Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Meet The Chamber
Absolutely Offices, at Lutyens Close, Chineham, Basingstoke, was the venue for North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Meet The Chamber event, which took place on the evening of Tuesday 7th November.
The event, which was the first of similar events proposed to be held regularly throughout the entire Chamber area, covering Winchester & Arlesford areas in the south, through the Basingstoke area to Fleet, Aldershot, Farnborough & Yateley in the north, was attended by both those new to the Chamber and non- members.
John Harrocks, the Chamber’s Chief Executive, welcomed guests and gave a short insight into the history of Chambers of Commerce. John explained that whereas Chambers in mainland Europe are funded by the state and compulsory for all businesses, Chamber membership in the United Kingdom is voluntary and Chambers are funded primarily from the subscriptions of members. They are run by business for business. John went on the highlight the two key roles of British Chambers of Commerce, lobbying on behalf of businesses at local, regional and national levels and providing networking opportunities.
Following John’s welcome, representatives of some of Chamber’s service providers gave a short introduction to their products.
Richard Webber, of Chamber Utilities, explained how his company could help businesses look at their energy usage, to check that they were on the best tariff/service and to learn how they could improve their energy efficiency and reduce their Carbon Footprint. Richard explained that from 2008 all business properties, in excess of 10,000sqft, would require an Energy Efficiency Certificate when they are sold or let to new tenants and that this would be rolled out, over a period, to cover any business.
Claudine Stirling, of Uniworld Communications, gave an insight into how Chamber Talk could assist with all aspects of business telephony, from line rental and broadband through to the latest Voice Over Technology. Claudine explained that customers have their own Account Manager, so are able to speak to the same person each time.
Andrew Baines, of Qdos Consulting, highlighted the features of two of the Chamber’s services, Chamber HR and Chamber H & S. Andrew explained that even with only one employee it is a statutory requirement to provide a Contract of Employment and to have a Grievance Policy in place. Help and guidance can be found via each products’ bespoke website and 24/7 telephone helpline with valuable insurance backup, in the event of an employee taking a dispute to an Employment Tribunal, providing the advice given has been followed.
Finally Tim Mullins, of Composite Legal, spoke about Chamber Legal Expenses. Explaining how Chamber Members have automatic Free Cover, up to £65,000 per year, to provide assistance in the event of a legal dispute, such as disputes with landlords, license queries, uninsured motoring losses and employment issues, to name but a few. Tim advised the surprising fact that 1 in 10 businesses, each year in the UK, are subject to a Tax or VAT Inspections and Legal Expenses cover would help meet the costs of an Accountant or Solicitor if necessary.
Tim went on the emphasise that together with Chamber HR & Chamber H&S the value of Chamber Legal Expenses is in excess of £1000.00 per year.
Following the presentations guests took advantage of the opportunity to network, to pick up literature about some of the other Chamber products and services, and to seek out the speakers, for more information about their specific products.
The evening was wound up with the Chamber’s customary Business Card Draw. Gary Livingstone, of LG Motion Limited, was the lucky winner of a bottle of 2002 vintage Bordeaux.
The Chamber would like to thank Beryl Huntingdon, of Absolutely Offices, for kindly hosting the event. If you would like more information about Absolutely Offices visit
www.absolutely-offices.co.uk or telephone 01256 316500.
For more information about the featured benefits, or any of the Chamber’s other products and services, visit www.nhcci.co.uk or contact your local Area Manager.
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