http://vps1.shine-marketing.co.uk/~rbkcoc/index.php en info@shine-marketing.co.uk Copyright 2010 2010-07-06T14:59:00+00:00 http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/news/story/kingston-business-awards-2010-launched/ http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/nes/story/kingston-business-awards-2010-launched/#When:14:59:00Z Local firms are being urged to enter the inaugural Kingston Business Awards with the message "Are you making waves in business." Developed by South London Business, Kingston Council and Kingston Chamber of Commerce, the awards were officially launched on Monday 5 July at an evening reception held at Warren House. The awards are aimed at local companies of all sizes and covering the widest range of activities. A total of 12 categories can be entered, with invaluable networking opportunities and publicity along the way. Ross Feeney, Director of Business Support, South London Business Ltd, said: "We are delighted to launch the inaugural Kingston Business Awards. We may be in a recession, but we still need to reward and celebrate our business community - and acknowledge Kingston's success stories."The awards are also supported by sponsors Lloyds TSB, NPS Group, Kingston University and Kingston Workstart. Ian Noble, senior manager for Lloyds TSB Commercial, with responsibility for Kingston, said: "We are very excited to sponsor the SME category as it enables us to be directly involved with recognising the strongest businesses in the borough." "The awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the success of local companies. We are always impressed by the wealth of talent, innovation and originality shown by businesses in the area." Erika Robinson, Head of Operations for Kingston University, said "We are proud to be a part of the Kingston Business Awards this year and look forward to learning more about the talents and achievements of local businesses. As providers of continuing professional development we're delighted to sponsor this category and to recognise and reward those businesses that are investing in the development of local people." Andrea Biggs, Employment Development Manager, for Kingston Workstart, said, "We are thrilled to be sponsoring the 'Best Equalities Employer'. It is important to recognise and reward businesses that are making a strong case for equality and diversity in the workplace. Good equalities practice can benefit all and lead to a multiskilled and committed workforce, innovative approaches and expanding markets." Lisa Gagliani, Chief Executive, Kingston Chamber of Commerce, said: "Kingston Chamber is proud of all the businesses locally that we serve and would encourage as many as possible to come forward and gain the recognition they deserve in the Kingston Business Awards." The Kingston Business Awards 2010 comprise 12 categories. They are: Kingston Business of the Year / Best SME Business / Best Equalities Employer / Best Retail Business / Best Business for Customer Service / Entrepreneur of the Year / Best Commitment to the Community / Best Business for Training & Development / Best Business for Marketing / Best Business for Sustainability / Best New Business and Best Employee Firms are invited to nominate themselves, and can enter as many categories as they wish, and local residents can nominate their favourite local companies. The entry deadline is 10 September and the winners of the Kingston Business Awards 2010 will be announced at a prestigious dinner in November 2010. To register your business or nominate another please visit http://www.kingstonbusinessawards.co.uk or text 'Kingston' to 60777. Notes to Editors: - Anyone interested in the awards can register by going to the website http://www.kingstonbusinessawards.co.uk or by texting Kingston to 60777. Further information for journalists: Please contact Ross Feeney, Director of Business Support South London Business Ltd, 4th Floor, Sunley House, 4 Bedford Park, Croydon CR0 2AP Direct: 020 8253 4222 Switchboard: 020 8681 0053 Mobile: 07900 914 129 2010-07-06T14:59:00+00:00 http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/news/story/join-kingston-chamber-at-surrey-business-expo-june-22-at-kempton-park/ http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/nes/story/join-kingston-chamber-at-surrey-business-expo-june-22-at-kempton-park/#When:10:30:27Z Kingston Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be supporting this local business exhibition on June 22 at Kempton Park. We will be exhibiting, on stand no 116, and we would like to encourage as many of our members as possible to join us there as exhibitors or visitors. Stands are available from as little as £320 + VAT and represent a most cost effective way of generating new leads and winning new business. Visitors will find much to inform, inspire and motivate them.5 good reasons why you should not miss this dedicated business-to-business exhibition 1.      The exhibition The exhibition will be packed with local exhibitors featuring hundreds of products and services – and it’s good to do business with local suppliers. It’s quicker, easier, cost effective and more environmentally friendly. Many of the exhibitors will also be able to offer help and advice on a range of business issues. 2.      The seminars The seminar programme running alongside the exhibition features leading exponents and practitioners presenting on a range of key business topics. These seminars can be booked online at http://www.surreychambersbusinessexpo.co.uk 3.      Speed Networking A speed networking taster session will take place with Stewart Graham at 12.15 in The Royal Box. This will be a great opportunity to sample speed networking at its best in a unique environment. Numbers are strictly limited and must be registered in advance. 4.      1-2-1 Business Clinics If you feel you could benefit from a little extra help and advice, why not book a free 1-2-1 with a professional from either Business Link or The Chartered Institute of Marketing. Just visit their stands and arrange a private meeting during the course of the exhibition. 5.      Networking With hundreds of visitors and exhibitors from local companies meeting in one place on day, this is the ideal event to spend some time networking with like minded business people, sharing ideas, exchanging cards and enjoying a coffee in the pleasant seating areas around the show. FREE EXHIBITION – FREE SEMINARS – FREE SPEED NETWORKING – FREE SEMINARS – FREE PARKING You can register online now at www.surreychambersbusinessexpo.co.uk for fast track entry, or simply turn up on the day, register on arrival and take advantage of all the above benefits. Further information is available from the organisers on 0118 973 1976 or email at info@websterpartnership.co.uk ·         Some stands still available 2010-05-18T10:30:27+00:00 http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/news/story/neil-latham-cbe-becomes-kingston-chamber-president/ http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/nes/story/neil-latham-cbe-becomes-kingston-chamber-president/#When:10:14:46Z Kingston Chamber elected Neil Latham CBE to chair the board of directors at the AGM on May 13th. Neil is pro vice-chancellor of Kingston University and has been an active member of the board since his arrival in Kingston a few years ago. He spoke of his hopes and ambitions for the Chamber in the year ahead.      "Some weeks ago, when Lisa Gagliani and I discussed the Chamber’s ambitions, we recognised the importance of collaboration and working together for the common good, which I have decided to adopt as the theme for the forthcoming year during which I will be President.  Well, it seems as if some people in central London have picked up on that idea since the general election!  But this commonality of approach perhaps demonstrates its importance at the present time, with the challenges we face both as a nation and also as a business community here in Kingston.   Our Chamber of Commerce has, in the past year, already demonstrated considerable success in working across the community.  We heard earlier, in the formal proceedings of the AGM, about Executive Futures, the Business Expo and Shopping Local, which the Chamber has either led or participated in with partners such as the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council and Kingston University.  The Chamber’s ambitious plan for the this year continues that collaborative theme, and reaches further out to more of the business community, while seeking also to deepen its relationships with a broad range of partners.    The current economic climate demands that we work together to produce more and give more back to the community than we can achieve by individual effort.  Many of the Chamber’s members are SMEs, which are the life-blood of our economy.  Around half of the UK’s economic output is delivered by SMEs which together employ the majority of the country’s private sector workforce.  The Chamber can help by bringing companies and other organisations together to expand business.  But, as enjoyable and valuable as those networking events are, the Chamber can also add value by helping to persuade local and national government about the need for a constructive and supportive business environment – especially for SMEs – with appropriate regulation; and with a newly elected local council and national government, the opportunities are there right now to do that with maximum effect.   In conclusion, I look forward to working with you all to expand our membership – in which we must all play a part – and through working together with the community in which we operate, to strengthen our businesses and enrich our community for the benefit of us all."   Neil Latham addressed 30 members of Kingston Chamber of Commerce at the lunch following the AGM on May 13th. 2010-05-18T10:14:46+00:00 http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/news/story/small-business-urged-to-plan-ahead/ http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/nes/story/small-business-urged-to-plan-ahead/#When:14:51:01Z  Planning for Growth by Jerry Irving “We plan for every important decision in our personal lives and yet, for many, when it comes to our businesses, we are prepared to let fate take over” says Jerry Irving, Chief Executive of Outlook, providers of Business Planning and Business Support Services. Why Plan? Although, logically, most would accept that planning should be an ongoing process for all businesses, there is, however, a range of arguments which owners of small and medium sized businesses have supported for many years in their attempts to refute this view. Although, logically, most would accept that planning should be an ongoing process for all businesses, there is, however, a range of arguments which owners of small and medium sized businesses have supported for many years in their attempts to refute this view. ·         Some feel no need to plan as they have always done well in the past ·         Some have entrepreneurial natures which reject formality, discipline or “ working to order” as alien to their natural behaviour and so they simply do not feel comfortable with it ·         Some have no faith in planning as circumstances are always likely to change and when this happens the plan becomes invalid. So why plan in the first place? ·         Some are unable to accept the concept of developing something which is meant to be interpreted as precise and accurate and yet it is constructed largely from probabilities and “guesstimates”. Planning does become slightly more flavoursome, however, in the case of owner managed businesses where there comes a time in the life of the shareholder(s) when their thoughts turn to exiting, handing over or realising their asset. Here they begin to consider the longer term view and begin to “do some sums”.   Despite these arguments there are many who do support the logical view by preparing annual plans and monitoring their performance against them. Most likely, they have from the start and they take considerable comfort and motivation from the feeling of understanding, control and professionalism this gives them. “Planning for growth” is an expression which infers the existence of SMART objectives, focus, single-minded determination and a desire to achieve excellence in business performance management as a result of good planning. Those who plan effectively for growth will increase their probability of success for several reasons: ·         The potential for growth within the current and future business environment is more likely to be researched ·         Implementation and management is made easier with a set of reasonably prescribed forecasts (many formalised into targets) against which the business will be able to review its progress ·         A good planning process will involve all the key players in the organisation. This will help to cement the validity of the plan thus ensuring commitment to its success   2010-02-08T14:51:01+00:00 http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/news/story/chamber-members-get-rewarded-for-getting-healthier/ http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/nes/story/chamber-members-get-rewarded-for-getting-healthier/#When:14:49:21Z Join the health club in Surbiton that rewards you for getting healthier. Whether you want to lower your cholesterol, lose weight or get fitter, at Nuffield Health we’ve put together a range of rewards to keep you motivated. Join the health club in Surbiton that rewards you for getting healthier. Whether you want to lower your cholesterol, lose weight or get fitter, at Nuffield Health we’ve put together a range of rewards to keep you motivated. Achieve your goals and you could enjoy rewards* like:   • FREE month’s membership • FREE personal training sessions • FREE health MOTs • FREE massages and spa treatments Text “PASS” along with your full name and *Terms and conditions apply. Visit nuffieldhealth.com/rewards for full details.   Kingston Chamber Members Offer: £74.50/month for a 3 month commitment or £68.00/month for a 12 month commitment, the joining fee is just £29.00.  This includes a health MOT on joining with a three month follow up which allows new members to earn a FREE months membership.  To Join contact Sue - Corporate Lead Generator, Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing on 0208 335 2900 quoting your Kingston Chamber membership details.  www.nuffieldhealth.com 2010-02-08T14:49:21+00:00 http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/news/story/kingston-chamber-what-are-we-like-first-impressions-by-a-new-member/ http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/nes/story/kingston-chamber-what-are-we-like-first-impressions-by-a-new-member/#When:14:48:39Z What are we like? A newcomer’s viewpoint Linda Richards of Databac – a family owned manufacturing business in Kingston, spanning four decades, joined Kingston Chamber in December and these are her first impressions. On a very snowy Wednesday morning in January – I walked very slowly and carefully to Unilever House for the new members meeting of Kingston Chamber of Commerce. Due to the bad weather only a handful of us made it for the induction. We all introduced ourselves and within minutes we found that we could all introduce at least one person to a possible client – not bad!! Linda Richards of Databac – a family owned manufacturing business in Kingston, spanning four decades, joined Kingston Chamber in December and these are her first impressions. On a very snowy Wednesday morning in January – I walked very slowly and carefully to Unilever House for the new members meeting of Kingston Chamber of Commerce. Due to the bad weather only a handful of us made it for the induction. We all introduced ourselves and within minutes we found that we could all introduce at least one person to a possible client – not bad!! I had already been pleasantly surprised at my first breakfast meeting at the Hotel Antoinette finding a group of extremely friendly people, no circles that were hard to break into, in fact as soon as anyone joined the group I was in, everyone stopped talking and focused on making that person welcome. Breakfast itself was good; everyone introduced themselves to the others around the table which was interesting. A good idea I found was that you can put your business card into a ‘pot’ (if you want to!) and if you are lucky and yours is pulled out, you get the room for a few minutes – sounds daunting I know – but we all have to sell ourselves and a little more practice wont go amiss, plus everyone gets to know a bit more about you, your business or what ever you’d like to talk about. To find out more about Databac see http://www.databac.com or to talk to Linda 020 8546 9826 or email lrichards@databac.com 2010-02-08T14:48:39+00:00 http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/news/story/executive-futures-a-new-service-for-unemployed-professionals/ http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/nes/story/executive-futures-a-new-service-for-unemployed-professionals/#When:12:05:23Z Kingston Chamber are delighted to announce a new service for local residents who have been made redundant and who are looking for a like-minded support network.Executive Futures is a new service run by Kingston Chamber in partnership with Kingston University, Kingston College and Kingston Council. Funded for 15 months, the service will offer advice and support to professionals looking for work, self employment, business start up advice and networking. Over 40 professionals have already joined and two have found new opportunities since joining. Many have taken up our services which include CV clinic, interview and career coaching, enterprise and start up workshops and volunteering opportunities. Anyone wishing to register themselves for the initiative should send a brief cover email and current cv to executivefutures@kingstonchamber.co.uk - Please contact us for details of our next Open Day and to book a place on 020 8541 4441. Ask to speak to Jenny Butler. 2009-07-31T12:05:23+00:00 http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/news/story/smes-can-win-business-from-public-sector/ http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/nes/story/smes-can-win-business-from-public-sector/#When:12:42:23Z Selling to the public sector represents a fantastic opportunity for your company. Contract opportunities with Government are of increasing importance to SMEs, representing a valuable route to a growing market offering SMEs stability and business growth. Register on http://www.supply2.gov.uk for FREE and view contract opportunities which could provide your company with a new route to growthAll public bodies should be viewed as a key potential customer! Public procurement in the UK is worth around £175 billion a year Local government spends £27 billion on bought-in goods and services Regional spend in the NHS is estimated to be around £12 billion Civil government spend £15 billion Up to 600 new contract opportunities a week What are the benefits of selling to government? Public sector organisations are good customers: They have to be fair, honest and professional in the way they choose suppliers and in any dealings with them They are less likely to be subject to fluctuations in the market They pay promptly and in line with agreed contract terms They pay accounts within 30 days (or any other agreed credit period) of receiving a valid bill or invoice Register on http://www.supply2.gov.uk for FREE and view contract opportunities which could provide your company with a new route to growth. For helpful hints and tips also see http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/ Local to Kingston? Make sure you don't miss out from local procurement opportunities! Call Kingston Chamber now to get a copy of The Royal Borough Business Directory and then make sure you are featured in the new edition coming soon. Call 0208 541 4441. 2009-07-19T12:42:23+00:00 http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/news/story/kingston-chamber-leads-on-local-economy-and-skills-debate/ http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/nes/story/kingston-chamber-leads-on-local-economy-and-skills-debate/#When:14:59:29Z Kingston Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Lisa Gagliani is to chair a meeting of the Borough's leaders in a bid to provide support to the business community through this difficult time.The local council has drawn together all the interested parties from education and business to focus on the current recession and ways in which local businesses and residents can be supported.  The Council has a number of committees looking at other important areas within the community plan, but until now there has not been an agreement as to how to deliver the economic, skills and sustainability strategy in full. Chamber chief executive Lisa Gagliani has been asked to chair the group.  "It is vital," she says, "that this group agrees an action plan and starts delivering real support quickly - what none of us need is another talking shop - instead we need to come up with some real joint working plans that will make a difference to small firms in particular and provide opportunities to the growing number of highly skilled residents who have been made redundant. It is also obviously important to maintain initiatives that support the vulnerable and ensure that there is fair opportunity for all."  The first meeting of the group will take place on January 23rd. 2009-01-21T14:59:29+00:00 http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/news/story/council-contracts-seek-chamber-businesses-to-supply/ http://kingstonchamber.co.uk/nes/story/council-contracts-seek-chamber-businesses-to-supply/#When:09:26:17Z The Royal Borough of Kingston is always keen to spend its money on essential services using local suppliers and small firms whenever possible.  A fine example of this is a recent contract for design and print work with about £1M over three years - which was featured on the councils business site and highlighted by Kingston Chamber Chief Executive, Lisa Gagliani, to around half a dozen likely candidates with about six weeks notice for the bid.At time of writing, we know at least two of the firms have submitted bids, one of them prepared with assistance of yet another chamber member.  The Jam Agency, who spotted a gap in the market for helping with some of the essential formalities, leaving the business to fill in the gaps and get on with their day job. To find out  more about what the Council buys and how to be on the tender list see: www.rbk.kingston.gov.uk and search on business. London 2012 is also procuring a range of services at the moment - for more information and a current list, email Lisa@kingstonchamber.co.uk.  2008-08-18T09:26:17+00:00