Speaking up for business in 2002

Speaking up for business in 2002

THE Chamber has an exciting and varied agenda of events and projects for the coming year, writes Barbara Bryant, Chief Executive.

To highlight some, the Winchester office will continue to spearhead the Chamber’s campaign to make broadband connectivity the norm, rather than a misunderstood, ‘techno’ exception.

Festival Place will transform Basingstoke in 2002, and in parallel to this the Chamber will be setting out to highlight the quality and range of professional services on the very doorstep of businesses in Basingstoke. ‘Don’t travel to London and pay London prices, if you can do it here’ is the message.

The North Hampshire and West Surrey micro-economy remains the most vibrant in the south east region. Following the Chamber’s important seminar on the Future of Farnborough last October, a major seminar this spring will focus on Aldershot, which is seeing massive change and will soon be the new European base of Computer Sciences Corporation.

In these uncertain times, opinions inevitably differ as to the wider, global economic future. Here at local level the Chamber will work with businesses and partner organisations to bring the reality of the opportunities and challenges faced by our individual businesses to the knowledge of decision makers at local councils, in the developing regional structures and to national politicians.

It is critical for the future of our local economy that these organisations, and the people who run them, are fully informed about the emerging economic patterns and realities.

We are fortunate in having the active involvement of the North Hampshire Business Alliance. This group represents key players in our local business base, and taken together with our wider membership throughout the area, assures that the Chamber has a powerful voice to speak up for business.

Generous support for hospice

Khalid Aziz, chairman of the board of trustees at Naomi House, the Wessex Children’s Hospice, was guest speaker at the Winchester area’s Christmas Lunch.

The lunch was held at the Wessex Hotel in Paternoster Row where a record 70 members were treated to an excellent meal, followed by the opportunity to hear Mr Aziz talking about the work of the charity.

He explained the vital work of this organisation, both caring for sick children and helping those in the unfortunate position of having a sick child to cope with the situation. The task seemed all the more poignant at Christmas time, and the Chamber organised a raffle to raise funds for the charity.

Chamber members Boots the Chemist, Marks & Spencer and WH Smith, together with the Wessex Hotel, all donated prizes, and the raffle raised a total of £190 on the day. The Chamber also took the decision to make a donation of £50 to Naomi House rather than send Christmas cards to its Winchester members, and this was presented to Mr Aziz, while Peter Gear of Boots the Chemist presented a cheque for £150 which had been raised by staff at the Winchester store.

The Chamber’s thanks go to James Leeming and his team at the Wessex Hotel for helping to make the event such a success.

Mr Aziz said he would be very pleased to hear from anyone who would like to join one of the charity’s local area committees or who would like to help in any way. Naomi House can be contacted on 01962 760060.

Developing your business abroad

John Harrocks, Manager of the NHCCI’S International Trade Centre, puts the spotlight on exporting:

FuturAllia 2001, held in France in November, was the latest match-making event targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that wish to introduce or develop an international trade dimension — whether export or import — to their activity.

Billed as an International Business Development Forum, FuturAllia was initiated in France in 1989 by the Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de la Vienne, and has been held at intervals of approximately 18 months - the first five in Poitiers, the sixth in Canada, and this, the seventh, again in Poitiers, at the Futuroscope conference centre just outside the town.

France is perceived by many UK SMEs as being a market from which non-French speakers are virtually excluded. This is a misconception — more and more French business people now speak very good English, and FuturAllia provided interpreters, included in the basic attendance price, for all who needed them.

Like most such events, FuturAllia was started to help local businesses develop their international trade. Its success, however, has made it a much more international gathering, and the UK delegation, most of whom were from Hampshire and Dorset, met or were approached by companies and organisations from several countries, including Austria, Canada, USA, Tunisia and, of course, France.

For FuturAllia 2001, Southampton and Fareham Chamber of Commerce’s French Desk — which, like NHCCI’s North America and Central & Eastern Europe Trade Desks, serves the whole of Hampshire — was given the exclusivity for recruitment in the UK, and we worked together to get a group of nine Hampshire, one Dorset and two Midlands businesses to go.

FuturAllia is run on similar lines to those of the Europartenariat programme, with a catalogue of participants being published shortly before the event, from which each participant selects target companies for pre-arranged meetings. The programme allows for twelve 30-minute meetings in a two-day period, with the possibility to arrange further meetings on arrival. The system tries to balance the meeting requirements of all participants, so that each participating company will receive visits from other companies as well as meeting those it has itself targeted.

The next FuturAllia will be held in Quebec City, Canada, in May 2003.

The next European match-making event will be held in Dortmund, Germany, in June 2002, to help SMEs meet potential foreign customers, suppliers, partners.

The Chamber’s Central & Eastern Europe Trade Desk also plans to hold two half-day seminars on central and east European markets during 2002.

For further information about all these events, and about the Chamber’s representation service for Quebec and Dortmund, please call the International Trade Desk on 01256 352275.

Focus on the North American market

Following, and despite, the dreadful and tragic events of September 11, 2001, the huge North American market is very much open for business.

American business people are now travelling abroad less, which means that UK companies keen to develop their international trade with the USA have to make a greater effort to meet them.

Those that do so are appreciated all the more for making the effort.

NHCCI’s North America Trade Desk plans to hold three Market Awareness Seminars in 2002 on the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) markets — USA, Canada and Mexico.

Like the Chamber’s successful awareness seminars on Russia, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic and Slovakia, these will include an overview from expert and informed speakers on each country, plus details of the help available from the Chamber, from Business Link Wessex and from Trade Partners UK, to Hampshire companies that wish to tackle these markets.

The first seminar, on the USA, will be on Tuesday, March 5, while the Canada seminar will be in June, and that on Mexico is planned for November.

The Chamber will also be running a Trade Mission to the United States in June — to the gateway states of New England. A brochure giving details of the mission is available from the Chamber.

The mission is supported by Hampshire County Council, Business Link Wessex and, for the first time, by Trade Partners UK who will be offering a travel subsidy to eligible companies that decide to participate.

With the growing success of FuturAllia matchmaking events, the next FuturAllia will be held in Quebec City, Canada, in May 2003.

NHCCI plans to run a trade mission to Canada to coincide with this, concentrating on the bilingual part of the country — starting in Montreal and moving eastwards. Details of this will be announced at the Canada Awareness Seminar in June.

These events are being organised primarily to help Hampshire businesses, and we are giving as much advanced warning as possible to enable you to plan your attendance and participation.

For further information, contact the International Trade Desk on 01256 352275

Managing sickness absence

THE NHCCI is supporting the Managing Absence campaign which aims to help employers to access essential information about managing short-term sickness absence.

The most common causes of sickness absence are minor complaints such as colds or headaches, which can be treated most effectively with self-medication. GPs are not obliged to provide their patients with sick certification for illnesses of seven days or less.

The use of GPs’ services to manage short-term sickness absence is a waste of NHS resources, problematic for employees and may have cost and efficiency implications for employers.

The ‘Managing Absence’ website www.managingabsence.org.uk provides employers with information and links to organisations which can offer advice on the most effective ways of managing absence.

The campaign has been developed in collaboration with the Government, employers’ representatives, employee representatives, health and other professionals and patient groups.

To find out more, go to the website or contact the Chamber.

Partner organisations include: ACAS, Association of Chief Police Officers, British Chambers of Commerce, British Medical Association, Cabinet Office, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Confederation of British Industry, Department of Health, Department of Work and Pensions, Disability Rights Commission, Doctor Patient Partnership, Employers’ Forum on Disability, Federation of Small Business, Inland Revenue, Institute of Healthcare Management, NHS Confederation, NHS Plus, Patients’ Association, Small Business Service, TUC.

Review of South East economic strategy

MEMBERS are invited to participate in a consultation on the review and revision of the South East Regional Economic Strategy.

This will be held on the morning of Wednesday, February 6, at the Botley Park Hotel near Southampton.

The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) published the first Regional Economic Strategy in October 1999. The time has now come to undertake a comprehensive review and produce a revised strategy by October 2002.

SEEDA believes it is essential to begin the consultation process as early as possible.

Therefore SEEDA, the Hampshire Economic Partnership and the Isle of Wight Partnership have decided to hold a major consultation event focusing on Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

At this event the Hampshire Economic Partnership and the Isle of Wight Partnership will present their draft strategy.

The objective of this event is to identify the key issues for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and the actions and solutions that need to be taken. The aim is to ensure that the final Strategy, and SEEDA funding priorities that will flow from it, reflects business priorities.

This is an opportunity to make a difference. There will be breakout groups to consider the main issues arising from the local strategies.

A consultation draft of the Regional Economic Strategy will be published in April. There will then be a formal consultation period between April and June.

For further information, please contact Phil Bailey (tel 01483 484227 or email philbailey@seeda.co.uk) or Yolanda Ribes-Guerrero (tel: 01483 484234 or email yribes-guerrero@seeda.co.uk).

UK will ride shockwaves of economic slowdown

With the US and Japan already in recession, and growth in Germany and Italy at a standstill, the global economy is heading for an uncertain time. Mike Loftus, Area Commercial Banking Manager at HSBC Bank in Basingstoke, looks ahead to the economic climate for 2002:

THE world economy is faltering, but there is some good news amid the gloom. The major economies, with the exception of Japan, are in a much better position to take remedial action than they were in, for example, the 1970s. Inflation is well under control, meaning interest rates can be cut without running undue risks. Government finances are also healthier, giving some scope for fiscal stimulus if needed.

"The present crunch will be sharp, but should be fairly short, with clear signs of improvement expected by the second half of 2002," says Mike Loftus.

Britain, in particular, has demonstrated a high degree of resilience in the face of the global slowdown. While HSBC expects growth to be sluggish for some time to come, the overall rate of economic growth in both 2001 and 2002 will be around 2 per cent.

"There is room for optimism because the authorities are in a position to spare the UK the problems faced a quarter of a century ago," says Mike Loftus. "British inflation today is the lowest in Europe, which gives the MPC scope to reduce interest rates. If that’s not enough, after four years of ‘prudent’ management of public finances, the government is well placed to ease fiscal policy as well and boost public sector spending.

"Essentially, the fundamentals are in good shape, especially in the personal sector.

"Consumer confidence will ease, but from quite a high level. There are more people in work than ever before, earnings growth is robust, higher house prices are creating a strong wealth effect and interest rates are at their lowest for almost 40 years."

These factors are helping to underpin confidence and maintain a buoyant level of household spending. The volume of retail sales in Q3 2001 was up by around 6 per cent on the previous year.

Not all parts of the UK have avoided the slowdown that was occurring before September 11. Manufacturing output fell sharply by 2.9 per cent in the three months to September compared to the same period a year earlier, the largest drop in activity since the beginning of 1991. After an encouraging 2000, activity will fall by around 1.5 per cent this year and remain weak for most of 2002.

Elsewhere, the outlook for construction is bright, particularly due to the proposed doubling of government capital spending over the next three years to £40 billion.

"The difficult conditions in farming are also continuing, but the worst may be over," says Mike Loftus. "With firmer prices and fewer cost pressures, farm incomes could rise in 2002."

The imbalance between a buoyant consumer and an embattled corporate sector has led many to compare it to the situation in the late 1980s.

"Back then, an over-borrowed corporate sector was pushed into financial meltdown when interest rates doubled to 15 per cent, but concerns about a repeat today are exaggerated. Sustained low inflation and base rates will help pull the sector through, even if the ride is a little bumpy.

"However, a weakening of private sector spending should allow the public sector a chance to make a comeback. There have been promises for improved funding in sensitive areas such as health, education, social housing, transport and law and order. If achieved, this spending will not only make an important contribution to strengthening the UK infrastructure, but it could also provide a timely boost to spending as the private sector starts to retrench."

Mike Loftus can be contacted at HSBC Bank plc, 8 London Street, Basingstoke, RG21 7NU, tel 01256 726027.

Electronic Conveyancing set to speed property buying process

ELECTRONIC conveyancing has arrived. The Government has set out its stall quite clearly: In its White Paper on Modernising Government, it says: "By 2002, 25 per cent of dealings with Government should be capable of being done by the public electronically. 100 per cent of dealings should be capable of electronic delivery by 2005."

Alastair Rhodes, partner at Hampshire law firm White & Bowker, said: "The process has already begun with the introduction of the Land Registry’s Direct Access Service allowing real-time on-line access to computerised property titles, and the new National Land Information Service whereby properties are identified on-line by reference to digital plans provided by the Ordnance Survey and searches are sent out electronically to HM Land Registry, the local authorities and other data providers."

Alastair Rhodes was speaking at a White & Bowker seminar attended by local estate agents and property professionals at the Royal Hotel, Winchester, in December.

He updated the audience on the key issues surrounding electronic conveyancing and its impact on the property market.

"Dematerialised Conveyancing sounds as though it is something straight out of the domestic arrangements of one of the crew of the Starship Enterprise.

"In fact it is a phrase used by HM Land Registry to describe its vision of the paperless coveyancing transaction.

"Electronic conveyancing, as we prefer to call it, will undoubtedly speed up much of the process of buying and selling property and will bring with it significant advantages in terms of speed and simplicity," he said.

Support for Information Communication Technology

FOR small to medium sized companies feeling the pressure, the ICT and e-business section of Business Link Wessex is offering four support initiatives.

Three of these come under the auspices of the Local Partnership Fund across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, a funding resource which is available from the DTI, and exists specifically to help organisations exploit the benefits of ICT/e-business.

The schemes will operate until March 2003.

The three initiatives that form the Local Partnership Fund are as follows:

Tourism initiative

Aimed at businesses in the tourism sector, such as hotels, B&Bs, cafes/restaurants and attractions, the scheme offers a free six-month trial of a PC and purchase of appropriate software for £50 plus VAT.

After the six-month trial period businesses can request advice on how to further maximise their potential for the future.

The scheme also offers consultation with a Business Link Wessex business adviser to produce an ICT/e-business action plan and subsidised ICT training for the owner and staff.

High tech engineering initiative

Devised to help high tech engineering companies appreciate how ICT can be integrated with their manufacturing processes, with the objective of making them a more effective business.

For most companies already participating, the typical improvements are lean marketing on the web, conducting e-business, business change, customer relationship management and managing the IT risk.

ICT seminars

As part of the Local Partnership Fund project, Business Link Wessex will be running a series of seminars, from January to March, looking at a range of relevant topics. These include: electronic supply chains, sales and marketing on the web, conducting e-business, business change, customer relationship management and managing the IT risk.

Each seminar is expected to be one and a half hours long, at a cost per person of £40 plus VAT.

A list of dates and venues can be found online at www.businesslinkwessex.co.uk/events or by calling the events hotline on 08454 58 85 57.

ICT supplier database

For companies across Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight with limited time or expertise, the choice of ICT suppliers and consultancies across the Wessex region can be bewildering.

The Business Link Wessex ICT database will make the process easier and quicker by enabling supplier searches by location, by specialism or simply by name. It can be accessed via the Business Link Wessex website at www.businesslinkwessex.co.uk/ukonline

For further information on all the above schemes or for information on any of the ICT/e-business services offered by Business Link Wessex, call the advisory line on 08454 58 85 58.

New business network extends its links

A NEW business-to-business network created by Business Link Wessex for companies across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has proved so successful that it is now being extended into Dorset.

From this month, the mutual benefits of the BusinessXchange network will be available to the owners and managers of small to medium sized companies from all sectors in Dorset.

The BusinessXchange is a non-profit making group for organisations that want to solve day-to-day problems and achieve their objectives, irrespective of their size or product.

Since it was first launched last March it has brought together 94 businesses, from fruit importers to solicitors, who want to share trade experiences and build better businesses.

Creation of the Dorset BusinessXchange is being overseen by the Business Link Wessex Network Broker, Anthony Felstead. He said: "There are countless ways in which business leaders can profit from networking with their peers, but the most important is profit. We know from research that businesses that work and exchange ideas with each other can expect to improve their bottom line."

A typical early member of the current BusinessXchange is Eastleigh based Xonitek Systems, which has just six employees.

Sales director Noel Creighton said: "We have been able to find rapid solutions to a number of internal issues, with the help of much larger organisations within the BusinessXchange. They have been only too eager to help, and yet had we not been part of the network we would have had little reason to make contact."

To encourage more interest, Business Link Wessex is offering a range of techniques, such as business development planning, a ‘business buddy’ mentoring programme, a trading directory and the use of a dedicated website. There is also a regular programme of company open days and seminars.

To find out more, call the advisory line on 08454 58 85 58.

Sage move for business advisers

FOLLOWING their recent move from Farnham to larger premises in Wyndham Street, Aldershot, accountants and business advisers MK Greenwood & Co have been appointed Sage accounting software authorised resellers.

Sage Line 50 is claimed to be the UK’s most popular PC-based accounting package and is used by 150,000 companies.

MK Greenwood & Co was established in 1988 and offers all accountancy and tax services, including preparation of accounts for sole traders, partnerships, limited

companies, clubs and associations, personal and business taxation, VAT returns and advice, book-keeping, Sage training, company formations, company secretarial service and payrolls. Its payroll bureau is a rapidly expanding area, providing a cost-effective method for small businesses to cope with the payroll burden.

According to Mike Greenwood, principal, his company’s aim is to offer a friendly and personal service to small businesses, especially start-ups. A close relationship has been formed with the Blackwater Valley Enterprise Trust which offers confidential and impartial advice and assistance, free of charge, to new and growing businesses.

The firm’s client mix ranges from the preparation of tax returns for individuals to the accounts for all types of businesses with turnovers of up to £1 million. The practice can also assist in the preparation of audits for limited companies with turnovers in excess of the £1 million audit threshold. The client base is mainly within the GU postcode area but extends countrywide.

MK Greenwood & Co: tel 01252 318400

email: admin@mkgreenwood.co.uk

WhiteOaks PR network expands

THE WhiteOaks International network of European PR consultancies has linked with leading US independent technology specialist Applied Communications in order to

accelerate business growth across both Europe and in the United States.

The network can now offer clients proactive and research-based high-tech and IT public relations support across these major markets.

Bill Nichols, director of Farnham-based WhiteOaks, said: "Unlike other international networks, we have developed an integrated infrastructure built on achieving competitive advantage for clients through PR, driven by research, analysis and integrating PR within the overall company strategy."

Clients looking to penetrate and build awareness in the most significant technology markets in Europe and the US will benefit from a single point of contact in the combined WhiteOaks and Applied team.

As well as Farnham, WhiteOaks has more than 200 full-time consultants in eight offices in London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Paris and San Francisco.

WhiteOaks: tel 01252 727313

www.whiteoaksinternational.com

Change of name for chauffeur service

TERRY Littleboy has changed the name of the Professional Chauffeur Service to Sovereign Professional Chauffeur Services.

Terry said: "I have been operating this business for three years now, specialising in the longer journeys such as to airports, docks, London and other places, and in that time I have developed regular business with a number of Basingstoke-based companies.

"All passengers, guests and directors alike, receive the utmost courtesy and respect.

"If you are looking for an alternative car service, then I would be only too happy to receive the instructions of Chamber members."

Sovereign Professional Chauffeur Services: tel 01256 414366.

Samaritans seek help

THE Samaritans have premises in Basingstoke made available through the generosity of Chamber member Kingfisher Housing Association.

This is the operations centre where the telephone service is based, and where one-to-one meetings can be held with people in despair.

However, the premises need repair and refurbishment, and the Samaritans are seeking to raise about £5,000 to carry out the necessary work. Items such as carpets and curtains are needed, and prizes for a grand raffle.

Marilyn Norton, chairman of the local branch, said: "We have a number of volunteers who would be happy to come to your company to explain about our work, and I would be happy to supply more statistical details of the number of calls that we deal with both locally and nationally."

Call Marilyn on 01256 463052 or email: marilyn.norton@btinternet.com

The number of the Samaritans in Basingstoke is 01256 462333.

International trade opportunities

PAKISTAN: UK importers sought by Pakistan producer of hand-embroidered silk and wire badges, military uniforms, cap items and footballs. Ref: JAKSBAY.

USA: Georgia-based consulting company offering a variety of services to companies wanting to enter the US economy, and to economic development organisations trying to secure US investments for their regions. Ref: GBS.

For further information, call the NHCCI International Trade Centre on 01256 352275.

Radio ads offer

WINCHESTER’S local radio station, 107.2 WIN FM, is offering Chamber members a 20 per cent discount on all new advertising orders placed between January 1 and March 31.

Orders must be for at least four weeks duration but not more than 52 weeks, and be from new advertisers.

Inquiries to the Station Manager, Chris Hopkins, on 01962 841071.

Seminar date

A SEMINAR for professional practices entitled "A Time of Uncertainty" is to be held by Smith & Williamson on February 19 at the Bibury Suite, Salisbury Racecourse.

It is aimed at senior and managing partners and others who are looking for informed discussion concerning the effective management of professional practices.

For further information please contact: Pamela Slater on 01722 411881.

website: www.smith.williamson.co.uk

Directory amendment

Inigo Business Centres Ltd, Eastlands II, London Road, Basingstoke RG21 4AW

Tel: 01256 693100

The contact is Ms Amina Watkins.

Special year for hospice

by Vivienne Woolston-Bass, Marketing and Fund Raising Director

THIS YEAR sees the tenth anniversary of St Michael’s Hospice, so it is going to be a busy year.

Whatever the fund raising event or campaign is called, the basic truth is that I am after your money. There are no two ways of expressing it.

St Michael’s Hospice needs the support of the community to serve the community. This is the community within which you prosper — hopefully! — and within which you employ people, and if the statistics are accurate, the community within which 60 per cent of us live.

Those of you who I have had the pleasure of meeting will know that my philosophy with the fund-raising aspect of my role is the Win-Win. Indeed, when appropriate I would recommend the Win-Win-Win! By that I mean that the business, the charity and the firm’s clients should be involved and benefit from the partnership.

Two key dates in 2002 are the Annual Bike Ride on Sunday, July 7, and the Annual Golf Day on Thursday, September 19. Please put these two major events in your diary and perhaps consider, while the ink may still be damp on your budgets, whether you and your colleagues are able to support them.

I am keen to secure a headline sponsor for both of these events. The Bike Ride can provide an excellent vehicle for publicity and staff team building in action. The Golf Day is a suitable event for client bonding and business networking, and let’s face it, a bit of fun in anyone’s very demanding schedule.

Many other events and initiatives are in the planning stage and will be publicised soon.

Meanwhile, if you can persuade your staff, business colleagues and associates to organise a fund-raiser on our behalf, that would be brilliant. You will be assured of gaining as much support as you need.

I look forward to meeting up with all of the Chamber membership during 2002.

tel: 01256 844744

email: viv.woolston-bass@stmichaelshospice.org.uk

‘Proud to serve the community for 70 years’

ELECTRICAL engineers and contractors RH Foster Ltd have been established in Basingstoke for 70 years.

The company was one of the first 100 founder members of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) which has just celebrated its centenary.

RH Foster joined the ECA in 1944 — and must also be one of the oldest members of the Chamber of Commerce.

Managing director Trevor Harrington joined the company as an apprentice in 1973 at the age of 16. The three previous MDs were R. Foster, M. Rogers and A.J. Hill.

The company works for many of the local businesses in the area and is involved in all types of electrical work, including industrial, commercial and domestic.

Work also includes fire alarms, emergency lighting, fixed electrical testing, appliance testing, all types of installations and lightning protection.

Mr Harrington said: "We employ 18 people and we have close ties with Basingstoke College of Technology where have seven apprentices training at present.

"We are proud to be a Basingstoke company serving the local community."

Mr Harrington received the ECA’s special centenary certificate in recognition of the company being one of the 100 founder members.

RH Foster: 01256 465414

Two lawyers join four-office firm of solicitors

TWO experienced lawyers have joined Herrington & Carmichael Solicitors, which has offices at Aldershot, Camberley, Bagshot and Wokingham.

Nik Walton-Jones has joined the Camberley branch and Linda Tooke at Aldershot.

Linda is an experienced residential conveyancer who has worked for law firms in London, Reading and Aldershot. She can be contacted on 01252 322451.

Nik has joined the Camberley office at Watchmoor Park to help expand the family law department. Nik has been practising family law exclusively since becoming a solicitor in 1986.

His experience covers all aspects of family law including child care work, property and family matters after divorce, and cohabitee disputes. He has a particular expertise in high asset valuation cases.

Nik can be contacted on 01276 686222.

Welcome to new members

Adam R Clark of Active Marketing
First Base, Beacontree Plaza, Gillette Way, Reading, Berkshire RG2 0BP
Tel: 0118 931 9717
Marketing communications and design

Active Marketing is structured differently to the traditional agency. This reduces our overheads, which we pass to our clients. Services include: Marketing consultancy, brand development, corporate identity, campaign concepts, advertising, media planning & buying, design, print management, direct marketing, databases, websites and interactive media, sales support, exhibition support, marketing training.

Mark Ind of Audleys Wood Hotel
Alton Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG25 2JT
Tel: 01256 817555
Hotel

Set in seven acres of grounds, yet only a few minutes from the centre of Basingstoke, Audleys Wood is an imposing Victorian country mansion. Easily reached from London, it is conveniently situated for Winchester, Salisbury, Stonehenge and the New Forest. For a board meeting, a high-level conference, or a very special dinner … each of Audleys Wood’s five private rooms offers a spacious and elegant setting.

Forthcoming events:

JANUARY

Tuesday 15 January 1215—1400

Chamber Lunch — Basingstoke

Speaker: Bernard Ferris of Grosvenor

Subject: Update on Festival Place

Venue: Hilton Hotel, Basingstoke

Contact: Karen Matthews, 01256 352275

Tuesday 22 January 1230—1415

Chamber Networking Lunch — North East Hampshire

Speaker: Councillor Peter Shoesmith

Subject: "The Gurkha Connection"

Gurkha Square Restaurant, 327 Fleet Road, Fleet

Contact: Valerie Cloke or Katherine Mesri, 01252 811470

Wednesday 30 January 1745

Winchester Business Network

Sponsored by Baker Tilly and JCF Financial

Presentation by Debbie Richardson of Outside Angle: "Customers — How to keep them"

Venue: The Wessex Hotel, Paternoster Row, Winchester

Contact: Dawn Gear or Joanna Cassey, 01962 841000

Thursday 31 January 1800

Women in Business — Evening Meeting

Speaker: Carol Potter, Home Economist at De Dietrich on: What’s cooking for 21st Century working women? A demonstration using the latest technology in the kitchen

Venue: De Dietrich, Intech 4, Wade Road, Basingstoke

Contact: Lorraine Ashover, 01256 722603

FEBRUARY

Monday 4 February 0930—1700

Emergency First Aid for Appointed Persons

One-day training course

Venue: Business Support Centre, Civic Offices, London Road, Basingstoke

Cost: £90 inc VAT (members), £100 inc VAT (non-members)

Contact: Inge Worger, 01256 352275

Monday 11 February 0730—0900

Farnborough Business Breakfast Club

Venue: The Holiday Inn, Farnborough (formerly Forte Posthouse Hotel)

Contact: Barry Potter, BKR Haines Watts, 01252 510333

Tuesday 12 February 1230—1400

Chamber Networking Lunch — Winchester

Venue: Charles House Chinese Restaurant, Sussex Street, Winchester

Contact: Dawn Gear or Joanna Cassey, 01962 841000

Tuesday 19 February 1215—1400

Chamber Lunch — Basingstoke