business life autumn 2014

BIG INTERVIEW

Majid HUSSAIN

The Magazine of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce

DEBATING CHAMBER

Construction SECTOR ANALYSIS

Energy

Autumn 2014

President’s welcome...

W elcome to our autumn edition of the magazine which features a round table discussion about the construction sector where plans are moving forward with some massive infrastructure investments across Lancashire. Our companies must be in a position to make the most of these opportunities.

In the International Trade section you can read how Lee Clarke represented your chamber at a meeting with the Chancellor, George Osbourne and find out how to enter this year’s International Trade Awards.

In our Big Interview we talk to Majid Hussain, who was awarded the MBE in June. He tells us how he and his family have built a multi-million pound business that continues to grow.

We also take a look at the energy sector and I would recommend that you take a look at the BCC’s Business Plan for Britain that can be found on our website.

If you have any views about the magazine please let us know as we are keen to hear from you.

Business Life is published by East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Editorial contacts: Darren Grantham [email protected]

Roger Edworthy [email protected]

Advertising contact: Darren Grantham [email protected] 01254 356400

Designed by: Jon Thompson

Edited by: Roger Edworthy

Photography: Big Interview - Clive Lawrence The Debating Chamber - David Severns Jones Your East Lancashire, Policy - Jon Thompson

Big Interview, Your East Lancashire & Sector Spotlight by: Kate Turner

Printed by: Media Village

Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily shared by East Lancashire Chamber.

WELCOME & CONTENTS

10

CONTENTS04 Business News

10 Debating Chamber

12 International Trade

16 The Big Interview

18 CIPS & Training

20 Sector Analysis

22 Your East Lancashire

24 Policy Spotlight

28 Chamber Networking

30 Chamber News

22

Summer 2014 | BusinessLIFE | 03

DEBATING CHAMBERCONSTRUCTION

20

THE BIG INTERVIEWMAJID HUSSAIN MBE / ACCROL

SECTOR ANALYSISENERGY

16

YOUR EAST LANCASHIREHYNDBURN

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AGENTS

Premier League new boys Burnley have appointed Cassons as their

new accountants.Cassons will support the club by carrying out the audit and providing tax, financial and general business advice.

Carlton Cooper, partner at Cassons, said: “Cassons has its roots in Burnley and there’s an immense amount of pride among our employees that we have been appointed by the club.

“Obviously we are taking up this role at a very exciting time in Burnley’s history following the club’s recent promotion to the Premier League. From a personal point of view – as a lifelong Burnley supporter and a season ticket holder – this is a very special day for Cassons.”

Under the agreement Rossendale-based Cassons will also assist the club in preparing and completing financial reports to the football authorities and provide ongoing support to Turf Moor’s new Financial Controller, Steve Cook.

Burnley FC Director Mr Clive Holt: “We are very pleased to welcome back Cassons as the club auditors and tax advisors. They are a growing local company, with many employees who are Clarets fans, and we look forward to working with them.”

Cassons have also been appointed to work for Burnley Football Club in the Community, a charitable organisation linked to the club, established to promote local community participation in recreation. Cassons will prepare and audit the financial statements of the charity and provide financial advice.

BUSINESS NEWSBUSINESS NEWS

04 | BusinessLIFE | Autumn 2014 Autumn 2014 | BusinessLIFE | 05

lackburn with Darwen has a proud history of ‘making’ with around 1 in 5 jobs in the manufacturing sector. The motto of the town is Arte et Labore – ‘by skill and hard work’. The Latin phrase sits proudly above the Town Hall and features on the Blackburn Rovers logo.

The Borough boasts household names including Graham & Brown wallpaper, John Lewis Partnership through its textile company Herbert Parkinson, along with an enviable collection of foreign-owned manufacturers including Crown Paints and Lucite International, producers of Perspex®.

With nearly 5,000 firms and 60,000 employees, and key employment specialisms in paper based products, textiles, rubber, plastics, chemicals and fabricated metal products, the borough is backed by Hive – the area’s powerful network of business leaders.

Underpinned by innovation, export, skills, unrivalled quality and customer care, find out more at www.business-hive.co.uk

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New mini Multihogs now on the marketMultihog launch their latest range of innovative multi-purpose machines in the same week as the first

batch of new MX models touch down for delivery at London Gatwick Airport. Good things come in small packages, and this is certainly the case with Multihog’s latest addition to its model range – the new narrow chassis MX series. More compact, powerful and efficient than the original MH90 model, these slim line Multihogs pack a punch when it comes to performance to offer enhanced productivity all year round.

Featuring all the advantages of the original range and more, when it comes to operator comfort and safety, with 360⁰ visibility, multi-functional joystick and finger-tip control in addition to the quick and easy changeover of attachments.

The new MX chassis widths start from just 1280mm with a low height profile beginning at only 1990mm. As such, these innovative units offer enhanced manoeuvrability around obstacles aided by way of the articulated design and are ideal in narrow urban environments, when working on pavements and pedestrianized areas as well as car parks and the head of stand at Airports.

Each model in the MX range can be made your own with the choice of an environmentally friendly 75HP, 100HP or 120HP fuel efficient Deutz 3.6 litre engine. Safeguarding you with standards for the future.

As ever, the Multihog can also be employed for a diverse range of highways, drainage, street scene, horticultural and winter maintenance applications reducing overheads whilst improving performance.

The small size of the new models reduce impact on the network, making the MX range especially ideal for patch planing on pavements and roads as well as for drainage clearance, deep street cleaning, including graffiti and chewing gum removal, as well as hot water sensor weed killing to name but a few.

Following 11 months of intensive renovations, Michelin-starred restaurant and country-house hotel Northcote has unveiled four additional guestrooms and a refurbished restaurant.

Headed up by chef patron Nigel Haworth and business partner Craig Bancroft, the hotel has been expanded with the addition of four rooms: luxuriously-appointed, each comes with its own distinct colour palette – from the grey-and-green tones of deluxe Room 16 to the soft cream and taupe of superior 19. All come with king-size beds and fine thread-count sheets, together with premium bathrooms that feature rain showers and granite vanity tops.

The restaurant has also undergone renovation works. Complete with sweeping entrance, the new dining room has been designed by Jill Holst and Jackie Dent of Ward Robinson – long-term designer-of-choice for Northcote. The restaurant can now accommodate 68 diners and cater for additional guests staying in the new rooms. Features include a custom-made chandelier – made from steel and glass icicles and measuring almost one-and-a-half metres in width – deep banquette seating and walls clad in grey silk.

To match the restaurant is a new state-of-the-art kitchen and Chef’s Table. Bookable for groups of eight, diners can enjoy the theatre of the Michelin-starred kitchen through a sliding glass partition. Exclusive use of an adjoining Champagne Courtyard – also new – comes as part of the package, together with a dedicated front-of-house team and sommelier.

The recent refurbishment follows on from the launch of the Cookery School in March and a new Staff Area complete with lounge – fitted with TV, study stations and a food and wine reference library – and canteen for complimentary staff meals.

Cassons given call up by Burnley FC

THERAGEM™ into Asian watersMedica Health International Ltd. has been honoured to be the first to host a Chinese hospital group delegation representing a number of front running hospitals on integrative medicine. The aim of this exciting trip was to expand the Theragem Fusion Light therapy technology and provide several other hospital clinics in China with Theragem devices.

CEO, Catharina Jansma said: “We warmly welcomed the delegation trip, as we mutually wanted Theragem to grow and expand in several Chinese provinces.”

The Chinese delegation was very impressed with the ongoing positive results presented by British medical specialists, local therapists and patients.

KEYFLEET acquires new clientKeyFleet, the Ribchester based fleet management experts, have recently acquired a new client in the shape of Halesowen based parts distribution specialist Globe Transport Products.

Fresh on the back of a management buy out Globe, who had recently used KeyFleet for the supply of some light commercials, have signed a contract to fully outsource their fleet management to KeyFleet.

The deal see’s KeyFleet appointed to advise and manage Globe’s senior management on compliance, fleet strategy and procurement as well as providing a dedicated fleet manager to handle the day to day pressures of managing a modern fleet operation.

Refurbishment2014 will see more guestrooms added to the hotel.

PDS (CNC) Engineering Ltd. in Nelson is proud to announce that it has secured substantial

new approvals from Rolls Royce Aerospace. The 7 additional approvals are a great achievement for a Pendle firm.“We are delighted to have gained these new approvals with Rolls Royce, one of the top Aerospace Engineering companies in the world.” PDS Managing Director Annette Weekes said. “It’s a great achievement which further strengthens our relationship with Rolls Royce.

“It shows a high level of confidence in a supplier to even be considered for these approvals so being successful is a brilliant accomplishment.

“We’re very proud to be able to call ourselves a Rolls Royce-approved company and to be flying the flag for local manufacturing”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson visited PDS to congratulate them on their success.

DOUBLE TROUBLE!No – Lisa Spann does not have an identical, but quieter, twin sister… This was the scene at the recent book launch at the Black Dog Ballroom in Manchester.

Over 35 influential business people received their free signed copy of Lisa’s brand new book: Owner’s Guide to a small Business website.

One client said of the book, “I have had no hesitation in recommending this book to others, and if you need a simple to follow, comprehen-sive source of knowledge on all things web for small to medium business, you need look no further” -

Much networking and fabulous pizza was enjoyed by all and everyone eagerly awaits husband Paul’s follow up novel / autobiogra-phy “My Life with a cardboard cutout”.

Autumn 2014 | BusinessLIFE | 07

BUSINESS NEWSBUSINESS NEWS

06 | BusinessLIFE | Autumn 2014

MARBILL celebrates 40 Marbill Developments Ltd is celebrating after reaching their 40th Birthday in the world of polyurethane and rubber manufacture.

Marbill have built a tradition of excellence in providing its customers with quality products produced to a high standard. Marbill are ISO 9002 certified, since 1990, assuring consistent quality and rigorous attention to maintaining high standards of performance.

The company was founded in Sabden in 1974. Initial activities were restricted to casting and moulding polyurethane. They then developed a process and machine to spray polyurethane. New markets opened up and the business started to grow. In 1987 Victoria Mill was acquired in Sabden, and the success of the spray process continued, with licensees operating all over Europe, including Germany, Spain, and Finland.

In 2011 Marbill moved to Simonstone, on the Time Technology Park. This enabled them to grow their roller and wheel recovering business, specialising in recoating all types of industrial rollers in a wide range of polyurethanes and rubbers.

Owner and Managing Director Mark Hargreaves, who joined the company as a young budding salesman in 1987, said “We are proud to have reached such a massive milestone. 40 years of manufacturing is a real achievement in today’s economic climate. We have a fantastic, dedicated team here, and without their efforts and enthusiasm we wouldn’t be in the position that we are now in. Our focus now is to keep developing the company, and let’s start planning for our 50th birthday!”

Mark’s son Thomas is now actively involved in the business, and with the recent acquisition of a state of the art mixing machine, the company is poised for further growth and expansion.

Hive shows Blackburn is the place to bee…The Hive, Blackburn and Darwen’s powerful network of business leaders, has been commended for the

role it plays in improving the town’s prosperity as part of the 2014 Enterprising Britain Awards.

The awards are run by the Government as a way of celebrating good practice, focusing on support for SMEs. Projects have to demonstrate how they meet strict criteria including simplifying administrative procedures and helping ensure access to new markets. In his letter of endorsement, Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: “The Hive has quickly become a leading example of getting things done through partnership working. It is supported by well-known brands and some of the borough’s most influential business people.”

Over the summer months, the Council and Hive have been keen to affirm their business credentials, attending both the International Festival for Business and the two-day ‘Made in the UK’ conference/exhibition in Liverpool. Under the town’s motto ‘Arte et Labore’ (by skill and hard work), leading members of the Hive network, including WEC Group, Precision Polymer Engineering and Promethean, flew the flag for business within Blackburn with Darwen, promoting the Borough as a place for businesses to grow and prosper, whilst ensuring that the local economy and employment opportunities continue to develop.

Outsourced Advice Puts Optima in ControlBlackburn industrial controls specialist, Optima Control Solutions Ltd, understands all about improving business performance to increase profitability. Explains CEO of Optima, Mike Hill: “Adrian and I set up the business in Blackburn in 1995 and the leading edge technology that we supply to the likes of 3M, Dupont and Akzo Nobel helped us grow quickly and significantly over the following decade.”

When it came to developing Optima’s own business and implementing strategic financial planning, however, directors Mike Hill and Dr Adrian West realised they didn’t have the in-house resources to achieve their goals and turned to chartered accountancy firm, Haworths, for help and advice.

The company preferred not to hire a full time financial director and, instead, outsourced the financial director role to Accrington-based Haworths Chartered Accountants on an as needed basis, with Haworths director, Paul Spencer, providing all the financial expertise the company could ever need.

Mike explains “Paul is there for whatever financial matters we need help with and has very much taken on a strategic role, bringing ideas and advice to the table.”

Neville Gee, the Burnley based Recruitment Agency has launched a brand new App designed to help job seekers across East Lancashire find new jobs more quickly.

“Here at Neville Gee we always try and understand the latest trends and make sure our services take best advantage of them. Consequently we have developed our own App to promote the latest ‘Hot Jobs’ to our candidates” said Tim Oldfield, Director at Neville Gee.

Developed locally, the App can be downloaded through both iTunes App Store and Google Play and is available free of charge for both iPhone and Android.

Candidates can receive details of new jobs direct to their devices as they are added daily, apply directly for roles via the App, submit their CV, register their details or just ask Neville Gee to contact them. There are also useful interview tips, links to the @geejobs twitter feed and general information about the Company.

Neville Gee launches new App

Local firm PDS CNC Engineering given the Rolls Royce seal of approval!

65 Recruitment has been established over seven years ago, in the worst downturn on record, from a standing start, we have grown and survived by consistently delivering a service with pride and professionalism.

As part of our continued improvement as we strive to maintain our quality and high standards we have now introduced DISC personality profiling which gives the client a great insight in to an individual’s personality. Dealing with people isn’t the easiest commodity and it’s not only skills that are essential but also a personality fit in to the team is just as important. Clients find the information clarifies any doubts or any unanswered questions, enabling them to make the right appointment.

Should you be interested in knowing more about our recruitment package, please don’t hesitate to contact the team on [email protected]

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BUSINESS NEWS


BUSINESS NEWS

APPOINTMENTS

Telecoms provider extends team Abbey Telecom has extended its team with the addition of Aleisha Lasiewicz and Oliver Leighton-Reardon. The decision to strengthen its existing workforce comes as a direct result of the increasing popularity of the firm’s lines and minutes packages which were introduced last year.

Abbey Telecom managing director Tony Raynor said: “More work has come in and we’ve recognised the need to boost our sales support resources accordingly.”

PM+M Appoints Tim Mills PM+M has strengthened its Corporate Finance team following the appointment of Tim Mills as a partner.

Tim has joined from Pierce Corporate Finance where he was an associate director. His new role will see him advising owner-managed companies on transactional and strategic matters. He will also be advising management teams on MBO’s and MBI’s and he will work closely with family businesses to resolve succession issues.

Forbes Expand Business Law TeamThe Business Law Team at Forbes has expanded the service offered to clients following the appointment of a Solicitor specialising in Insolvency.

Lucie Cocker has joined the Business Law Team to provide litigation advice to clients in the field of Insolvency. Lucie trained with the firm and is a highly experienced Higher Court Advocate.

Recruitment Firm Welcome Staff East Lancashire based Recruitment Consultancy Cummins Mellor add 5 new members of staff to their growing team.

Amongst the newly appointed members of staff are Helen Jackson, Head of Recruitment, Apprentice Receptionist, Natasha Ahmed and Jenny Smith.

The group, which also runs Chefs Jobs UK, has appointed Rachael Geldeard & Susannah Holden as Recruitment Assistants.

Napthens appoints finance chiefLancashire law firm Napthens has appointed a professional services specialist as its new director of finance.

Shru Morris joins the law firm having worked as an accountant at Baker Tilly and more recently at Weightmans Solicitors in Liverpool. She has experience of corporation and personal tax, mergers and acquisitions, and finance transformation projects.

Residential Conveyancing teamGrowing demand from clients has allowed the Residential Property team at Napthens solicitors to expand with the appointment of three new team members. Jayne Cassidy, Lisa Brown and Claire Ryles have joined the team at the Lancashire law firm.

VEKA - Two decades of investing in peopleBurnley based PVC-U systems supplier, and major local employer, The VEKA UK Group is proud to have had its ‘Investors in People’ status confirmed once again. The company has now continuously held this accreditation for more than 20 years.

Head of Human Resources, Gabriela Hammond explains: “We have held the IIP accreditation since 1994 and we’re delighted to have had our status confirmed once again.

“The company has grown and evolved significantly over recent years and we’re pleased to have been recognised for our unwavering dedication to the people here at VEKA, while we are going through an exciting period of change and expansion.

“On behalf of the whole team, I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone at the Burnley and Minworth Plants for all their hard work.”

Comments from the Assessor included:

‘..the review has illustrated strong commitment to people and the part they play in enabling VEKA UK Group to succeed’

‘...excellent business performance being achieved in a challenging environment is to be applauded’

‘The organisation has a strong strategic focus on Quality, Customer service and Innovation and is integrating these across all areas of the recently expanded business’

‘Clarity of purpose and clear aspiration to achieve excellence in terms of vision, values and objectives’

‘A strong desire to continually improve evident at individual, team, departmental and organisational levels’

PM+M Achieves Gold Investors in People Status

Blackburn headquartered PM+M – a leading chartered accountancy, business advisory and wealth management group – has seen its Investor in People status upgraded from Silver to Gold.

The highly respected standard is the benchmark of good people management practice and recognises the commitment of organisations that invest more in their teams. To achieve Gold recognition, businesses not only have to meet the standard 39 evidence requirements but also an additional 126 criteria. Only around 3% of IIP accredited businesses are awarded the highest accolade.

Jane Parry, lead tax and HR partner at PM+M said: “I am delighted at this recognition of the commitment to development and growth that we have made over the past few years and continue to embrace.”

PM+M also work hard to ensure the whole team contributes to the setting of its goals and it encourages personal objectives that challenge everyone in the firm to be the best that they can be. It supports employees throughout their professional qualifications, offers regular performance reviews alongside an annual personal development plan to ensure that potential does not go unfulfilled.

Jane added: “My view is that that the happiness and motivation of the team are vital to the success of any organisation. I’m certain the infectious enthusiasm generated by the team provide the impetus by which we maintain our Gold standard.”

L-R: Gemma Haythornwhite Human Resources Officer, Graham Fitton Finance Director, Dave Jones MD and Head of Human Resources, Gabriela Hammond.

Jane Parry

100m for growth

HSBC is keen to support growing, ambitious companies across Lancashire and that is why we recently launched a £100 million fund to support SMEs across this region with their growth plans.

The fund launch, which is available to businesses with a turnover of up to £30 million, is part of a wider £500 million pot of money to help businesses across the North West, and £6 billion nationally.

The driver behind the launch of this fund was the clear change in business sentiment over the past 6 to 12 months; we have seen many businesses across the patch bring forward investment plans and are looking to capitalise on the economic recovery to invest in growth.

East Lancashire is an area from which we are seeing strong demand for finance from SMEs, so please talk to us about your expansion plans.

To speak to HSBC about its £100 million SME fund in Lancashire, please contact Jason Gledhill on 07920 416419 or email Jason at [email protected]

£ he Cardboard Box Company was acquired by local businessman Peter Street in 1999.

Since then the company has grown from £3m t/o employing 55 people to £12m employing 65 people. Growth underpinned by continuous investment.

Whilst the core business of supplying local manufacturing companies with all manner of corrugated packaging has continued apace, today CBC products are in all supermarkets as shelf ready packaging and point of sale displays, plus promotional packaging in high end retailers. Indeed CBC is the recommended UK supplier of duvet boxes into John Lewis.

Design projects include Blackburn Youth Zone, Graham & Brown and Red Bull Flugtag.

Excitingly CBC is currently awaiting patents on several types of backlit signage.

Please come and visit us. It’s not just a cardboard box!

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How well is Lancashire’s construction sector geared up to benefit from £1 billion worth of investment earmarked for the region?

Mike Damms: Lancashire, and East Lancashire in particular, has suffered from a historic lack of both public and private investment in the sector. The consequence of this is an underdeveloped local supply chain and the risk of not having enough people with construction skills to take advantage of the new opportunities.

Peter Boys: There is indeed a lack of resources in construction with insufficient skilled trades-people and too few capable sub-contractors. And what we are finding is that where there are skills they are concentrated in house-building.

Steve Housden: We have a problem in attracting people. The image of the industry is not a particularly good one. How do we get that message across?

Janet Cottam: I think there are too many management companies not directly employing trades people. It’s all sub-contracted out. We have experience of ‘subbing’ to the larger contractors but it doesn’t particularly work for us - the bigger companies cut subcontractors to the bone.

Diane Green: Some companies who used to take on apprentices will now try and send this down the supply chain. This puts pressure on the supply chain to take on apprentices regardless of whether it's appropriate, thinking it's the only way to get the contract.

Peter Boys: From our point of view resources are in such short supply you can’t afford to dedicate someone to train a young person.

John Dickinson: In architecture and in our practice we want to grow our business via apprenticeships but training young people is a long process. It will take at least 12 months before we can get anything productive out of them.

Steve Housden: It’s not just being about a plasterer or a joiner, it’s also about architecture and design. We’ve lost 309,000 people in the recession and 420,000 people will retire in the next 5 years.

David Inman: I work on some of the large projects and you see contractors from all over the country. What young people coming into the industry don’t understand is that sometimes location isn’t a choice. Working for some companies can be like joining the armed forces

in that you may be posted into the middle of London until the contract is over.

Gary Clarkson: We’ve always taken on a number of apprentices and we’re glad we have. Unless we do that there is very little available for the smaller contractors.

Mike Damms: The next question is about the likes of the Nuclear Industry, Network Rail and all the Local Authorities. How good are they at specifying what you can and can’t do in contracts? They could push suppliers down the local track.

Steve Housden: Procurement is one of the biggest areas where an impact can be made. We set up the National Skills Academy for Construction Client Based Approach. The approach is a tool to look at the legal aspects surrounding OJEU through the tendering process and including apprenticeships and two tier contracting where they utilise not just their own supply chain but the local supply chain.

David Inman: All the work goes to the larger practices because of all their requirements. You are told you must get Achilles Building Confidence or you won’t get any work. The cost and resources required is keeping the small business out of the market.

How do we bolster Lancashire’s construction sector?

John Dickinson: The way that we would bolster our practice and compete is about having that vision of future work which enables you to bring in apprentices or take on specialist senior managers. If specifying suppliers sits with us in a traditional manner work will go to local contractors.

David Inman: I got involved in a skills project a few years ago when we were trying to make construction attractive to 14 year olds. We need to concentrate in schools on maths and English and physics, if you’re looking at engineering.

Peter Boys: Part of the answer for me is that you’ve got to be able to offer that career path to people and at the moment we’re sub-contracting.

Diane Green: We’re now offering a two year advanced apprenticeship aimed at people who have just completed A levels covering such thing as surveying, estimating, planning site supervision etc.

Gary Clarkson: We need help in getting on to the bigger frameworks. The bigger contractors are on there and we need to learn to expand in that direction. We need to learn how to grow because we are the ones that employ people.

Diane Green: We’ve just started offering business awareness workshops and we do business and skills reviews with companies and part of that review is about helping that business grow, looking at procurement and a leadership diagnostic tool.

Mike Damms: As these projects move forward there will start to be a demand. People have to understand that they are going to have to establish supply chains. Contracts have to run to timescales and those putting out tenders go for the safe option. One of the challenges is for the sector to come together much as the Aerospace Alliance has.

The sector has a huge advantage in that it has a CITB, if you train you get recompensed and if you don’t train you get costs.

The next challenge is on people like the Chamber who can now tell companies what is round the corner next year, in five years and possibly further ahead than that.

Is their sufficient support for construction in the region?

David Inman: Do we need the grants? Does your accountant give his services for free? There have been too many business support services that are free. What’s wrong with charging for things that give value in a commercial world?

Diane Green: A lot of the support we offer is not free. A lot of our support is geared toward

smaller businesses and it’s putting back something from the levy. Every company hates paying levy so they like to get value from it, that is why some of the things that we do appear to be free.

Janet Cottam: Going back to the PQQ’s, I think some of the questions that are asked are very difficult for small companies to understand. I think it would help if in the public sector they said at values of £50, 000 to £200,000 a certain size of company could go for them and say, at the next level larger companies would go for them. The larger companies employ people to complete PQQs while we don’t.

David Inman: Some of the questions I see are copied and pasted from large contracts and some are ridiculous questions.

John Dickinson: One of the schemes we are working on at present you have to use local contractors and part of our duty is to ensure that those small contractors are qualified to do the work and make sure there is assistance to complete the PQQs because small companies just don’t have the resources to do it.

We don’t get any support but we don’ expect it. There’s no real help but we invest as we want to establish our business. We find young people are so IT literate that they can pick up 3D design tools.

Peter Boys: I think in manufacturing there is support there because it can go into something more tangible like a machine. In the construction industry it’s much more difficult.

Gary Clarkson: If there is access to funding and help it’s a good thing. In the past there was a good supply of courses to help support your staff for example, health & safety.

Mike Damms: We’ve raised a lot of issues which need to be taken to the LEP and there is no reason why what has been done for manufacturing can’t be applied to construction.

CONSTRUCTIONTHE DEBATING CHAMBER

We’ve lost 309,000 people in the recession and 420,000 people will retire in the next 5 years.


David Inman

Left to right: Janet Cottam - Bryan Lee Building Contractors Ltd, John Dickinson - The Intelligent Design Centre, David Inman - DIEM Ltd, Peter Boys - Boys Holdings Ltd, Michael Damms - East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Gary Clarkson - Rosslee Construction, Steve Housden and Diane Green - CITB

Diane Green

Gary Clarkson

Janet Cottam

John Dickinson

Mike Damms

Peter Boys

A cross the region there is more than £1 billion of investment. The LEP has £232m of investment ranging from road systems around Preston to the development of Burnley Bridge and

the Cathedral Quarter in Blackburn. However East Lancashire has roughly half to two thirds of the level of employment in construction you would expect. So where you would expect us to have 20,000 people involved in construction we’ve got more like 11,000.

you’ve got to be able to offer that career path to people

The Debating Chamber is sposored by:

Chamber Member Talking at the Top Table

The Chancellor of the Exchequer met with 12 British Chambers of Commerce existing and potential export champions to discuss how HM Government could best support their growth ambitions. Among them

was East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce member, Lee Clarke, MD Clarke & Clarke, who design and distribute quality furnishing fabrics & wallpapers to retailers and interior designers around the world.Mr Clarke told the Chancellor “We rely heavily on exhibiting at overseas fairs, both to increase business with existing customers and more importantly to meet new customers. We are constantly coming up against the same old barriers. Where lots of our competitors are being helped financially by their respective governments we get very little help which is putting us in a disadvantaged position from the word go.

He added “I would like to be able to exhibit at more overseas fairs and am convinced that doing this would increase our export sales considerably, but cannot justify the huge up-front investment and therefore need our government’s help. Would the Chancellor examine the case to further increase direct support for foreign travel and overseas trade exhibitions through UKTI?”

Chamber members from across the country quizzed the Chancellor making suggestions of actions he could take to boost UK exports. It is hoped that many of these suggestions are incorporated into the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement or become part of a programme for government for 2015-2020.

CHAMBER FOREIGN EXCHANGEFor companies trading internationally, fluctuating exchange rates can be difficult to manage and hard to budget for.

1Plan for risk: Planning is the first step to managing your FX risk. Agreeing on a budgeted exchange rate for the year

will guide your transactions. Planning ahead will help protect your business from foreign exchange risk and enable you to benefit from any exchange rate movements which are in your favour.

2Understand your business objectives: It is important to know what degree of risk your company is willing to take and how

much your FX exposure could impact.

3Develop a foreign exchange policy and review it regularly: It is important that your policy complies with and works

towards overall strategy and objectives.

4Take information from a variety of sources: Information from varied market sources means a rounded view. Chamber

Foreign Exchange Dealers are MSTA (Members of the Society of Technical Analysts) qualified.

5Choose a strategy that suits your requirements: With your policy in place it is time to review the FX tools that you

can use to manage your exposure. Spot and Forward contracts and market orders can work individually or together to form a tailored foreign exchange strategy.

6Get the timing right: Timing is key to managing FX risk. To take advantage of positive movements in the markets and to

protect against negative fluctuations, you need to be informed at all times.

7Don’t be tempted to gamble on the FX markets: While it’s tempting to take a punt on the markets, abandoning your FX policy

can increase your risk. Extreme movements in the markets can catch you out.

9 Manage your business relationships: Tracking payments through the authorisation process is important in

maintaining good supplier relationships.

10Communicate and review: Reporting clarity enables your business to ensure it’s adhering to its

foreign exchange policy and making the most of movements in the markets. It’s best to choose a system which will have access to sophisticated reporting tools, enabling you to keep track of deals, payments and the progress of your chosen strategy.


As a region of manufacturers we don’t often proclaim our good news stories. We are too busy making and selling things to preserve our worldwide reputation for quality, reliability and consistency. Here at the Chamber we have received some particular good news.

Our accreditation by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is designed to evaluate and improve the performance of local Chambers of Commerce. It entitles those Chambers that meets the standards to become a member of the BCC accredited network. Your Chamber has achieved the status of excellence in three areas; Partnerships across the Region, Training and International Trade. We already have the excellence award in Certification. International trade is imperative not just for our region but for the national agenda and having a Chamber on your doorstep to offer the right support, advice and guidance is significant to achieving that business growth.

Nik Wilson, MD of Specialist Material Handling said “Time is precious when you are running a small business. We found ourselves being faced with numerous enquiries from overseas and not really sure how to deal with them. We found having access to one of the Chamber’s International Trade Specialists totally invaluable. Our sessions have helped us to sift out time-wasters, realise our growth ambitions and develop our international offer. Without it we wouldn’t have had the knowledge or confidence to go beyond the UK border”

We are pleased to receive this excellence status and proud to be part of a strong business community with a historic international trade culture, growing from strength to strength, year on year, for which we thank you for.

<Mandy Lockett> International Trade & Training Director>

<[email protected]>

Clarke & Clarke an Exporting Success Story

In a region lauded for its manufacturing excellence in specialist areas such as aerospace and automotive, there lies a hidden gem of creativity in the Rossendale Valley.

Clarke & Clarke are an internationally recognised designer of quality furnishing fabrics and wallpapers to interior designers worldwide. “We have an excellent team here at Clarke & Clarke and I never ceased to be impressed by the work ethic of people in this area”, says Lee Clarke, Managing Director.

Lee is mindful that growth may not be as spectacular in the future but in turn this has focused him and the business on strategy going forward. He said “Being in a creative market, product excellence and innovation will always be a main driver of business growth.” He added “There is a high expectation of service from all our customers and we constantly strive to improve our service levels. We have recently obtained grant funding with the support of the Chamber of Commerce and all our considerable investment will be on improving product but especially service.”

The company has been exporting for over 8 years. Lee would encourage business to be positive when approaching overseas markets. “Doing business overseas is no more difficult than doing business in the UK” .

“I do not think we value our British credentials as highly as we should and as highly as many of our International customers do. They love British design, quality and trading standards and this should not be underestimated.”

Lee’s top tip for business’s looking to enter export markets would be to undertake your market research.

• TRAVELLERS TALES •

Any country with a different time zone can be a challenge, therefore +3GMT in the UAE was going to be no different. We had a tight schedule starting with an overnight flight from

Manchester to Dubai. Our busy schedule meant an early morning meeting with our customer at 8.30 local time, this being 5.30 GMT, just hoping we could get a bit of sleep on the flight. The nature of the visit was 15 containers of goods to be transferred from the duty free zone across the border including liaising with the warehouse holding our stock to arrange the move and the challenge of ensuring the commercial invoices were in place and duty payments achieved.3 hours in to the flight I knew sleep was going to evade me and talked myself in to trying a movie, looking round at all the people sleeping didn’t help! We arrived in Dubai at 7, quick dash to the hotel, quick change and to the customer site. Full of cold and lack of sleep I set about discussing the logistics of the move and the requirements needed, all the while conscious that I was glazing over and hoping that I wasn’t showing signs of lack of professionalism. 2 hours in, we settled on how the move would happen and time lines to suit both parties, exiting the meeting room in 42 degrees heat, to be picked up by our next contact, the Head of Operations for our 3rd party storage site.

We had about a 1 hour drive in to the free zone, so a bit of recharge the battery time, before the next meeting. To my delight we were taken for bit of lunch, which allowed me to gather my thoughts and prepare for the discussion ahead. Our customer insisted we try the local cuisine, so off we went for a meze of Middle Eastern cuisine, a delight of many different fishes and couscous style dips and sauces, just what I needed to wake up the brain.

Onwards to the warehouse where we couldn’t have received a kinder reception, the local hospitality was second to none... We couldn’t have chosen a better 3rd party to be working with.

The next day was a little unusual as it was a Friday, and Friday in Dubai is the day of rest, we had managed to arrange 2 other supplier visits which were very casual as it was our honour to actually be allowed time on the Sabbath day. Always one to note when visiting Dubai is to factor in the non-working Friday.

Saturday morning we used as an opportunity to visit one of our new suppliers before heading back to the airport for a lunchtime flight back to Manchester.

A manic few days with an equally hectic schedule, nevertheless a great experience of culture and working practice in Dubai.

Dubai in a flash

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Optima Secure Multimillion Order

Local company Optima Control Solutions who specialise in producing Industrial Automation and Control Systems have secured a multimillion pound order to supply an installation in

South Korea supported by their local Nat West Bank and the ‘Export Working Capital Scheme’ from UK Export Finance.

The project for Korea is a Lithographic Aluminium Plate Coating and Cut-to-Length line. The line processes coils of high-grade aluminium by cleaning and chemically preparing the aluminium surface for a light or heat sensitive coating to be applied. The coating is then dried, hardened and cut-to-length. Once cut the plates are stacked in a way that allows uninterrupted production. The finished product is used in the print industry in offset printing applications.

Managing Director of Optima Michael Hill says “Having obtained the order it was important to have the necessary financial resource in place to fulfill this. The process of obtaining the funding support was not easy but I would still encourage other businesses to investigate the schemes that are available, especially where it allows them to progress orders.”

Here are 10 top tips...

Sponsored by:

TOP10TIPS

Excellence in International Trade

<Chris Fothergill> <General Manager,>

<Operations at Simon Jersey>

...has been a massive success in Brazil

Trooper Premium British Beer is the fastest selling UK ale into Export ever and this is down to a number of key components, firstly Iron Maiden have a fanatical fan following all over the world, secondly the beer is

an excellent example of a Premium British beer and the right export partners in markets across the globe have embraced the brand and turned it into a worldwide success.

Sovereign Beverage Company (SBC) is the export partner to Frederic Robinsons Brewery in Stockport, brewers of Trooper Beer. It was imperative that SBC partnered with the correct importers to ensure brand development and routes to market were achieved for an already thirsty Iron Maiden customer base.

SBC have three established importers in Brazil and selected the importer who already sold Frederic Robinsons products. They provided a comprehensive sales plan. Trooper is now in over 700 Accounts across 9 states of Brazil including the leading retail chains in Brazil Pao de Acucar and Carrefour.

LATIN AMERICA is full of Opportunities for NW Companies

Back in the 1800s, 40% of UK exports went to Latin America. Today countries such as Germany trades 4 times more than the UK with the region which indicates the huge potential the UK and North West region has to increase trade.

The North West region has seen a 41% increase in exports to Latin America in the last 5 years with the food, beverage, animal & vegetable oil products, oil & minerals, and machinery sectors driving the export growth, excluding services.

With a population of 589 million, an estimated regional growth of around 3.2% for 2014, and a growing middle class with disposable income

larger than India and China combined; this region is not to be ignored by UK companies.

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce recently hosted ‘Doing Business in Latin America’ event,

which introduced NW companies to export opportunities with particular emphasis on Brazil,

Colombia, Chile and Mexico. The event was part of an initiative called ‘The International UK Business

Network’, which is linking UK companies to overseas chambers and British Business centres from 41 countries

to help them succeed in high growth and hard to access emerging markets.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE


Sponsored by:

How to export successfully1: Research your chosen market for the potential of your product.

2: Chose your importer and partners in market carefully. (Ensure they have experience with the products you are selling as they will advise on all product regulations for that specific country as these can change on a regular basis).

3: Understand all shipping cost, import taxes and duties as these can have a major effect on your products eventual sell out price.

4: Your importers will be your salesforce ensure they have the drive and commitment for your product. Plus the financial capability to manage your product successfully in market now and in the future.

5: Agree strict payment terms and if you offer credit terms ensure you have credit insurance.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLUB MEETING DATES:

25 SEP 2014 Foreign Exchange, Insurance, South Korean Business Culture & Case Study: ACDC LED Ltd

6 NOV 2014 Future of Global Logistics, Insurance, French Business Culture

5 DEC 2014 International Trade Club Awards & Gala Luncheon

For further information contact Marie White on: 01254 356448 / [email protected]

J It’s going to be a

‘Dickens’of a timeat this year’s International Trade Club Awards

With less than 3 months to go to our awards on December 5th there’s ‘Great Expectations’ about who will win. All ‘Our Mutual Friend(s)’ will be gathered to celebrate another year of success. You don’t want to be the ‘The Uncommercial Traveller’ so join our team of winners.

The categories in this year’s award are:p Outstanding Exporter Achievement p Outstanding Import Achievement p Newcomer to International TradeTo find out more about our awards check out awards page on the international section of our website. The closing date for entries is Friday, November 28th.

International Trade Club Awards & Gala LuncheonDon’t be a Scrooge like character. Join us for our ‘Christmas Carol’ extravaganza at the Mercure Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Friday December 5th, 2014.

Enjoy a delicious 3 course Christmas Fayre lunch. Be entertained with our Dickensian Murder Mystery. It’s now Christmas morning and Scrooge will be making the Free Prize Draw.

Tickets: £25+VAT each, table of 8 £175+VAT International Trade Club Members - Free

The ultimate business celebration

Sponsored by

Will Jackson – Export Sales M

anager, Sovereign Beverage

Majid Hussain MBE

Accrol Papers

THE BIG INTERVIEW

Autumn 2014 | BusinessLIFE | 17 16 | BusinessLIFE | Autumn 2014

But in 2007 he made an unlikely move and left the legal profession to work for his family’s business producing toilet rolls.

The 37 year-old from Accrington is now CEO of award-winning Accrol Papers, and has been credited for building the business into the fourth largest soft tissue converter in the UK.

The business based at Roman Road and Davyfield Road on the Roman Road Industrial Estate, currently employees more than 300 members of staff, and has a turnover in excess of a £100 million, a far cry from its humble beginnings.

The firm was set up in 1993 by his parents Jawid and Mahroof Hussain in a 200 year old Victorian mill in Accrington.

Majid said: “My parents decided to produce toilet rolls as it is something everyone uses, something for which there isn’t a real substitute, that didn’t have a shelf life and that didn’t change with fashion.”

On their first day they had five members of staff, including family members, but by the end of their first year the turnover was £150,000.

Despite having success, Majid said their biggest challenge was making a name for themselves in an industry that was dominated by three multinationals.

The firm stayed in Accrington until 1996 when they moved premises to a mill in Roe Lee, Blackburn. The mill was six times larger which allowed for more machinery to be installed and staff numbers to increase to 30.

However, the major turning point for the firm was in 2006 when they moved to their current site where they built a new factory and bought new modern equipment for the first time.

“In 2006 we innovated the product both in terms of quality and appearance. Also when we moved to Blackburn our capacity pretty much quadrupled over night.”

But rather than sitting back and enjoying their success, Accrol has constantly tried to improve and has increased their range to include kitchen towels, facial tissues, napkins and hospital rolls.

The Roman Road and Davyfield Road site has also undergone five expansions to allow production to increase.

The company currently supplies most of the major supermarkets and high street retailers across the UK.

Majid added: “What you can’t do in business is stand still, there will always be people snapping

away at your heels so you have got to keep growing your business, modernising and investing in all areas..

“What we have done over the years is we have invested very heavily in the latest technology available which means we have been, and continued to have the ability to produce products which are of the highest quality and we are constantly innovating.”

Although Majid had been reluctant to join the family business as a teenager, in 2007 he felt that the time was right to make the transition following a successful six year career as a barrister.

He said: “By about 2000 I sort of saw where the business could be and even though I didn’t have any plans to join the business, at the back of my mind there was this feeling that inevitably I may end up in the business one day.”

He joined the company working in sales for three years before taking over his father’s position as MD.

In June he was awarded an MBE for services to business and the community in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Whilst in July Accrol completed a £66 million deal with NorthEdge Capital which will allow the business to accelerate its growth plans in the coming years.

Despite their success the firm remains very much rooted to East Lancashire with 90 per cent of their employees coming from the region.

Majid said: “We are Accrington born and bred. The name of the business comes from the area with

the ‘Acc’ standing for Accrington and ‘rol’ from toilet roll.

“We still live in Accrington in a house 100m from where we lived growing up.”

The firm is anticipating that in the next 18 months they will create another 100 jobs as they plan to

establish another site in Blackburn with Darwen.

Majid puts their accomplishments down to working together as a family. His father is still

on the board of directors and his brothers work in operational and finance.

He added: “Although it does have its moments we have a very good relationship. It works well because we have different skill sets and roles. All family members and employees have a very strong work ethic which has contributed greatly to our success.”

We are Accrington born and bred. The name of the business comes from the area with the ‘Acc’ standing for Accrington and ‘rol’ from toilet roll.”

Me & My ChamberMajid said: “If you are stuck for anything

they are on the end of the phone and if they haven’t got the answer they will always point you in the direction of where you can get the answer.

“That’s particularly the case for a lot of small businesses seeking advice or people looking at starting a business and who would not necessarily know how to go about setting up a new business. Knowing what help is available, about raising finance, exporting and approaching customers and suppliers etc is invaluable.

“But even for a business our size there are times when we are unsure how to do something and often the Chamber will be approached.”

Working as a high flying London barrister Majid Hussain had what a lot of people would consider a dream job.

We still live in Accrington in a house 100m from where we lived growing up.”

CIPS & TRAINING


CIPS & TRAINING

Be Connected to SucceedDo you link in? Do you facebook? Perhaps you tweet? Or maybe you even dare to speak to people, you know, face-to-face?

However you connect with people it’s important that you do just that. Connect with people.

Whether you are looking to expand your professional network, reaching out to a support group, or just looking to make new friends, it’s important that you connect. If increasing your professional circle is your goal, you might get yourself a LinkedIn account and hook up with everyone you work or study with. Then you might look to try to get introductions for their networks. Then, once on the map, connections might even start to come to you. However, to truly connect, nothing beats direct one-to-one contact, in person. It helps to build important elements of relationships that are difficult on social media: rapport, confidence and trust; to be able to put your true personality into it.

It can be daunting meeting people; outside of your comfort zone even. But if you need to network then clearly your comfort zone isn’t giving you what you need. If it’s a professional event, seek out those individuals whom you do want as part of your network – it’s about quality not quantity. A little prep can help, have a focus, a goal, but don’t be cynical about it. Like any relationship, being yourself is absolutely vital. If it feels unnatural to you, the person you are talking to is probably thinking the same thing. No-one likes a phoney.

he Lancashire Telegraph & Citizen series are helping an increasing number of businesses reach more of their target customers than ever before as we now reach 696,860* unique visitors a month online. With a wide variety of digital marketing solutions at our fingertips we can also reach your potential customers wherever they may be looking on the web.

Centring around how and where customers are now researching and making buying decisions, our digital solutions range from highly targeted advertising that reaches local people by age, gender and interests, through to website design and much more.

Our approach is simple. We consult with you about your business to understand more about your customers and your key business objectives. We will then provide you with a tailored solution to meet your budget, timescales and customer growth needs.

For a free consultation contact Tim Wright on 07880 095253 or [email protected]

*Source: ABC/Omniture Jan-Jun 2014

T

We are now recruiting in the following courses:

Call us on: 0845 607 1770 / Email: [email protected] the best you can be. Join us:

Your Chamber is a Centre of Excellence for the Chartered Institute for Purchasing & Supply training over 300 procurement, purchasing and supply chain specialists.

Diploma in procurement and supply ww

w.cipsbt.co.uk

cipstraining

Outstanding Training for Purchasing Professionals

Advanced diploma in procurement and supply

Professional diploma in procurement and supply

It delivers CIPS training to over 300 students 100 of which are distance learning students from across the globe and has achieved a record intake for its Lancashire 2014/15 programme.

The success and growth is down to long term investment by the Chamber in developing new commercial business opportunities and the passion and commitment of the team who excel in all aspects of delivery and client relationship management.

The Chamber’s clients include many forward thinking local businesses and organisations whose vision and objective is to ensure their procurement teams are professionally qualified and achieve the global standard ‘MCIPS’, Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply.

The client portfolio a includes the Bank of England, Virgin Trains, Northern Rail, Bentley Motors, Rolls Royce, & the National Crime Agency - a client list to be very proud of. Students are already bringing a return on investment for their companies by making significant savings and streamlining systems and processes across the board.

Scott Johnson, Engineering, Training and Competence Manager at Northern Rail said “The feedback from our attendees is unanimously positive and there is high praise for both the relevance of the course content and the professional manner in which it has been delivered.”

Another client Richard Longden from Anixter said “We are seeing a real behavioural change in our previously CIPS qualified people. Their thought processes and actions are indicative of their studies and I understand they are instrumental in some new ideas in our business, which is both pleasing and satisfying they are able to put theory into practice.”

If you haven’t heard of the following negotiation techniques Old Mother Hubbard, the Nibble, the Snow job, the Salami sandwich then you need to contact us now and ensure you get the best end result and contract for your company and your supplier

Our second flagship programme which receives outstanding feedback is our 8 day Tomorrow Leaders Today programme, viewed as life

changing by many of our clients. With the behavioural profiling tool Myers Briggs step 2 and 360 feedback this programme offers an in depth insight into your personal leadership styles and preferences, emotional intelligence, people and performance management.

One of our students from PM&M Chartered Accountants in Blackburn described the course as “Exceptionally inspirational and will definitely use in my life both personally and professionally”

Speaking after Northern Rail had sampled our CIPS training Scott Johnson, Engineering, Training and Competence Manager at Northern Rail “We would like to continue and further develop the productive relationship between our organisation’s and believe that the proposed

leadership program we have discussed, will be of huge benefit to Northern Rail in the near future. “

The Chamber is now delighted to confirm it has just won a major contract to deliver its flagship programme to over 130 middle

senior managers.

The numbers continue to grow with many local business and companies putting huge emphasis on the skills gaps and investing in their people and teams.

To take advantage of our highly effective training programmes please contact: LINDA JAMIESON on 01254 356400.

Exceptionally inspirational and will definitely use in my life both personally and professionally”

The feedback from our attendees is unanimously positive”

Chamber Business Training is the highly successful training division of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce. It has recently retained its Centre of Excellence status with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply and has been commended in many areas for its examination results, retention and exceptional student and client feedback.

Delivering Excellence in Procurement & Leadership

By Stuart Quinn Chair, CIPS Branch

ENERGY


SECTOR ANALYSIS

ance Mason are an ambitious legal firm who understand that in a competitive professional services sector, it is our members who make all the difference; that is why they are regarded as our number one asset.

At Lance Mason we respect and encourage the diversity that exists in our organisation and embrace its contribution to our success.

We strive to have the very best people and we support a culture where every employee’s ambitions, aspirations and development needs are at the heart of our employment proposition. These considerations are carefully assessed at the recruitment stage to ensure that we can create solid long term relationships from day one. It is our intention not only meet but exceed expectations of each member, this is regardless of background, ethnicity, sex or age. We employ members based on quality, drive, ambition and their desire to be a success in line with Lance Mason’s future vision.

Please contact us if you would like to discuss our approach to diversity at [email protected]

L

The Regional Energy Market

Concerns have been mounting that electricity generators in the UK are struggling to meet energy demands. With only around 5 per cent spare capacity estimated for winter, regulators are warning that if a major power plant was forced to close

or there are problems with importing gas, then there would be virtually no excess left.

NUCLEAR... a reliable energy source

Nearly 60 years after the world’s first commercially operated nuclear power plant opened in Cumbria, Britain is once again at

the forefront of the market. In recent years nuclear energy has been regarded as vital to tackle global warming and offering a reliable energy supply.

A spokesman for Westinghouse Electric Company in Cumbria said: “Nuclear energy provides Britain with energy security by reducing the country’s dependence on foreign imports.

“Additionally, it also provides ‘base-load’ electricity, the minimum amount of energy needed to power the grid, without air pollution and exceptionally low carbon emissions.”

Currently around 19 per cent of the UK’s electricity is provided by 16 reactors, creating 60,000 jobs through the nuclear supply chain. Support for nuclear energy is increasing with more than 70 per cent of people in the UK now believing nuclear power should be a part of future energy sources.

He added: “There are challenges to achieving a new build programme, but if government, regulators and industry work together, these can be overcome.

“There are currently plans for new build programmes which include new reactors at Hinkley Point in Somerset, Wylfa on Anglesey and for three Westinghouse AP1000® reactors at Moorside in Cumbria.”

Is solar power the answer?

The Government has pledged to secure future energy supplies in the UK and reduce carbon emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. As a renewable energy source that is easily accessible to the public, they have been keen to push the use of solar power.

Unlocking Lancashire’s natural gas

In the next few years the method of extracting natural gas from shale rock in the UK is planned to rise. Energy company Cuadrilla announced in 2011 that they had discovered 200 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas in place within the Bowland shale in Lancashire.

The firm says that the natural gas found could help to provide much needed energy to the UK. “The gas trapped within this rock is no different to the natural gas which we all use every day in our homes, businesses and communities.

“If even a fraction of this could be extracted at a commercial rate then this could have a positive effect on the UK’s energy mix.”

They believe this untapped energy resource, the natural gas from shale has the potential to boost the UK’s gas production and generate tax revenue. It will also reduce the UK’s dependency on vulnerable and expensive foreign energy.

Earlier this year planning applications for two new shale gas exploration sites at Roseacre Wood and Preston New Road were submitted. Lancashire County Council has undertaken a public and stakeholder consultation and a decision is expected by the end of the year. If granted they propose to drill, hydraulically fracture and test the flow of gas from up to four exploration wells at each site.

He added: “We are also proposing to install a network of monitoring stations within a 4km radius of each site, which would be used to monitor seismicity before, during and after operations.

“By unlocking the natural gas trapped in the shale rock deep underground we could have an energy source to heat Lancashire homes and businesses for many decades to come.”

THURSDAY 30TH OCTOBER 2014Meeting and Making Opportunities

> Update on developments in energy – including Nuclear and Shale > Raising awareness of the many opportunities for Manufacturers > Introducing major supply chain contacts in growing sectors > Identifying support available for manufacturers

An exclusive networking opportunity for Manufacturers

For further details on timings, venue, speakers and to register contact ABI PEAKE at [email protected]

Joe Howe, Professor at The University of Chester and Director of the Thornton Energy Institute said: “In the UK all existing coal fired power stations are over 40 years old and with one exception all nuclear plants are over twenty-five years old, thus rendering them much less resilient to cope with unexpected events.

“The National Grid has already announced a scheme to pay offices and factories for reducing energy use between November and February.

“The potential rationing of energy could result in further raising energy prices for consumers.”

Professor Howe believes there is a pressing need to build energy resilience through the development of localised networks and systems that consumer’s can have confidence in.

He added: “Government, industry and academia need to collaborate closely to ensure the security of a safe energy supply that embraces a balanced mix of energy sources.

“The North West of England is ideally placed to lead this agenda. The region has a long tradition

of energy innovation with a diverse range of businesses in the energy supporting over 32,000 jobs and a £3.2 billion economic contribution.

“Coal, nuclear, building services engineering and more recently renewables and gas define the region and when combined with a strong emphasis on innovation through its science parks and £2billion spend on research and development,

the region can quite rightly claim to be the UK’s energy hub.”

The region is in a strong position to deliver meaningful change to the UK energy system through demonstrating

concepts at scale, supporting product innovation and defining new systems of energy resilience.

Regulators have warned that the country is entering into a period of unprecedentedly low capacity margins. With an estimated 5% spare capacity projected for this winter, should a major power plant have to close or if there are problems with importing gas then there is virtually no excess left.

Coal, nuclear, building services engineering and more recently renewables and gas define the region

Manufacturers Conference in Lancashire

In recent years there has been a significant rise in the number of people who have purchased solar systems for their homes and businesses.

Simon Bland director of Solarlec PV Solutions says that there are numerous benefits to having the small-scale renewable energy systems installed. He said: “In 2010 the government launched the Feed-In Tariff (FiT) scheme which gives a financial incentive to homeowners and businesses if they generate their own renewable energy.

“A 4kWp well sited PV solar panel system will generate predicted savings in electricity of £14,791 over 25 years.

“The FiT payments over 20 years would be £19,621. Overall, this could provide a combined benefit of £34,412 over a 25-year period.

“By presenting a generous average annual earning, it is felt that solar electricity will become a popular option for homeowners.

“Energy bills are continuing to rise and could be unaffordable in a few years. According to new research, if pricing trends continue, the average household energy bill will exceed £1,500 by 2015.

“This means that almost six in ten households are likely to go without adequate heating and almost four in ten will switch their heating off.”

AGR Final assembly

YOUR EAST LANCASHIRE


YOUR EAST LANCASHIRE

BURNLEY Double Signing at Burnley BridgeTwo more tenants have signed up at at the 70-acre Burnley Bridge Business Park.

Birchall Foodservice, a catering wholesaler currently based in Hapton, Burnley, has taken the 64,100 sq ft Cobalt Building. Whilst Lancashire-based Equinox Building Services Ltd, a general builder, electrical contractor and groundworks specialist, has taken a 3,500 sq ft unit at Magnesium Court.

RIBBLE VALLEY Business AwardsNominations have now closed for the Ribble Valley Business Awards .The judging is now underway and preparations are being put in place for the Awards Ceremony on Thursday 9th October at Bashall Barn, Bashall, Clitheroe.

PENDLE College signs up to support skills agendaNelson and Colne College has signed up to support a £5.6 million programme that will provide new skills to thousands of employees across Lancashire.

Lancashire Skills Support for the Workforce (LSS) aims to support 3,817 employees aged 19 and over who are working in the county’s small and medium sized businesses.

Businesses in Nelson and Colne that qualify for the scheme will receive a free training needs analysis.

ROSSENDALE Business Awards The awards are presented by Valley at Work. Nominations opened on August 18th 2014 and close on September 30th. The 2014 awards will take place on 12th November 2014 at the Riverside in Whitworth.

BLACKBURN Hive’s Business Network CommendedHive, the borough’s Business Leaders Network, has been commended for the role it plays in improving the town’s prosperity as part of the 2014 Enterprising Britain Awards.


WHITEBIRK set for major developmentIn recent years Hyndburn has become a hive for businesses, with a number of firms expanding their workforce helping to put the borough on the map.

And now the area is expected to get another major boost, after it was announced that Manchester based investment and asset management company Praxis has acquired a 95 acre previously undeveloped site in Rishton.

Praxis has announced plans to develop the land, which is directly off junction 6 of the M65, into a 1m sq ft mixed-use scheme.

Previously known as Whitebirk 65, the area is due to be re-branded as PARK 65, and is the largest future employment site in Lancashire.

Hyndburn has already made a name for itself in the manufacturing world with major international firms having found a home at Altham Business Park.

These include What More UK Limited which is the UK’s largest manufacturer of plastic housewares, storage and garden products. The firm has recently been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2014.

While neighbouring business Senator International is the largest manufacturer of office furniture in the UK.

Council bosses say the addition of the PARK 65 site will attract investment into the region that will contribute to the development of Pennine Lancashire’s economy.

It is believed that Praxis will draw on its experience of acquiring and unlocking major development sites across the UK, including The Airfields scheme in Deeside.

David Welsby chief executive at Hyndburn Borough Council said: “We have really successful major businesses based at Altham including What More UK and Senator International.

“We have seen some very good businesses relocate to Hyndburn from elsewhere and businesses are expanding here too.

“The area has a reputation as a place where businesses can thrive. They like being here and we have a very good work force available.”

Praxis bought Whitebirk 65, which is three miles east of Blackburn town centre, for £3.6m from a private family trust.

The site has existing consent for a development of 870,000 sq ft that was granted in 2010. However, Praxis said it will reconfigure the master plan and shortly submit a planning application seeking permission for 1m sq ft of industrial, retail and residential uses

David Welsby added: “The site will provide much needed employment to the borough. It also provides a good opportunity to stay in a place close to a skilled work force.

“Whitebirk is of such a scale that it is going to provide major strategic land support for businesses for probably the next five to ten years.

“It is ideally located just off the M65 and has a fantastic transport infrastructure which has been improved in recent years to accommodate a development such as this.”

Simon Dixon, Development Manager at Praxis, said: “We are excited to have acquired the site and look forward to working closely with Hyndburn Borough Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council and Lancashire County Council in order to deliver this important regeneration project.”

HYN

DBURN

Whitebirk is of such a scale that it is going to provide major strategic land support for businesses for probably the next five to ten years.

The area has a reputation as a place where businesses can thrive

The site will provide much needed employment to the borough

The strategic question is whether the UK as a nation, whether solely on commercial interests or for international standing and pride, must have Hub capacity. The operational issues are about commercial viability and the choices of passengers, freight and, most importantly the decisions of carriers.

The business model of a Hub, as compared to a point-to-point airport, is predicated on a critical level of transit traffic and being the intersection of domestic and long-haul flights.

The national debates on these issues seem interminable with, in the meantime, airports like Schipol, Frankfurt and latterly Dublin taking the opportunity to aggressively position themselves as a UK Hub. The norm is 4 or 5 runways – the UK’s only Hub, Heathrow, has just 2.

East Lancashire is in the heart of the northern manufacturing belt, and has a pedigree of international trading which is increasingly involving services and education. East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce is calling for:

> The long delayed Airports Commission report deciding how to expand UK air capacity, now due in 2015, must lead to immediate action on its release.

> The UK must have the ambition to have a Hub Airport. It is improbable that the UK will support two.

> London is the logical location, not just solely on population grounds but many interna tional business travellers will take the opportunity to visit the capital, irrespective of where they’re doing business.

> Upgrading and investment in the road, and especially rail (including HSR2), networks offer an opportunity to integrate transport and make journey times quicker and more reliable.

> Heathrow would be the logical choice for freight. 86% of ‘belly hold’ freight already passes through Heathrow (source: FTA) and the necessary infrastructure has developed around it.

> There is also logic for Heathrow from a passenger and airline perspective because a) it is proven to work and has demonstrable demand b) its investment in modern terminals means the modern experience can be experienced now and is competitive to overseas hubs.

> Continuing to develop regional airports is also vital to both enhance trade and help rebalance the economy. They should be encouraged to develop dedicated routes where sufficient bi-lateral trade exists, which will help alleviate pressure on the S.E. For

the use of air to be optimised to the benefit of the whole of the UK, it is essential that more domestic slots are a condition of the Hub’s expansion.

There are of course, elements of merit in the other proposed solutions, especially the expansion of Gatwick (which like Heathrow is having a record year) and the new-build in the Thames. However, Heathrow is proven and can deliver. Furthermore the economy of the west of London is established to serve passengers and freight and it would appear efficient to utilise that capacity rather than creating it all afresh.

HEATHROW

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POLICY

A Hub Airport for the UK - the Expansion of Heathrow Amidst the arguments about the role of regional airports and the jostling for position by the

different commercial interests in London, the UK has to decide on its approach to Hub airports.

Above all though - please get on with it - indecisiveness is the UK’s competitors’ friend.”

There’s a lot going right in East Lancashire

We do of course recognise that it is the performance of our many excellent companies that matter, and despite the continuing travails in the Eurozone, and the relative strength of sterling, many business are recording good or excellent years.

So what’s going right for East Lancashire?• In part through the pressure maintained by BCC on the Bank of England and Treasury, using the influential members’ Quarterly Economic Survey, interest rates remain low.

• The Government backed - Chamber led overseas business network is a real sign of the UK’s commitment to exports.

• Local companies are growing and investing both here and overseas

• Lancashire’s Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has, from a standing start, secured through competitive bidding around £1bn of additional public funds for Lancashire with a welcome shot of investment into East Lancashire

• Inward investment enquiries like the Enterprise Zone, Burnley Bridge…are increasing

LEP Investment - Working for LancashireLancashire has the 20th largest LEP economy in the UK but has competitively secured the 4th highest amount of funds. The largest elements are UK Government (Strategic Economic Plans and Growth Deal) and European funds. Full details are available on www.lancashirelep.co.uk

A selection of the specific schemes being supported and planned for East Lancashire includes:

• Blackburn-Bolton rail upgrade

• Burnley-Pendle Growth Corridor – unlocking site capacity

After a long period of talk of recession and an even longer history in East Lancashire of under-investment things are

on the move. Whether at the national level, through British Chambers of Commerce, or locally, the fruits of the policies and partnership working of the Chamber which help set a favourable environment for business are demonstrably coming through.

• Further Education investment to support investment in Energy and Engineering

• Blackburn Town Centre – e.g. Cathedral Quarter

• Burnley: Centenary Way viaduct works

• East Lancashire Cycle networks

• Darwen East Distributor Route – to support ‘significant’ housing development.

• Enhanced Business Support Services through ‘BOOST’

The promised outcome is thousands of new jobs, tens of thousands of new homes and a significant boost to the economy.

The LEP has been better at winning bids than publicising its activities. It is beholden on Lancashire as a whole to help publicise and share in the success to help increase confidence. The Chamber chairs the LEP’s stakeholder group, which includes the FSB, IoD, Downtown Business in Lancashire, NW Society of Chartered Accountants and LCC officials. This will continue to be expanded to both inform the LEP and to use the networks to engage as many businesses as possible. We’ve also chaired for the LEP a meeting with the North West Fund and other financial players seeking to maximise the availability of venture funds for Lancashire’s businesses.

Opportunity – Making the Money StickSkills: Having got a £1bn, how much of it will stick to East Lancashire? The LEP has produced a Skills Strategy, signed up to by the Colleges and main private providers, that attempts to ensure that the vast amount of public funds are used effectively, rationally and with minimal duplication. The focus is on aligning individuals with the necessary skills and guidance to the opportunities that these new investments bring.

Supply Chain: East Lancashire has half the number of construction jobs and companies against the national average. Now, at last there is investment, so there is the incentive to develop a local sector. The Chamber, working with N&W Lancs Chamber, has created the ‘Construction Connections’ ([email protected]) to introduce the new investors and primes to the supply chain.

There is also the Chamber led ([email protected]) Lancashire Manufacturing Group which having addressed energy is now linking manufacturers to the opportunities represented by the LEP investment as well as those in nuclear, energy, health, infrastructure (rail).

The fruits of the policies and partnership working of the Chamber which help set a favourable environment for business are demonstrably coming through.

BUSINESS NEWS


BUSINESS NEWS

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Document Management Technology Ltd

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Long standing East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Council Member and former regional chairman of the Conservative Party, Adrian Mitchell, received an MBE for voluntary political service.

Companies from as far as London and the South East have chosen K2 as the base from which to store and distribute their stock throughout the UK and across Europe.

But why Burnley? Group Property Manager, David Wilson believes that the key to their growing success is Burnley’s central location, the excellent motorway connections plus the unique technology and software provided by K2 which offers their clients the ability to control and monitor stock from their own PC.

K2 currently employ 20 full time staff and up to 50 temporary staff. David considers, “the biggest strength of K2 Storage Solutions is the K2 team, they are highly skilled and have a real can do attitude towards our customers logistical requirements”.

Mark Richards, MD of Wynsors World of Shoes confirmed, “K2 Storage Solutions offers our company a full third party logistical service. Access to view, deliver and withdraw stock via their online system is an invaluable asset making K2 an integral part of our infrastructure”.

Further expansion now sees K2 operating new sites in Bolton and Preston offering a capacity of 35,000 pallet locations.

Just why do Nationwide Companies choose Burnley’s K2 for their Storage and Logistics Solutions?

K2 Storage Solutions on Burnley’s Shuttleworth Mead Business Park is a modern 110,000 sq.ft state of the art warehouse facility, handling the warehousing and distribution needs of major companies across the UK.


MBE for Chamber Council Member

Kirsty Pearce, the new senior representative for Government in the NW paid an early day-long visit to East Lancashire at the

Chamber’s invitation to see first-hand the excellence in Manufacturing in the area.

The main feature of the programme was a visit hosted by BCW at the Innovation Drive Business Park in Burnley. BCW, FDM Digital Solutions and Aircelle were collectively able to display not just world class capability in engineering and supply for aerospace and automotive, but also the potential of new technologies of additive manufacturing (3D printing) and international partnerships, as well as some unique commitments to making disadvantaged people highly employable.

The importance to an ‘off the beaten track’ area like East Lancashire of having a highly networked and collaborative approach between business, local authority, and agencies like Regenerate PL and the Chamber, as well as local developers all acting in collaboration, was demonstrated.

otal Foodservice is a 5th generation family foodservice business with values firmly set in superior quality product, trustworthy people & reliable service.

With over a century of experience, we know foodservice. We know quality and value. We’re family run, and we practice family principles. We pledge reliability and a trustworthy relationship and we promise to bring you service from people who genuinely care.

Whether you work with Michelin Starred cuisine or coffee shop treats, Total Foodservice’s range of around 4000 products is constantly evolving to bring you the very best ingredients of exceptional quality; from the basics such as oil, flour & dairy to exciting, innovative products & Artisan produce across ambient, chilled, frozen & non-food products.

Loved by our customers for our flexible and efficient service, from our customer service team to our warehouse pickers, our delivery drivers to our accounts department, everything and everyone puts the customer & the food at the centre of what we do.

Yorkshire: 01484 536 688 North West: 01254 828 330 www.totalfoodservice.co.uk

T

T he Rossendale Business Leaders’ Group, supported by the Chamber and local MP, Jake Berry, is cranking up the campaign for a direct rail-based link to the Manchester transport network and economy.

Consultations with NW based Trampower indicate that a tram or rail route is technically feasible. The Group has identified prospective park and ride locations. The next stage is financial justification, planning compliance and seeking support from the respective transport authorities.

Mike Damms, Chamber CEO and Leaders’ Group member explains “This is not just about internal movement within Rossendale. It is about alleviating pressure on the M66 route to Manchester and the Motorway network, so it affects much of East Lancashire. Of course it could be expensive, but so are the other solutions. If you’ve suffered the congestion or believe that improvements to this corridor would benefit your business, please let us know – we need your support otherwise it won’t happen”. [email protected]

Campaign for a direct link to Manchester

Chamber welcomes new BIS Director for the N.W.

K2 photography: Jon Thompson

CHAMBER NETWORKING

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CHAMBER NETWORKING

Diary dates

THE RUSH HOUR CLUB Wednesday October 8th 4.30pm - 6.30pm

HOTPOTS FOR HOTSHOTS Friday October 17th 12.00pm - 2.00pm

CHAMBER TO CHAMBER Thursday November 13th 4.30pm - 6.30pm

MEET & EAT Monday November 17th 12.00pm - 2.00pm

CURRY CLUB – BRFC Friday November 28th 12.00pm - 2.30pm

UNIQUE WOMEN - VINTAGE TEA PARTY - LUNCH & LEARN Wednesday December 3rd 11.45am - 2.30pm

CURRY CLUB 25TH JULY 14

Another great turnout for July’s Curry Club at Ewood Park as over 80 delegates attended the Summer Special event. To mark the holiday atmosphere our speaker was local diva Danielle Gallagher. Danielle is a self-

made singer with a poignant rags to riches story of her rise to potential stardom from a rocky start. Danielle will be featured in the next series of the BBC’s The Voice and in true Voice style delegates were asked to face away from the stage and only turn around if they liked what they could hear. Needless to say everyone was quick to turn and witness a great performance.

If you enjoy friendly networking with a hint of spice and great speakers then put a note in your diary for our next Curry Club at Turf Moor on September 26th.

roviding Lancashire business with more than just accountancy services has been one of Mayes’ overarching principles since its formation forty years ago.

Mayes has made a pioneering effort to boost growth in the Lancashire economy with the Business One Page Plan (BOPP). This revolutionary framework provides business owners with the tools to boost their profits and improve their work life balance… and those businesses that have implemented the BOPP with Mayes have seen an average net profit increase of 92.7%.

Chairman of Mayes, Andrew Botham, said: “As people, we are habit-driven and feel comfortable doing what we have always done. But the business world moves quickly and if your business is standing still, you’re dropping behind the crowd.

“Growth strategies and actions don’t have to be hugely time-consuming or complex, and the Business One Page Plan brings simplicity right to the core of the plans and aspirations you have for your business.”

W: www.mayesaccountants.co.uk E: [email protected] T: 01254 300050

P

New members Andrew Nixon MarketingClare ThompsonDaniella Gallagher EntertainmentDocument Management Technologyenterprise rent-a-carEpic Enterprises (Europe)Exephany LimitedGary Poole DesignHighways Driver TrainingHis NibbsHoghton TowerHorsfield & SmithHouseahomeHPB VillageI Love RossendaleJeremy Barnfield DesignJustina HamiltonKarma Content LtdKiddiwinks Day Nursery Blackburn LtdMT PlasteringMuriva LtdThe People's ChoicePhoenix Mobile Caravan ServicesProject Management PlusSalt Marketing LtdSemple AngelicSocial Media 4 GoodSoloweSPH Building ServicesSusan's Cleaning ServicesSwankies Upholstery & CurtainsUnique Exhibitions Ltd

Photography: Sheila Gutteridge

CHAMBER NEWS


TTT Moneycorp Limited 2014

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S1973

Saving Chamber members money on international payments

Chamber Foreign Exchange

The British Chambers of Commerce has partnered with exchange experts, Moneycorp to provide money saving foreign exchange to chamber members. If you have international payment requirements Moneycorp can help you save hundreds, thousands, even tens of thousands every year.

Exclusive Member Package

Free foreign exchange health check

Free assessment of your business’s foreign exchange requirements, to help you pin-point where you could improve your margins.

Low transfer fees

Our fees start from just £5, a substantial saving over the £20-£40 that banks typically charge.

Free account opening Buy and sell any of 35 currencies.

Key Benefits

Bank-beating exchange rates – typically as much as 4% better than the banks.

Expert market guidance at the end of a phone - Moneycorp’s professional currency dealers can guide you through the foreign exchange market.

Fast online money transfers 24/7 – trade at convenient times with online accounts and live rate information.

Safeguarded client funds - Moneycorp is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide payment services and safeguards all client funds in segregated customer accounts.

Chamber Foreign Exchange will assess your:

Get in touchTo talk to us about our services call the International Trade team on 01254 356473

email [email protected] visit www.chamberelancs.co.uk

Exchange rates

Transfer fees

Speed of payments

Impact of currency movements on your payments

Credit terms

Online capabilities

A BUSINESS PLAN FOR BRITAIN

We all recognise the importance of a comprehensive business plan. Internally, it is crucial to know where the organisation is and where it is going. Externally, it gives a comprehensive picture of the organisation and its goals.

So too, with the BCC’s Business Plan for Britain, a hugely important manifesto reflecting the concerns, expectations and requirements of businesses across the UK and focusing on 7 core themes which must be at the heart of any plan for our next government.

The Manifesto calls for wide ranging action, including a childcare funding loan and more childcare places, enterprise modules for FE and HE students, a business governor in every school and practical solutions to help produce young people ready for the world of work.

It calls for a pro-business approach to grow Britain’s global trade potential plus an irreversible decision to build new aviation capacity, so that our businesses have the international connectivity to compete on the world stage.

A simplification of the UK tax system, a freeze on business rates until 2017 and a reform of the broken business rates system.

On business investment, the implementation of the findings of the planned Competition and Markets Authority market investigation into SME banking and a review of restrictions for new SME finance providers. A rebuilding of trust and transparency is vital to build SME lending.

We need security regarding future EU decision making and, on the flip side, more say in local decision making.

John Longworth comments “The next term of parliament is critical, we can become a more confident, more enterprising, more skilled trading nation – or retreat into slow but very real decline” A sobering but very real prospect!

Download the manifesto from the Chamber website, please read, react and respond, we are here to represent you locally and nationally.

Chamber welcomes a new face

Over the last few years the Westfield Chamber Health package has been a very popular product for members. With over 1000 local

employees taking up the scheme, Westfield provides affordable health plans starting from as little as 33p per day enabling businesses to help keep their staff healthy and happy in the workplace.

The chamber welcomes Carole Calland as the new Business Development Consultant for our region to look after our members’ health plans with advice, guidance and support.

Carole has 34 years’ experience with a major high street bank where she held senior positions within their Lancashire Commercial Centre. She has put in place employee benefit packages which included health cash plans provided by Westfield Health. Her experience and success in this area has led to her current role.

For more details of how Westfield currently helps our members please contact Darren Grantham [email protected]

We’ve got it covered

The East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce is working to help reduce costs and improve efficiencies for its members.

Operating beneath the ‘Chamber Wise’ brand, cost reduction firm Businesswise Solutions of Nelson is to provide a truly unique opportunity for Chamber members across the region and already, some 30 members have taken advantage of this offer.

Peter Catlow, Businesswise Solutions’ director of cost management, said: “This is a real chance for businesses across the region to work together and enjoy big savings.

“We launch our relationship with our Insurance Buying Group, in which we guarantee anyone joining the group a minimum 10% saving on their existing premiums.

“The concept makes perfect sense; we can significantly reduce costs through group purchasing, and the more businesses who sign up to the offer, the better the cost savings we can achieve for all involved.”

Darren Grantham, Head of Membership Services for the Chamber, said: “We are committed to helping Pennine Lancashire enjoy a thriving economy.

“Key to our service is to help members increase productivity and reduce costs and this is exactly what we are offering through our new Chamber Wise relationship.

“We will be providing continual messaging about the benefits of Chamber Wise and increasing our offering via this channel in coming months.”

Businesswise Solutions, who has recently become a Diamond Ambassador of the Chamber, have partnered with Financial Affairs, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, in order to provide the insurance offer, which in underwritten by Zurich.

Construction Connections meeting at Burnley College

The second meeting of our recently launched Construction Connections group will take place at Burnley College on 30th

September 07.45am - 10.00am and will feature a panel of key industry players each with invaluable insights into the development opportunities available in our region. Confirmed speakers for this event are Ken Hampson, Head of Supply Chain at Westinghouse and Brian Bailey Director of Regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Construction Connections aims to create a network of Lancashire based construction related businesses with the purpose of highlighting future business opportunities, sharing knowledge, examining current legislation and procurement issues and ultimately showcasing the talent that our region can produce.

The group is restricted to construction related businesses only. If you would like to register to attend, please email [email protected]

Fibre broadband has come to Lancashirenow everyone at home can enjoy Faster upLoad and downLoad speeds aLL at the same time

With fibre broadband, online games will run quicker, there’s none of that frustrating buffering, and you won’t lose the connection.

For faster internet access just ask your service provider.

Superfast Lancashire runs a free Business Support programme that helps small and medium sized businesses make the most from superfast broadband.

www.superFastLancashire.com@superfastlancs /superfastlancs

EUROPEAN UNIONInvesting in Your Future

European RegionalDevelopment Fund 2007-13

business life autumn 2014

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