe’.

Phase one of the overhaul of the rail stationincludes a new surface-level car park with240 spaces and 11 disabled bays, newpedestrian access from Weston Road and anew commercial development site next tothe station.

It also includes a new entrance with facilitiesfor taxis and for people to pick up and dropoff family and friends, refurbishment of theexisting subway to platforms and a new areafor delivery vehicles to access the station.

The scheme is a key part of a wider projectto turn the historic site into an iconic 21st

century gateway to the town and helpunlock Crewe’s potential as an economicpowerhouse by 2030.

John Lea, chairman of All Change for Crewe– the private and public sector partnershipset up to drive forward regeneration - said:“Works at the station are long overdue butat last townspeople can see positive changetaking shape.

“The Victorian infrastructure has been cryingout for investment and finally we havesomething which is not a proposal or a planbut a scheme underway.

“This may only be phase one, but it’s thestart of a new era for rail travel, giving Crewea station which lives up to its reputation asa famous rail hub.

“A new-look station, with 21st centuryfacilities, will do wonders to restore civic

pride and make Crewe an attractiveprospect to investors.”

The phase-one work has been madepossible after a successful bid by CheshireEast Council, supported by Network Rail, for£6.177m from the Government.

Council leader Cllr Michael Jones said: “Thisis tremendous news both for Crewe and forCheshire East as a whole. “Starting this workis a massive vote of confidence in thestation, the town and wider regenerationscheme.

“A revitalised rail hub is critical to boostingthe town’s economy and its attractivenessto businesses and visitors.”

The buildings to be demolished as part ofthe scheme of works on the former RoyalMail site are Network Rail’s Weston Houseand two former Royal Mail office blocks.

Cheshire East Council successfully bid for£6.177m from the Government’s £100mStation Commercial Project Facility.

The existing customer entrance onNantwich Road will not close during thework and the taxi rank will still operatethere as normal. The work will create dualaccess to the station at the upper and lowerlevels.

Demolition and foundation digging work isdue to start early next month (February2013). The work is due to be completed byspring 2014.

23

www.sccci.co.uk

CHAMBER NEWS

All Change for Crewe - £6m rail revitalisation isfull steam ahead

UNDERWAY: Cheshire East Council leader Michael Jones, Cllr Jamie Macrae, Cheshire East deputy mayorDorothy Flude, All Change for Crewe chairman John Lea, highways manager Andrew Ross and Stuart

MacFarlane of Mansell Construction at the railway station works site

County Insurance are delighted to announcethat Ellie Forster last month won the YoungAchiever of the Year award 2012 at theannual Insurance Institute of Stoke-on-Trent.

The Insurance Institute of Stoke-on-Trent isone of the oldest in the country and theyhave recently celebrated the centenary ofour inauguration in 1909.

The prestigious “Young Achiever” award isfor people from within the insuranceindustry that have made a fantastic start totheir career. The award is covering a largecatchment area and is always keenlycontested, with entrants from underwritersand brokers alike.

Before presenting Ellie with her award,Howard Ball (President of the InsuranceInstitute) commented “In a tough economicclimate, it’s great to see someone workinghard and becoming a high achiever butwithout expecting anything in return. Elliesimply wants to do the best for herself andCounty Insurance”.

Dave Clapp, Managing Director of CountyInsurance, added “We are naturally delighted

and proud of Ellie for picking up this awardand it’s richly deserved. She runs adepartment of five people in our busiest andmost demanding of departments and isconsistently the best performer with theminimum of fuss. Her customers have thehighest levels of praise for her, and that’stestament to the extra mile she always putsin”.

Further information

County Insurance is an insurance brokeremploying 86 staff with offices in Crewe,Southport and Whitchurch. They provideboth personal and business insurance, withHire & Reward a particular speciality.

The main website iswww.countyins.com and contact number is 01270 506980.Car/Home/Van Insurance quote and buy website iswww.insurance4your.co.uk

Local talent shines at prestigious awards

Ellie Forster collecting her award from thePresident of the Institute, Howard BallEllie Forstercollecting her award from the President of the

Institute, Howard Ball

Ellie Forster wins Young Achiever award at prestigiousInsurance Institute dinner

25

www.sccci.co.uk

SKILLSHARE

Skillsharesponsors LocalBusiness Award

Amber Consulting is a fundraisingconsultancy set up to help charitiesincrease their income. I work with allsizes of charities from small local charitiesto national ones, my role is to review thecurrent income and look at how it can beincreased either through improvement toprocesses and procedures or throughnew income streams. My specialism islooking at sustainability, which usuallytranslates as developing income from themany opportunities available in theprivate sector.

Having worked in the voluntary sector fornearly twenty years I know how short onresources most charities are and howmuch time, passion and effort the paidand volunteer workers put into thoseorganisations, working in this sector isnever a 9 - 5 type of job. This makesworking as a fundraising consultant a realchallenge, I want to give my services to allcharities for as little as possible but I haveto earn a living, my way of supportingcharities that cannot afford a consultantis by getting involved through SkillShare.

SkillShare identify charities within my localarea that need support and match themwith my specialist skill.

I was matched with Survive earlier in theyear to assist in developing a fundraisingstrategy, I have been working with themever since. I went in to meet the charitiesstaff, to find out how much they neededto raise and what their current incomesources were, I have developed astrategy with a number ofrecommendations, at this point I couldhave left the strategy with them, howeverI felt that if I did that they would find itdifficult to implement it so I have workedwith the volunteer fundraiser to supporther, we meet regularly to discussprogress against the plan, we plan to takea major step in January that will give asecure future to Survive. I have foundworking with Survive hugely rewarding,our plans for the future will help them todevelop, increase income and becomemore sure of their future funding, whichwill mean people in the region will haveaccess to counselling for childhood abusea service, that in recent months we haveall come to realise, is much needed.

Cheshire Skillshare Testimonials

P&L is an IT services company based inCrewe with clients nationwide. Wesupply a broad range of services frombespoke software development to thesupply, installation and support ofMicrosoft Windows based networks. P&Lis a Microsoft Server Platform SilverPartner and have over 20 years ofcontinuous trading in the IT servicesindustry.

We receive many requests for charitabledonations many of which arecommercially motivated. SkillShareensures the contributions we make get tothe organisation that actually needs oursupport.

Parkwood Joinery has been establishedfor over 6 years now and they are able toassist with all aspects of carpentry fromfitting kitchens, floors and skirting boards,door frames…...

Richard Parker, the owner, comments‘When I was approached by Karen about

the SkillShare program I thought it was agreat idea. I felt that it provided me withan opportunity to help out local charitiesand voluntary organisations in need of myskills as a carpenter and joiner’.

Virgin Trains Training Centre is delightedto be working in partnership withSkillShare to support local charities.

Virgin’s aim is to help revolutionise theway that governments, businesses andthe social sector work together – drivingbusiness as a force for good. Richard,

(and all of us at Virgin) believe in ourphilosophy of caring for people,communities and our planet.

Cheshire SkillShare were proud tosponsor this years ‘Contribution to theCommunity’ award at the South CheshireChamber Business Awards 2012.

The award celebrates and recognisesbusinesses that have shared their skillsand knowledge to support voluntary,community and charity organisations.

This year it was a real pleasure toannounce Kevin Edge of Design Office asthe winner. Design Office have beenworking with various organisations in thelocal community for many years and thisaward was presented as recognition ofthis and their on-going commitment tocontinue assisting charitable andvoluntary groups.

David Brigg Comments:

I am delighted that Cheshire SkillSharewas able to present a "Contribution tothe Community" Award.

Since I started thisinitiative I have beendelighted to discoverhow many Cheshirecompanies really dowant to help others inthe community who areless fortunate thanthemselves. There is, inmy view, a huge untapped resource oftime and skill available from the world ofbusiness of people who want to give oftheir time and skill. The challengehowever is to find a good cause whichreally needs your individual skill.Cheshire SkillShare acts as a broker tolink those with specific skills with goodcauses which need those skills. We havealready linked more than a hundredbusinesses to charities and as a resulthelped those charities to be moreefficient and effective.

Cheshire SkillShare is continuing to thrive in the South Cheshirearea, thanks to the support from the CVS and South CheshireChamber of Commerce. Here`s what a few of customers havesaid about us:

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27

www.sccci.co.uk

EXPORT

The UK's trade deficit narrowed inNovember, as exports rose more thanimports, official figures have shown.

The seasonally-adjusted deficit on goods andservices totalled £3.5bn in November,compared with £3.7bn in October.

Led by chemical sales, the UK's total goodsexports increased by 2.9% to £24.8bn, whileimports rose by 1.1% to £34bn.

The UK's export and import of services inNovember remained unchanged. Servicesexports were valued at £15.5bn, whileimports totalled £9.8bn.

Economist Amit Kara of Bank UBS said UKexports remained subdued.

"Amongst others the trade numbers are alittle bit better than last month, but the bigpicture is broadly flat," he said.

"There is some improvement in exports, butin order to see the economy rebalance andgenerate anywhere near trend-like growth,we need much better data over the nextfew months."

Mr Kara added that the economic weaknesson the continent continued to have animpact on UK exports.

"Our own view is that the eurozone willcontinue to disappoint, therefore all the(economic recovery) heavy lifting will haveto be done by the UK consumer," he said.

UK trade deficit narrows in November

The South Cheshire Chamberprovides an Export DocumentationService through which it issuesEuropean Certificates of Origin andEUR-1 Movement Certificates.

These documents are often required:

• To meet customs requirements inthe importing state

• To meet 'quota' requirementsimposed by the importing country

• To comply with bankingrequirements

• For other official and commercial reasons

In the UK, the officially designatedauthorities for the issue of ECCertificates of Origin are Chambers ofCommerce.

An EC Certificate of Origin is availableto all businesses in the UK at a cost of£42.00 ex vat, but Chamber membersreceive a 50% discount.

The Chamber works in partnershipwith UK Trade & Investment NorthWest to promote and developInternational Trade and exportingopportunities for companies in SouthCheshire.

To access information aboutexport procedures please contact Jon Barnes on 01270 504700 ex 21or [email protected]

Exportdocumentationadvice, guidanceand service

At an event in Preston, Lancashire onThursday, Prime Minister David Cameronannounced that the Government’s Start UpLoans initiative will receive an additional£30million and the age range will beexpanded from 24 to 30 in order to meetdemand.

Following the announcement of extrafunding to expand the Start Up Loansscheme, young entrepreneurs pitched theirideas and all advanced to the next stage.

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“Start-Up loans are an important part of mymission to back aspiration, and all thoseyoung people who want to work hard andget on in life, so this country competes andthrives in the global race.

“It was really good to meet some brilliantentrepreneurs in Preston who have got theirloans and have got great businessesunderway. Some of them are alreadyemploying people which is great news forthem and great news for the economy.

"These loans are a brilliant way to help thisnext generation of entrepreneurs get thefinancial help - and the confidence - to turnthat spark of an idea, into a growing, thrivingbusiness.

“It is by backing our entrepreneurs andchampioning small business that we candrive forward and grow the economy, andequip this country for the highly competitiveera we are in.”

One of the young entrepreneurs whopitched, Blue from Inspire My Growth, saidof the event:

“Yesterday was an amazing opportunity… tomeet both the PM and James Caan!”

“The PM told us that for our business, InspireMy Growth, it may be an idea to focus on ayounger age range too, not only 14-23 yearolds so we can help inspire younger peopletoo! It was great to get this kind offeedback.”

“The pitch was a fabulous experience andwe learnt a lot. We had a lot of positivefeedback from people coming up andspeaking with us after the pitch who werein the audience. Many people have offeredtheir services to help us with Inspire MyGrowth so we are really pleased about this.”

“We're really excited now to be able to geta business mentor that will help us a longour way. This is amongst one of the keyreasons Inspire My Growth applied for aStart Up Loan.

Prime Minster David Cameron pledgeshis support for Young Entrepreneurs

In October 2012 the UK economyemerged from the double-diprecession when the Office of NationalStatistics announced that the UKeconomy grew by 1% in the thirdquarter of 2012.

The message from the Governmentis that the economy is on the righttrack but there is still a long way to go.

It appears that it is not all doom and gloom then… well it isn’t sunshineeither, this figure was boosted by the London Olympics and the knockon effect of less trading days in the previous quarter due to the Jubilee.The 1% growth was only equivalent to the rate of growth for the samequarter in the previous year, when, in the following quarter the UKeconomy plunged back into recession.

Will the same pattern emerge for the fourth quarter of 2012? Will wehave a triple-dip recession? We will have to wait and see but the signsare not encouraging.

Manufacturing and construction output has been struggling since 2007leaving the UK economy to be propped up by a service sector whichaccounts for approximately 75% of the UK economy. Statistics suggesthowever that the fourth quarter has not been great for the serviceindustry.

Many businesses that have survived the double-dip recession in theservice sector are saddled with unmanageable and unaffordable debtwith little chance of borrowing on bearable terms to ease the burden.

Certainly post-Christmas, pubs and restaurants find themselves in analmost intolerable position. It’s unlikely that a reduction in competitionin the market place due to business closures will improve trade giventhat consumers are more likely to be concerned with cutting theircurrent indebtedness than spending. Self-Assessments are due at the end of the month and for businessesthis maybe one time in the year that they discuss their business withtheir accountants. Do you think your business can thrive in the futureif it wasn’t for historic liabilities?

Recent Case study Partnership – Public House

Background: Historic HMRC debts due to a previous unsuccessful pubventure, all savings invested and personal debts incurred to subsidisetrading.

The opportunity arose to run a pub in a different area as tenantlandlords. The first two years trading were difficult but by concentratingon food and accommodation the partnership believed they could beprofitable moving forward. Marketing spend increased, as did turnover,costs were cut and profits were boosted by increased occupancy ratesof guest rooms. This also had a knock on effect on food and wet sales.

They approached their accountant to review the partnership;management information showed that if payments in respect ofhistoric liabilities were reduced, profits were expected going forward. The partnership was referred to Mackenzie Goldberg Johnson foradvice – the pub was in serious risk of interruption due to threats ofa bankruptcy petition from HMRC and disconnection from utilityproviders along with bailiff attendances due to non-payment ofbusiness rates.

Protection was obtained within a week of meeting with thepartnership by way of an Interim Order in the court which blockedall threatening legal actions whilst Voluntary Arrangements wereproposed to the creditors. Support of the brewery was obtained anda creditors meeting was called. After hard negotiation with HMRC theVoluntary Arrangements were approved with an estimated 17p in the£1 return for creditors from on-going trade.

The moral of this case study is to obtain advice early, a month or twolater the partnership may have ceased due to bankruptcy ordersagainst the partners or disconnection by the utility suppliers. Theconsensus from the partners was that taking advice two years earlierwould with hindsight have been a better option.

If you require any help or support please do not hesitate tocontact me on 01270 212 700 or [email protected]

Mike GillardMackenzie Goldberg Johnson

28


ADVERTORIAL

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More of a big stick than a carrot stick to get out of this dip?

29

www.sccci.co.uk

DIGITAL NEWS

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What we’ve been tweeting

Our new member portal is really starting to become a greattool for our members and we thought we would show youevery issue just whats going on! (this is one for the stats fan).From September 2012 to January 2013

The year-end review of South CheshireChamber's prominent news and events in2012 - http://bit.ly/VNJ6jw

All bukd up 4 2012's last networking eventhttp://bit.ly/UHjY1B Lukin 4wd 2 a vryChristmassy networking lunch wid ourmembers @Rookeryhall

Companies and young entrepreneurs areencouraged to apply and nominate forHigh Sheriff's Awards categorieshttp://bit.ly/e7BrEq

Listen 2 Nick Bailey, author of "Customerare F.I.C.K.L.E.” & “Get Britain Selling” at ourevent. Buk online http://bit.ly/SI95YP callChmbr

Learn about the benefits of employing anapprenticeships at our seminar. Bookonline http://bit.ly/SIaw9w or call theChamber.

Still recovering from Friday night's BizAwards. Fabulous evening celebratingCheshire's finest. Well done to our Awardwinners#SCCBA

Well done to the winners at the bizawards tonite. Thanks to all the attendeesfor making it a fabulous evening #SCCBAhttp://via.me/-6l6s03m

Why an active Presence on the SouthCheshire Chamber Portal Matters. Readour latest blog here - http://bit.ly/SkCYjS

Tell us your vision of Crewe. Complete theonline questionnaire -http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8XZ7L3R

Stay informed about the latest news andevents from the Chamber and Membersthrough our fortnightly newsletter.http://bit.ly/TlIEa4

Total Training 31

TotalEvents

39Total Chamber Events 12

Total Member Events 29

TOTAL MEMBERS 580

Total New Subscribers Since Launch: 29

Total New Members Since Launch: 85

Total Blog 48

Total News 109 Total Photos 162

TotalCompany/Employee

Photos 224TOTAL VIDEOS 18Messaging System Messages 116Total

Comments

219New Groups 8

Total Poll 6

30


ADVERTISING

Need a loan? The Chamber can helpDuring my time in the Bank I often thought of December as atime when business owners re-charged their batteries andreturned in January with fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm.Consequently this usually turned out to be our busiest time ofthe year.

Unfortunately this mood of optimism was often overtaken inJanuary by snow and ice, government cut back threats,cavernous local roads and the Third Round of the FA Cupwithout the Alex.

Nothing changed this year then, albeit, a bit like Anthea Turnerappearing in Dancing on Ice – you shouldn’t let adversity getyou down and no matter how many times you get knocked backyou need to keep going. At the Chamber we have seen a degreeof the Anthea spirit with an upturn in enquiries for funds andwe are working on a number of cases where businesses seek toprogress plans, some of which were probably formulated overthe Christmas break.

Most of these plans involve owner managed businessescovering both growth and consolidation with the Chamberremaining positive in talking to these clients and in the vastmajority of cases, supportive.

There is still scope for us to do more and we would encourageany local business or accountant to call us and discuss how the

Chamber Loan Fund can help you oryour clients.

Up to £10,000 can be provided for shortterm working capital requirements –usually repayable over a maximum 2year period with longer term projectscovering requirements up to £25,000being funded over a period of up to 5years.

Funding is designed to aid businesses tomaintain or create jobs and assist in regeneration of the localeconomy in Crewe and Nantwich.

I suppose the message is to keep positive and whilst it may besome time before we can drive along smooth road surfaces inCrewe and Nantwich or indeed until the Alex again make it tothe Third Round of the FA Cup, we live in hope that Anthea cansucceed in a Reality TV Game Show and prove to us all that ifwe remain positive and keep bouncing back then we canachieve our goal.

It’s not all doom and gloom out there! Give us a call and let ‘ssee if we can keep the current momentum going.

For further information contact me, Richard Weilding at the Chamber on01270 504700 or via e-mail on [email protected]

Business Loans ExecutiveRichard Weilding

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!

!

‘Privilege’ - pushing the boundaries

With over a decade of letting experience in Cheshire, come to your local family-owned and run independent letting specialist for a comprehensive service from experienced and caring professionals.

BMW |MINI Business PartnershipYOUR COMPANY BENEFITS.

Blue Bell.Get to know us.

Official fuel economy figures for the BMW range: Extra Urban: 26.2-78.5mpg (10.8-3.6l/100km). Urban: 14.6-56.5mpg(19.3-5.0l/100km). Combined: 20.3-68.9mpg (13.9-4.1l/100km). CO2 emissions 325-109g/km.BMW EfficientDynamics reduces BMW emissions without compromising performance developments and is standard across the model range.

Benefits include:

• Competitive contract hire rates

• Complimentary 12 month RegusGold Card Business CentreMembership

• Dedicated local business manager

• Attractive company car tax ratesthanks to low-CO2 models

• BMW and MINI Dealer customer service

• Low running costs thanks to BMWEfficientDynamics and MINIMINIMALISM

• The full range of BMW and MINIvehicles is available

Blue Bell CorporateFourth Avenue, Weston Road, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 6XH Tel: 01270 212525 www.bluebellgroup.co.uk

Whatever model of BMW you choose, you’ll find more space, comfort and power, yet fuel efficiency and CO2emissions that remain class-leading. The new BMW X1, for example, with sharper styling achieves 62.8mpg

combined and 119g/km CO2 putting it into the 17% BIK bracket and incurring £0 first year VED. Fuel economy

benefits even further from the new ECO PRO setting within Drive Performance Control, another BMW first.

ECO PRO puts the car into its most efficient state and rewards the driver by showing precisely how many

more miles can be achieved by driving in a fuel efficient manner.

With an enhanced driving experience surpassing the competitors with a chassis based on the award-winning

BMW 3 Series, Auto Start-Stop as standard on all models and a high standard specification now including

Keyless Start, Bluetooth Hands-Free, 40:20:40 Split Folding Rear Seats and 17" Alloys Wheels you benefit

from virtually no increase in on-the-road prices, starting from £24,660. For more information on any BMW

or MINI visit www.bluebellgroup.co.uk or contact Bernard Rooney on 01270 212525.

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Documents

4FRONT Magazine (Winter 2012/2013 Edition)