"Entrepreneurs are getting younger"
BUSINESS people from more than 40 companies were wined and dined by students at Basingstoke College of Technology in its stylish silver-service Robert Newman Restaurant for the March lunch, writes Helen Willmott.
Welcoming members and guests on behalf of the Chamber, David Evans of Lamb Brooks highlighted the value of a skilled workforce to businesses and the Chamber's commitment to supporting schemes such as Young Enterprise and the Basingstoke Employment Initiative.
Alan Montgomery, himself an experienced and successful entrepreneur, explained that Young Enterprise – motto ‘Learning by Doing' – is a charity that allows young people to experience how businesses work, setting up and running their own company, electing a board of directors from their peers, raising share capital and creating and marketing a product or service. At the end of the year Achievers liquidate their company and present a report and accounts. There are local, county and national competitions for the best company.
However, Young Enterprise in Hampshire badly needs business advisers to support the project and mentor the students. Alan said: "There is enormous personal satisfaction in seeing a bunch of disparate inexperienced directors meld into a coherent and effective board – about as likely as it is in your own companies – but we do usually get good results! Please consider offering to help." Alan's email is alan.montgomery@btinternet.com
Continuing the theme of skills, Sue Riley, project director of the Basingstoke and Deane Employment Initiative, explained the aim is to provide practical business solutions to recruitment, retention and skills shortages. At present the initiative is offering free jobcentreplus recruitment service, advice on widening employee pool, help with recruitment campaigns and practical advice on childcare and housing issues. Sue can be contacted on s.riley@basingstoke.gov.uk
Barbara Bryant, Chief Executive of the Chamber, thanked the students and staff at the College for such an excellent lunch so charmingly served.
She said: "The theme today has been skills, and developing business skills for the next generation. Basingstoke and this part of Hampshire are at the centre of our Region's economy – itself the engine room of the UK economy.
"Whatever uncertainties we face, the one certainty is that our businesses will only be as good as the people in them."

Basingstoke members share business concerns with MP
THE Chamber's Parliamentary Breakfast Briefing with Basingstoke MP Andrew Hunter was hosted by the Apollo Hotel.
Mr Hunter shared his thoughts and recent parliamentary experiences and a thoughtful discussion followed on the future of the economy as well as on the war with Iraq.
Among the main concerns raised by members were pensions, lack of progress on Chineham Railway Station, and the general economic uncertainty.
Judith Armstrong of BCOT emphasised how much members of the Chamber value these opportunities for private briefings which enable key businesses in Basingstoke to share issues and problems among each other and with their Member of Parliament.
Despite the somewhat sombre mood with news of the first war casualties, business leaders enjoyed the excellent English breakfast provided by the Apollo Hotel.
* Winchester members have the opportunity to talk with MP Mark Oaten at a Networking Evening on Wednesday, April 23, at the Wessex Hotel, Winchester.
Details are available from Dawn Gear or Joanna Cassey, tel 01962 841000.

Garden project unearths part of City’s heritage
MORE than forty members attended the lunch in the Wintonian Room at Winchester Guildhall on March 11, writes Dawn Gear.
The venue was most attractively laid out with some lovely table decorations, and members enjoyed a lunch of Moroccan chicken with apricot and almond cous cous provided by Milburns Catering.
Jim Sawyer, Chairman, introduced the speaker for the event, Barbara Hall, Chairman of The Friends of Hyde Abbey Garden. Members may remember that information about this garden was circulated to Winchester members with the November edition of Chamber News.
The creation of Hyde Abbey Gardens is Winchester’s official Golden Jubilee Project. For over four centuries Hyde Abbey was a dominant feature of the northern approaches to the City of Winchester, the main buildings being destroyed following the dissolution of the monastries in 1539.
Recent excavations uncovered the remains of the foundations and the Friends of Hyde Abbey Garden plan to interpret the heritage of the site by marking the positions of the walls, chapels and graves with a landscape design in the form of a Community Garden. Barbara highlighted the plan with a 3-D illuminated model of the proposed garden.
Winchester City Council has set aside £46,000 towards construction, and The Friends have managed to raise a further £30,000. This will put the basic elements in place, and the garden will be officially opened on June 2 by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mrs Mary Fagan.
A final push is now needed to raise the £24,000 to create the fine detail of the garden. Businesses in Winchester can help to support the project with contributions towards this sum, which will all be publicly acknowledged somewhere near the garden.
The garden represents both the heritage of Winchester and a resource for the community and all assistance will be gratefully received.
If you would like to help, please contact Barbara Hall c/o The Historic Resources Centre, 75 Hyde Street, Winchester SO23 7DW, tel 01962 848269.
You can contact Milburns Catering and Winchester Guildhall on 01962 878458.

Desk Pilates can beat back pain
SITTING for long periods of time at work can cause pain and discomfort in the low back and neck.
Using computers can increase this problem, as it is easy to forget the time when absorbed in a task. You can spend hours in one position – often one that is not kind to your body.
The health and comfort of your back is very dependent on the muscles around your shoulder girdle, pelvis and stomach. These muscles are postural muscles which hold your spine in the optimum position. Keeping your spine in a neutral and balanced position prevents strain on your joints, muscles and ligaments.
When muscles fatigue, they do not adequately support the joints and ligaments, which are then under stress and relay pain impulses to your brain, resulting in a vicious circle.
Many of us have ever longer days and find it more and more difficult to fit in exercise after work. When we do exercise, we are often not using postural muscle, but are increasing the strength of the muscles that are directly opposed to them; this can cause the spine to be even more poorly supported.
Desk Pilates is an exercise regime that uses gentle contractions of abdominal, neck and shoulder girdle muscles. The muscle contraction is held, supporting the spine in neutral while slow and controlled movements are carried out. This has the effect of building stamina in these muscles. Once stamina has been increased the spine is automatically held in a good position.
Keeping fit at work, and looking after your spine, will provide you with a better quality of life. We all want to be fit and healthy, to enjoy freedom from pain, now and in retirement. Whatever age you are, this is the time to take action – the time to begin this low effort, indispensable form of exercise.
Whether you are an active sportsperson or a couch potato, Desk Pilates will make a difference to your life.
For details, call Island Sports Fitness Centre: 01256 769344

"I'm not a carer – I just look after my mum …"
HOW many people in your organisation are Carers? Most employers don't actually know, but it is becoming increasingly important that carers are identified, as their caring role can have an effect on their working lives.
Some 5.5 million people are carers, but the numbers are actually much higher than that as many people do not identify themselves as carers. This happens for a variety of reasons – mainly the confusion around thinking a carer has to be paid, or has to live with the person for whom they care.
At work, many people will keep their caring role quiet as they may fear that could be seen as potentially unreliable. The good news is that employers such as Marks & Spencer and British Gas who have initiated carer-friendly policies and flexible work practices, have found they retain loyal staff and increase productivity as a result.
The stereotype of a carer as being a middle-aged housewife has long gone: 45% are men and a third are in employment.
There is now increasing recognition of the role of carers and the valuable contribution they make to society. Figures from the Institute of Actuaries show that carers save the country a staggering £57 billion per annum. This is the equivalent of a whole new National Heath Service.
As a result, the government is now putting funding in to support services for carers as it is also recognised that many carers become ill themselves if they are not given some help such as respite care.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers offers a free confidential service for all carers and can also help with guidance and information for employers. If you would like to find out more, please call Mary Rosenthal on 01962 842034.

Home-Start for families NOT cars!
HOME-START North East Hampshire offers friendship, support and practical help to parents with young children who may be feeling overwhelmed or exhausted by the stresses and difficulties of everyday life.
Based in Farnborough, covering Aldershot, Blackwater, Fleet, Farnborough, Church Crookham, Hook, Hartley Wintney, Odiham, and Yateley, the scheme runs regular courses for volunteers from all walks of life, usually parents themselves.
Home-Start volunteers do not replace the professionals but provide a complementary back-up service to these families.
Judith is a young mother with a three-year-old boy and a six-month-old baby who was suffering with continuous colic. The baby also refused to interact with her father and the boy was still reacting badly to the new arrival.
With no respite from the screaming baby, Judith was distraught and felt both exhausted and inadequate. Following a Health Visitor’s referral to Home-Start, Judith was introduced to Tracy (a volunteer).
Judith said: "We hit it off straight away and having Home-Start’s support made a tremendous difference to us. Home-Start helped me to regain my confidence and self-esteem as a parent, and I no longer feel the need to be perfect; they accepted me as I was. The baby still has colic, but is more happy to be with her father, and her brother has learnt to be more understanding of his sister."
Home-Start has several local families who would appreciate weekly support; someone to talk to or play with the children.
If you can help in anyway or want more information about this worthwhile charity, please ring them on 01252 545416.

Eli Lilly is top company to work for
ELI LILLY has come 35th in this year’s Sunday Times list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For.
This is three places higher than their position last year.
Based on independent research sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry, The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For is recognised as the benchmark for research into employee satisfaction in the UK.
"Being listed, once again, as one of the Best Companies to Work For is a tremendous achievement and one which recognises the contribution made by Lilly employees and by Lilly HR policies to the success of the company in the UK," said Sarah Chatham, Lilly Director of Human Resources.

Focus 21 comes to Basingstoke with a special invitation
Focus 21 Visual Communications Ltd is pleased to announce the imminent arrival of their new retail outlet.
The shop will be located in the premises formerly occupied by Butlers Menswear at 14 London Street, Basingstoke.
The shop will provide 1,850 sq ft of sales space dedicated to the audio visual industry featuring products for both domestic and business applications.
Focus 21, founded in 1998, is an audio-visual engineering company which specialises in the integration of top presentation and conferencing products into boardroom, conference room and training environments.
The shop venture, although not core to their current business, is an investment for the future, as Jim Harwood, Basingstoke-born director, explained.
"The home technology market is showing tremendous growth and we believe that by combining home and business products we can position the shop as a unique showcase for both business and home clients," he said.
Focus 21 invites Chamber members to its business launch event on Wednesday, April 16, from 6pm–10pm when you will be able to see the latest technology in action. Visitors will also have an opportunity to win a Vision Plasma screen worth £3,595.
Focus 21: 01256 480595

Kingfisher wins tenants’ vote of confidence
LAST September, Kwest Research was commissioned by Kingfisher Housing Association of Basingstoke to complete an independent and confidential survey of all its tenants.
The aim of the survey was to gauge tenants’ views on services provided by the Association and to identify key areas where tenants felt service improvements could be made.
Similar surveys were carried out in 1999 and 1996, enabling Kingfisher to monitor the changes in levels of satisfaction.
The questionnaire received a staggering 2,452 responses (a 59% response rate), and has placed Kingfisher in the top 20% of housing associations surveyed across the UK.
Kingfisher's staff are delighted with the excellent news of the survey which confirms that the Association excels in repairs and maintenance of its properties, staff service and consultation, and general communication.
Around a third of tenants surveyed felt that the service they receive from Kingfisher is getting better – a reflection of action taken on tenants' feedback and Best Value initiatives.
Stuart Edlington, Kingfisher's Housing Director, said: "The views of our tenants are extremely important and provide valuable information regarding our services. They help us to identify areas we need to strengthen in order to continue to provide outstanding service to our tenants.
"The results of this survey are a reflection of our investment in staff training and commitment to continuous improvement in the services we provide."
Kingfisher Housing Association: 01256 302302, www.kha.org.uk

Aldershot's winning new image
THE Chamber’s February networking lunch in the North East Hampshire area was at the Army Golf Club in Aldershot, which proved to be an excellent venue.
Almost 50 businesses turned out to hear Jeff Toms, Marketing Director at Farnham Castle, talk about International Business Culture under the heading "They're not wrong, just different" and discussing the challenges of carrying our business with other cultures.
Jeff's presentation was both interesting and entertaining, highlighting some important points such as conversational etiquette. He demonstrated that politeness can turn to absolute rudeness with a pause during conversation, depending on which country you are doing business in.
Jeff writes about his special place of work in the article below.
Barbara Bryant, Chief Executive, thanked the Golf Club for an enjoyable venue, and the caterers for superb food.
The area’s next event on April 29 is at Aldershot Town Football Club when members will see the new social club and, hopefully, will be able to celebrate the club’s promotion from the Ryman League to the Nationwide Conference. Conleth McCallan, MD of Datanet (see article below) is the guest speaker.
For details please call Valerie or Katherine on 01252 811470.

State of the art CSC
THE European headquarters of the massive American business Computer Sciences Corporation now houses 1,800 staff in state of the art offices at the Royal Pavilion, Aldershot.
Chamber members were given a special tour of the buildings earlier this year by Paul Peirce, CSC’s director of property.
The superb headquarters bring together employees from eleven different buildings in Farnborough, where one of the company’s major clients, British Aerospace, is based.
The total cost of the scheme is in the region of £75 million – and the result is a modern addition to Aldershot’s business landscape that presents a spectacular new image of the town’s regeneration.
The buildings have been carefully integrated into the surrounding parkland where Queen Victoria once stayed when she visited the local regiments.
Paul Peirce said: "Here we feel part of history and nature."

Conference centre at historic castle
FOR over 800 years Farnham Castle has been the meeting place of the Kings and Queens of England, but today it is directors and managers of global companies and organisations, plus over 10,000 local residents annually, who are the VIPs at Farnham Castle!
Overlooking the picturesque and historic town, for nearly 40 years the Castle has been the home of the world-renowned Farnham Castle International Briefing and Conference Centre, providing inter-cultural training to employees of many of the world’s leading companies as well as representatives of UK and overseas governments.
It has provided information, advice and management skills training to nearly 100,000 men and women from all over the world, through a comprehensive range of inter-cultural awareness workshops, pre-departure and business briefings and intensive language tuition.
Programmes are designed to assist individuals to operate more effectively whatever their international role.
Farnham Castle currently lists many leading global companies among its clients, as well as many international organisations based in this region.
The Castle is also used by many local and national organisations as an ideal location for away days, residential conferences, training and dinners, with many companies booking the facilities for corporate events. The Castle turns an ordinary meeting into a special event, particularly when you want to make an impression on overseas clients.
A wide range of recently upgraded meeting rooms and en-suite bedrooms is available, offering a totally flexible arrangement to suit individual needs from two to 150 people. The Castle also has a licensed bar and international restaurant.
Details on training programmes, conferences and event facilities can be found on the website at: www.farnhamcastle.com

Broadband connections
DATANET, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) based in Aldershot, is helping towns and villages in Hampshire in their fight for broadband.
The company has already helped towns like Alton and Alresford to hit the trigger levels set by BT.
As an ISP, Datanet realises the importance of broadband for businesses in the local areas and the huge benefits and costs savings broadband can bring.
"Datanet’s research showed that there were large numbers of businesses and remote office users with a need for broadband in areas where it was unavailable. We could see the demand so we wanted to do something to help," said Rachel Turner, business marketing manager.
Broadband is a high-speed internet access (up to 30 times faster than normal dial-up) with a flat rate pricing structure. Broadband not only enables businesses to connect more effectively to the internet but also allows remote offices and remote users to connect to the head office and share data.
Datanet’s marketing team put together brochures and flyers specifically targeted at individual towns, to raise the awareness of broadband in areas where trigger levels have been set by BT. Datanet is able to register broadband interest directly to BT Wholesale and is kept up to date with news on exchanges.
The Alton campaign resulted in BT enabling the exchange on February 28, while the Alresford exchange is set for May 14.
Datanet – who sponsor Aldershot Town FC – will continue to help towns and villages that require support.
For more information about the fight for broadband, or the type of material Datanet can produce to aid local campaigns, contact Datanet: tel: 0845 130 6010, email broadband@data.net.uk

Accountants Gilroy & Brookes on the move!
AFTER almost 50 years at their offices in Aldershot High Street, Gilroy & Brookes have moved to a new prominent location on the Ground Floor of Interpower House in Windsor Way, Aldershot.
Gilroy & Brookes are a small, independent firm of chartered accountants who have been in business since the 1930s. They have enjoyed a long association with the Chamber of Commerce, having been members since the 1940s and were auditors to the former Aldershot & District Chamber. They are also active members of the local branch of the Federation of Small Businesses.
Their client base consists of family-owned businesses and individuals who are involved in all types of industries. They number over 800, the majority of which have been with Gilroy & Brookes for over ten years.
"When clients do leave it’s usually because they are retiring," says partner Laurie Powell.
So what inspires such loyalty?
Laurie believes that what sets Gilroy & Brookes apart is the close involvement by the partners with every client. he said: "I work closely with clients on a regular basis. This leads to a good understanding of their needs and allows me to provide the best advice at the right time. Also we are fortunate to have very loyal staff who help to provide continuity of service to our clients.
"It is a reputation that all small businesses strive to emulate. Providing clients with a high quality, professional yet friendly service is key to maintaining a satisfied client base and to competing effectively in challenging economic conditions."
Gilroy & Brookes provide a wide range of services including preparation of annual accounts, tax returns and management accounts; undertaking the annual audit; and the provision of ongoing advice, including taxation matters, financial planning and the raising of finance. They also offer a computerised payroll service and will advise on accounting software.
Asked about the move, Laurie said "We are looking forward to being in modern offices in a central location which will enhance our ability to provide a good service to existing and new clients."
Gilroy & Brookes: 01252 320446/328903

Winchester Business Excellence Awards
The inaugural Winchester Business Excellence Awards have succeeded in creating great interest among businesses across the district of Winchester.
The awards office run by the NHCCI was deluged with calls requesting information and application packs for the competition, which closed to entry at the end of February.
More than 100 local businesses requested information about the awards organised by founding partners the Hampshire Chronicle, Leepeckgreenfield, North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Winchester City Centre Partnership.
Over 300 individual application forms were sent out to local businesses hoping to compete in the six competition categories and scoop a prestigious award in recognition of their achievements and contribution to the Winchester economy.
City Centre Manager Graham Love said: "Winchester Business Excellence Awards has fired the imagination of local business organisations right across the district.
"Here in Winchester and the surrounding area we have a vibrant local economy thanks to a diverse enterprise culture. With so many forward-thinking and entrepreneurial businesses, it is perhaps no surprise to find such a volume of high-quality entries during the first year of the competition."
The competition office received over 80 entries for processing prior to the first stage judging which took place during March.
The judging panel, led by Jim Sawyer, NHCCI’s Winchester area committee chairman, had its work cut out to select just four entries per category to be nominated for an award.
The nominated entries in each category, listed here, now go forward for final judging early in May.

Nominations for the 2003 Winchester Business Excellence Awards:
For the Dutton Gregory Solicitors Business and Education in Partnership Award
Intech
Le Club Francais
Marwell Preservation Trust Ltd
Upton McGougan Plc
For the Condor Office Solutions Award for Service Excellence
Family Match Ltd
Moat House Hotel
Southern Hygiene Services
Woodruffs of Winchester
For the Hampshire County Council New Business of the Year Award
Blueburst Ltd
Design Engine Architects Ltd
Justbtoys Ltd
The Winchester Letting Company
For the Winchester City Council Business Excellence through People Award
Blunt Construction Ltd
Egglestones Solicitors
Lakesmere Ltd
Upton McGougan Plc
For the 365 Finance Award for Business in the Community
Hampshire Farmers’ Markets Ltd
HMP Winchester – Resettlement Unit
Kudos Employment
The Olive Branch
For the Business Link Wessex Small Business of the Year Award
Family Match Ltd
Hampshire Farmers’ Markets Ltd
Probyn’s Music
Woodruffs of Winchester

Book your place now!
The winners of Winchester Business Excellence Awards will be announced at a glittering Celebration Dinner and Awards Presentation to be held in Winchester Guildhall’s King Alfred Hall on the evening of Friday, May 30.
A limited number of tickets are now available for this prestigious black tie occasion, rapidly becoming the premier event in the annual Winchester business calendar.
The Awards will showcase the very best of local business talent and afford an unparalleled opportunity to offer hospitality to your guests.
Champagne Reception: The King Charles Suite provides a very distinctive setting for the Awards champagne reception, where guests will be able to mingle and network prior to the Awards dinner and presentation of prizes.
Celebration Dinner: The celebration dinner and Oscars-style Award ceremony itself will be held in the King Alfred Hall. This elegant Victorian hall is an ideal setting for such a prestigious occasion (pictured above).
Winchester Business Excellence Awards support the Winchester Mayor’s Charity Fund.
Individual tickets cost £35 plus VAT (£41.13) or you can reserve a table of 10 tickets at the special price of £350 inclusive of VAT.
Cheques should be made payable to Newsquest Southern. Please note that tickets are non refundable and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Bookings with payment should be made to the Winchester Business Excellence Awards, NHCCI, Abbey Mill, Colebrook Street, Winchester SO23 9LH, or contact Dawn Gear or Joanna Cassey on 01962 841000.

Awards Guest of Honour - Martin Bashir
Martin Bashir is an award-winning journalist currently working for ITV and best known for conducting exclusive interviews.
His most recent interview with Michael Jackson created enormous worldwide interest.
No stranger to awards ceremonies, his work has brought him a BAFTA, three Royal Television Society awards and two Broadcasting Press Guild awards.
In 1999 he was given the Royal Television Society’s most prestigious accolade – Programme of the Year.

Is this your biggest challenge?
THE biggest challenge facing small businesses in 2003 is how to increase sales turnover, according to a survey of small business owners and managers by Bibby Financial Services. The survey reports that 71 per cent of respondents believe this to be their biggest challenge, writes Richard Hickman.
Many businesses concentrate on only a handful of the areas that have a direct impact on the success of their selling operation. The result is that not enough bids are won, margins are reduced, morale goes down, staff turnover rises, new staff are recruited, but performance does not improve.
Experience shows that there can be as many as 60 areas in a business that directly affect the success or otherwise of the sales operation. By addressing these systematically, building on those already being done well, developing those that will make a difference, sales performance will improve.
There are many things in which a business and its people have to be competent. Unless they are aware of the need for being competent in the 60 areas that make sales a success they are unlikely to be doing things to put it right.
To identify where your business could become more competent in selling an audit is available which will highlight those areas that with development will make your business more successful at selling.
Richard Hickman of The Richard Hickman Consultancy has been helping businesses whose sales operations were under-performing since 1995. During that time he has worked with a number of organisations that had a range of problems. Having implemented recommended changes they have become more successful sales organisations.
If you would like to learn more about how Richard can help your business to become more effective at selling, call him on 01252 617038 or visit www.sales-effectiveness.co.uk

Take Your Partners
ARE you in a partnership? Many local traders do not form limited companies but work with a partner who may be their wife, husband or just a business colleague or associate. Some partnerships can be very large.
Robert Kerr, a partner at Shentons solicitors, said: "In December it was announced that the previous restriction on the number of partnerships had been removed. Until now you could not have more than 20 partners in a firm, with the exception of certain forms of professional partnerships where there was no restriction.
"Many of our clients who work in partnership may benefit from forming a limited company. If the business is sued, both tax rates and legal liability are then limited. We can advise on the pros and cons of forming a partnership or setting up a limited company.
"Always take legal advice before deciding how you will trade. Those local partnerships which do not have a written partnership agreement are strongly advised to draw one up so it is clear just how profits are shared and what will happen if one partner leaves or dies, and so on."
For information, contact Robert Kerr on 01962 844544.

HSBC Economic Commentary
Cash back for R&D
The Government's efforts to stimulate R&D spending in Britain's growing companies appear to be paying off. Graham Bourns, Commercial Banking Manager for HSBC in Basingstoke, reports on how R&D Tax Credits are helping a number of the Bank's technology-based customers.
Since changes brought in by the 2000 Finance Act there has been a surge in applications for R&D claims against tax. Inland Revenue response time is down to less than six weeks in some cases and companies are getting immediate cash back.
David Gill, Head of HSBC's Innovation and Technology Unit, said: "We are aware that the immediate cash benefit is provoking much more interest in the scheme than previous plans."
A number of our smaller customers, often working closely with their accountants, are making claims at early stages of their development.
Companies are even incorporating cashback into their business plans and financial projections, making a significant contribution to the cash flows of these young companies.
The only issue that directors have to be mindful of is how to distinguish qualifying expenditure. Assessors are concerned with establishing that there is a sufficient and clear level of innovation. Costs that get the firm to the point of developing a prototype are usually accepted.
All firms engaged in Research & Development activity should consider applying, or at least ensure that they discuss their individual circumstances fully with their professional advisers.
Further information can also be obtained from www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/r&d
HSBC's Innovation and Technology Unit was formed in 1998 to meet the needs of hi-tech firms and co-ordinate the dedicated services that the Bank can offer. A nationwide network of Technology Banking Managers provides specialist guidance on banking services and raising finance, as well as offering access to a variety of experts in areas such as International Trade, Foreign Exchange and Treasury, Invoice Finance, Corporate Financial Planning and General Insurance Brokering, to name but a few.
If you would like to discuss how HSBC can help your business, please contact Graham Bourns, Commercial Banking Manager, HSBC Bank plc, 8 London Street, Basingstoke RG21 7NU, tel: 01256 726086, email: grahambourns@hsbc.com

Fire safety update
THE Government intends to reform fire safety legislation with effect from April 2004.
Existing fire safety legislation has developed in piecemeal fashion, often as a response to particular tragic fires in which large numbers of lives were lost. As a result, fire safety provision is scattered among many pieces of legislation. It is sometimes inconsistent and can be difficult even for fire safety professionals to understand. For the lay person who has to comply with the legislation, it can be bewildering.
The aim of the reform is to simplify, rationalise and consolidate existing legislation. It will provide for a risk-based approach to fire safety, allowing more efficient and effective enforcement by the fire service.
In response to this far-reaching reform, the Basingstoke & Deane Local Business Partnership hosted a seminar and presentation by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service at the Apollo Hotel.
The reforms will affect all businesses, from the self-employed, owner manager, and the voluntary sector to corporate multi-nationals, and some 200 businesses reserved places at the breakfast event, which proved to be an overwhelming success.
Future regulatory seminars on new and forthcoming legislation are planned by the LBP on the subjects of Business Rates Revaluation and the changes to Licensing Laws.
For further information on the LBP, contact Christine Little, Business Support and Development Officer BDBC, tel 01256 845741.
For further information on the Fire Safety Reforms, contact Assistant Divisional Officer Ian Tickle, Hampshire Fire and Rescue, tel 01256 818881.

CRIME PREVENTION FOR SME'S - Month 1
CRIME – burglary, robbery, vandalism, shoplifting, employee theft and fraud – costs businesses billions of pounds each year. Crime can be especially devastating to a small business, which risks losing both customers and employees when crime and fear claim a neighbourhood. When businesses become victims of crime, they often react by changing the hours of their operation, raising prices to cover loses, relocating out the community, or simply closing. Fear of crime isolates businesses much like fear isolates individuals – and this isolation increases vulnerability to crime.
Over the next few issues of Chamber News we will offer tips about how businesses can help protect themselves against the effects of crime or to limit adverse effects when it occurs.
As a first step, businesses need to examine their operation and identify vulnerable aspects.
Laying a Foundation for Prevention
Take a hard look at your business – its physical layout, employees, hiring practices and overall security. Assess its vulnerability to all of crime, from burglary to
embezzlement. Consider the cost of each security improvement you make against potential savings through loss reduction. Remember to assess the impact on employees and customers.
Crimes against businesses are usually crimes of opportunity. Failure to take good security precautions invites crime.
Some basic prevention principles include:
*Provide training for all employees, including cleaning staff, to ensure they are familiar with security procedures and know what you expect of them.
*Use good locks, safes, and alarm systems. If you have questions – seek the help of the police or reputable security company.
*Keep detailed, up to date records. Store back-up copies off the premises. If you are victimised, you can assess losses more easily and provide useful information to assist the police in their investigations.
*Establish and enforce clear policies about employee theft, employee substance abuse, crime reporting, opening and closing the business, other security procedures.
*Mark equipment – cash registers, adding machines, calculators, computers AV Equipment – with an identification number (for example, tax identification or licence number). Keep a record of all identification numbers off the premises with other important records.
*Post the ‘Beat the Burglar’ warning sticker in the front window of your business.
The Army used to have a system whereby if anyone lost money because of their carelessness, they were punished as well as the thief because they had not taken sensible precautions with their property.
Make sure that you have played your part in preventing crime.

Welcome to new members

Mrs Sarah Brett of Coomber Rich
Yard House, May Place, Basingstoke RG21 7WX
Tel: 01256 812202. Solictors
Coomber Rich Solicitors, historically a niche criminal litigation practice, has now developed a civil litigation department. In particular, employment advice dealing with concerns of both employer and employee is available. Emphasis is placed on resolving disputes as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. Fees competitively priced.

Miss Jane Garnett of Holiday Inn Farnborough
Lynchford Road, Farnborough GU14 6AZ
Tel: 01252 549191. Hotel
Holiday Inn Farnborough has 143 ensuite guest bedrooms, a restaurant, bar and nine meeting rooms. Holiday Inn is a 4-star hotel chain operating in the mid-market and has over 2,000 hotels worldwide. We provide accommodation for the business or leisure traveller and a venue for every occasion.

Chung Pang Hui of Hui’s Restaurant, trading as Charles House Restaurant
3 Eastgate Street, Winchester SO23 8EB
Tel: 01962 854919. Restaurant

Martin Cookson of Kings
London Road, Kings Worthy, Winchester SO23 7QD
Tel: 01962 881414. Volvo car dealer
Kings is the established franchised Volvo car dealer for Winchester and surrounding area. Through the Business Centre at Kings in Winchester, our aim is to increase the awareness of the impressive Volvo range to the business community. Kings offers full sales, after-sales, bodyshop and parts facilities.

Peter McGeehan of Peters & May Ltd
18 Canute Road, Ocean Village, Southampton SO14 3FJ
Tel: 023 8048 0480. Shipping & air services
Peters & May is a strong independent organisation, over 30 years old, that specialises in the shipping and forwarding industry. It provides the most comprehensive service including imports, exports, letters of credit, packing and dangerous goods. It has specialist sea, air and road freight departments that provide competitive rates, comprehensive information and realistic transit times. With its powerful UNIX-based computer system, the company provides a full EDI/NES link up with clients' own systems. The organisation is committed to Total Quality Management, is accredited to ISO 9002 and is a member of BIFA and IATA.

Miss Kerry Cunnew of Turley Associates
5 Charlecote Mews, Staple Gardens, Winchester SO23 8SR
Tel: 01962 855722. Planning consultancy
Turley Associates Winchester is a leading and established Town Planning Consultancy. We provide planning advice to clients across the south-east in relation to a range of developments including housing, retail, leisure and commercial uses.

Who's who at the Chamber
"Serving and promoting the interests of business in the north of Hampshire from Winchester and Alresford through Basingstoke and Andover to Hook, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnborough and Yateley"
President Chris Turner
Chief Executive Barbara Bryant

Area Managers:
Basingstoke Karen Matthews
North East Hants Valerie Cloke & Katherine Mesri
Winchester Dawn Gear & Joanna Cassey
Membership Administrator: Julie Ramsay
Office Administrator: Helen Willmott
Finance Officer: Margaret Lancaster
Media Relations: Andrew Renshaw
International Trade Centre: Manager John Harrocks, Administrator Inge Worger

NHCCI Headquarters Office and Basingstoke Area Office
Business Support Centre
Deanes Building, London Road
Basingstoke RG21 7YP
tel 01256 352275
fax 01256 479391
email office@nhcci.co.uk
website www.nhcci.co.uk
Basingstoke Area Manager: Karen Matthews

NHCCI North East Hants Area Office
Civic Offices, Harlington Way
Fleet GU51 4AE
tel 01252 811470
fax 01252 812096
email valerie.nhcci@btclick.com
katherine.nhcci@btclick.com
North East Hampshire Area Managers: Valerie Cloke and Katherine Mesri

NHCCI Winchester Area Office
Abbey Mill, Colebrook Street
Winchester SO23 9LH
tel 01962 841000
fax 01962 870423
email winchester.nhcci@btclick.com
Winchester Area Managers: Dawn Gear and Joanna Cassey