Survey gloom
A PICTURE of a declining economy is painted by the latest survey from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
Sales and orders in the UK, export deliveries and orders, investment plans, employment and cashflows all worsened considerably for both the manufacturing and service sectors in the first quarter.
David Frost, Director General of the BCC, commented: "The sharp deterioration in business conditions, particularly the export market, is alarming.
"While the results may have been partly affected by exceptional uncertainties linked to events in Iraq, it is clear that they signal a genuine worsening in the circumstances within which UK businesses sectors have to operate.
"The Budget did little to mitigate the additional burdens on business imposed by higher NI contributions."
Barbara Bryant, NHCCI chief executive, said: "We have been fortunate in Hampshire in having a vibrant economy.
"However, the national and wider economy must give us cause for concern."

Introducing the Volvo XC90 …
GUEST of honour at the Basingstoke area's April lunch at the Apollo Hotel was the XC90 – Volvo's new 4WD sports utility vehicle, writes Karen Matthews.
Robert Rutherford, General Manager of the Apollo, believes it is the only hotel in Basingstoke that can accommodate vehicles actually inside the hotel.
David Evans of Lamb Brooks solicitors welcomed Chamber members and guests to the lunch that was kindly sponsored by Alan Gibson Volvo.
An excellent meal was followed by an entertaining and informative presentation by Tony Grice, sales development manager for Volvo Cars Ltd.
Tony talked guests through the issues that need to be addressed as a result of the revisions to company car taxation which became effective last April. It is quite surprising how much you can pay for your ‘free fuel' benefit!
Company car taxation is no longer linked to business mileage – it is linked to the car's carbon dioxide emissions and its retail price. Alternative fuel cars can reduce the tax burden, so the Government, by hitting wallets, is attempting to make people more aware of the environment.
For further information, contact Terry Rolls at Alan Gibson Ltd, tel 01256 466111, email tjr@alangibson.org
The next Chamber lunch in Basingstoke is on Wednesday – please note the different day to normal – May 21, in the Robert Newman Restaurant at Basingstoke College of Technology.
The lunch is being sponsored by Basingstoke ITEC who will be talking about a scheme, funded by the Learning & Skills Council, to offer free training to young employees.
For details, contact Karen Matthews in the Basingstoke office on 01256 352275.

Forecast favours Fleet networking
NORTH EAST Hampshire members and their guests were in luck, enjoying some beautiful mid-summer weather in March, writes Katherine Mesri.
This was enhanced by the recently constructed conservatory at the Lismoyne Hotel in Fleet and the excellent standard of customer service given by the hotel manager, David Brunt, and his staff.
Estate agents and Chamber members Waterfords sponsored the lunch and can be contacted on 01252 623333.
To round off a successful lunch with plenty of networking opportunities, four lucky winners had their business cards picked from the Chamber Pot and gave us a short insight into the nature of their companies.
The April lunch in the NE area was at Aldershot Town Football Club on April 29 when the new social club was open for business, and members were able to join in the celebrations for the club’s promotion to the Nationwide Conference (full report next month).
Please contact Katherine Mesri or Valerie Cloke on 01252 811470 for details of future events.

From Baghdad to Friarsgate
BUSY Winchester MP Mark Oaten joined Chamber members at the Wessex Hotel for a networking evening at the end of April.
Mark had already been heard talking to John Humphrys on Radio 4 earlier in the day and had yet another meeting following the Chamber event.
As a committed local MP, issues concerning business and the economy of Winchester are high on his agenda, and members had the opportunity to speak to Mark informally while enjoying a glass of wine and canapés.
Mark then gave a whistle-stop tour from Baghdad to Friarsgate, with Parliament in between.
It was interesting to hear a first-hand view on many topical subjects – rather than one through the media – and the logic behind Mark’s predictions on what might happen in Parliament and to the economy in the next few years.

Technology training at Thales
DAWN and Joanna from NHCCI’s Winchester office recently decided that their computer skills needed serious attention and attended a one-day Excel course at Thales Training and Con-sultancy, part of Thales Corporate University in Basingstoke.
A small group of five were instructed by consultant Jackie Smith. Individual attention is guaranteed because of the small numbers and progress through the exercises was rapid.
Thales has been providing corporate and professional development for over 20 years, focusing particularly on information communication technology, software development and systems engineering together with all aspects of business management and health and safety training.
Courses are available either at the new centre at Mountbatten House in Basingstoke or at your own site.
Thales: tel 0800 163469 or see link from NHCCI website.

Chamber helping to engineer support
The NHCCI is linking up with the Hook-based EEF South (Engineering Employers' Federation) to offer a special programme of support to up to ten local manufacturers.
The scheme, run by the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), is designed specifically for producers and manufacturers.
It will combine tailor-made training and networking with on-site, hands-on support, helping to improve productivity and to reduce costs.
One company that has already benefited from assistance is Merrychef, which is based in north Hampshire and is Europe's leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of accelerated cooking systems.
Rod Gale, Operations Director of Merrychef, said: "We wanted to improve our productivity and introduce new thinking to the production process.
"We also needed a new production line that would have sufficient capacity and flexibility to meet our planned business growth.
"The MAS team were invited to develop our staff skills and introduce Lean Manufacturing principles, and 16 key members of staff were selected for the workshop.
"The introduction of a new culture applying 'best practice' methods and process soon resulted. This will make us an operation more appropriate to the world-class manufacturing business we intend to become."
The collaboration with the MAS achieved some significant results for Merrychef, with productivity improved by 38%, on-time delivery increased to greater than 96%, and lead time reduced from four weeks per kit to one day.
Participation in the scheme is free to businesses in the NHCCI area.
For details, call the Chamber office on 01256 352275.

Agents move up-market
WATERFORDS estate agents have launched a specialist Fine and Country Homes division.
"We have been planning this for some time," said Waterfords managing director Brendan Cox. "We have built up a good marketing strategy for this sophisticated market and feel confident that it will increase our presence at the top end of our local market.
"We are offering high profile advertising through the internet, national and local publications and the London office, full colour brochures and floor plans, as well as free virtual tours for all properties," said Brendan.
"A personal marketing update every ten days is proving very popular and means that our clients are always kept in the picture."
Waterfords were established in Camberley in 1995 by Brendan Cox and Gary Brook. Now NAEA, ARLA and NALS registered, Waterfords have offices in Camberley, Bagshot, Yateley and Chobham, and an Internet Property Showroom in Fleet.
Waterfords, Fleet: 01252 623333

Building work is captured in time
A TIME capsule has been buried by the Mayor of Basingstoke, Cllr Mrs Rita Burgess, and Andrew Hunter MP to mark the start of work on the town’s first car-free housing scheme.
The time capsule contains site plans, local history and deeds of the area, photos of site works, an architect’s watercolour of the new development and various news items of interest. In 100 years’ time it will provide a snapshot of the history of the site and local news at its time of burial.
The block of 30 one-bedroom flats is being built by Goodall Barnard at Vyne Road for Kingfisher Housing Association.
The flats are on a quarter-acre site, located behind the railway station, which was purchased on the open market and previously occupied by Southern Nail Supplies.
The flats will cost about £3.2m to build, supported with a £2.1 million Social Housing Grant provided by Basingstoke Council.
Kingfisher Housing Association: 01256 302302

The Search starts here for PAs
A NEW recruitment company, PA Search Ltd, specialising in the exclusive search and selection of Personal Assistants, has been launched in Hampshire.
Jenny Warner, founder of Family Match, Winchester’s leading childcare recruitment specialists, is now branching out and offering experienced Personal Assistants for busy executives, through her newly formed company.
"My companies can now provide a right-hand person for your business, as well as your home," said Jenny. "Busy decision-makers, with demanding schedules, really appreciate the key role that a professional PA can fulfil."
Whether a business is large or small, PA Search uses an intuitive approach in matching the ideal PA to the company executive. "It’s all a question of personal chemistry," said Jenny. "The technical and secretarial skills of a PA can usually be taken for granted. In our bespoke recruitment approach, we aim to match the individual personalities of both the employer and the PA."
Having worked in the recruitment industry for over 20 years, Jenny is proud to have been recently awarded Fellowship of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.
Jenny and her team can be contacted on 01962 813300 or info@pasearch.com

Alliance to make events memorable
DENISE Shute of Fleet is playing a leading role in the formation of a new national event service provider – Event Alliance.
This is a unique collaboration of specialist companies each with event-focused services, providing one point of contact for the most comprehensive event solution possible. The brand has been formulated by like-minded organisations that believe a first-class service is paramount, and that an outstanding, memorable event should be the norm, rather than the exception.
Denise was appointed as business development director of Basingstoke-based Class Events Limited last September. Class Events is a founder member of Event Alliance, and Denise now takes on the additional key role of co-ordinator for all Event Alliance marketing and new business activity.
Denise said: "We believe there is a strong niche for an event offer that draws on the skills, experience and talents of a range of like-mined experts across the full spectrum of event services. Excellent client communications, extensive blue chip experience and high levels of creativity are just three important elements in ensuring a successful corporate event. Event Alliance combines these and many more skills and specialisms to offer a total event solution we believe is second to none."
Event Alliance is to launch its UK and international offering at the Times Crème Executive Secretary & PA Exhibition at Olympia 2 from May 13-15.
In choosing to launch their brand at Crème, the leading exhibition for PAs, Event Alliance aims to capitalise on its belief that Executive Secretaries and PAs have real influence in the event purchasing process. "We will be speaking directly to some of the most influential people within corporate organisations," said Denise.
Event Alliance will be on stand F57 at Crème. For more information, see www.eventalliance.com
Entrance to the Crème exhibition is free, but to register for visitor offers and details of the seminar programme, call 01993 201708, or see www.thetimescreme.co.uk

People and places
Sue Collen – who worked for the Chamber for ten years – is Fleet's new town centre manager.
Sue's first official function was to arrange her own launch to the town. More than 90 people from local retailers, businesses and organisations turned up to support her at the event which also marked the opening of WE (west meets east) The Restaurant.
Hart Council has been working for many months with Fleet Town Centre Group to establish and fund the post.
Cabinet member Cllr Sharyn Wheale said: "For a long time Fleet has needed a town centre manager to focus on the specific needs and interests of people and businesses in the town. In Sue we have the perfect person to address these issues and raise the profile of the town."
Sue can be contacted on 01252 613475 or 07717 083 188.

Gill Fee has been appointed Sales Manager at The Elvetham near Hartley Wintney, where she will concentrate on developing new business at the mansion which has 21 meeting/syndicate rooms and 72 bedrooms, set in 35 acres.
Gill will also work for The Petersham in Surrey, highlighting the attractions of the 60-bedroom hotel on Richmond Hill.
Greville Dare, MD of Richmond & Hampshire Ltd, said: "We are excited about the potential that Gill’s new role offers for heightening awareness of both properties, in tandem with each other, to the leisure and corporate markets."
The Elvetham: tel 01252 844871 or see www.elvethamhotel.co.uk

Carol Williams has been appoined Assistant Operations Director for the Basingstoke-based Kingfisher Housing Association, who operate in Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire.
She was previously Customer Services Manager with Sentinel Housing Association and therefore brings with her a wealth of experience from working in the housing sector.
Carol will work with Operations Director Stuart Edlington.
Kingfisher Housing Association: tel 01256 302302

Special focus on the rural economy
Hotel’s historic barn is perfect setting for lunch
OVER sixty chamber members attended the Winchester lunch at Lainston House, Sparsholt, on April 1. This was the first time the chamber had held the monthly event in this exclusive AA 4 red star hotel, set in 63 acres of rolling Hampshire downland, writes Dawn Gear.
General manager Julian Tomlin was pleased to welcome members to the lovely Dawley Barn, named after Anthony Dawley, a lawyer and High Sheriff of Hampshire in 1707, who invested in the Lainston estate in 1713.
The barn was a lovely setting for an excellent meal, and the chamber was pleased to welcome NatWest as a sponsor for the event, together with the Hampshire Chronicle.
The theme for the lunch was Rural Development, and following the meal Jim Sawyer, chairman, introduced Nick Munson, senior agricultural manager at the NatWest Agricultural Unit at Petersfield.
Nick’s new appointment signals an expansion of the agricultural team in the region, and emphasises NatWest’s positive stance towards the agricultural sector. It is a rapidly changing area, closing some doors but opening on new opportunities for others. How the industry reacts to, influences and embraces the fast changing environment will determine how businesses thrive. Nick said they need to ask:
Where am I now?
Where do I want to be?
How can I get there?
There is then a wealth of advice available to help them move forward, with NatWest offering a free Farm Service Review, helping them to plan and achieve their objectives. Those working within the agricultural sector are hard-working and multi-tasking individuals who should not underestimate their abilities, said Nick.
NatWest is fully committed to the sector and Nick would be pleased to talk to anyone seeking advice. He can be contacted at the Petersfield office on 01730 710361.
Members were then introduced to Martin Lowry, chairman of the Hampshire Economic Partnership's Rural Task Group.
He said that the character of rural areas had changed greatly in recent years, with farming practices and property ownership affecting employment and village lifestyles. Agricultural and rural policy reforms will continue the radical restructuring of the industry, with increasing specialisation and sophistication to meet food safety and sustainability issues.
Martin said changes on this scale need sophisticated infrastructure such as road and port terminal facilities and there is a need to invest in order to run this new economy.
Diversification is also necessary to maintain income streams, and the change of use for rural buildings has become a planning issue which presents several problems.
Martin stressed the need to build bridges between all those involved, and fully supports the Hampshire Economic Partnership and Hampshire County Council for their work on behalf of the rural community.
One example of such support, with the public and private sectors working together, is the enormously successful Hampshire Farmers' Markets, now an independent company following initial support from HCC.
Planning, infrastructure and economic development issues can all be resolved with the right partnerships, and Martin encouraged everyone to support farmers and rural industries. All must adapt to change, he said.
*Members wanting details about Lainston House should contact Jill Shea, marketing manager: 01962 863588.

VIP visit to college
THE Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mrs Mary Fagan, visited Sparsholt College in March to learn more about the work of the Hampshire Economic Partnership and to be updated on the important rural initiatives that are currently spearheaded by the Partnership's Rural Economy Task Group.
Mrs Fagan was advised of progress on three key issues relevant to the rural economy of Hampshire: the Rural Policy Framework, Hampshire County Council's support for local food initiatives, and the college's involvement with business support initiatives for the rural community.
Jennifer Miller, chairman of HEP, introduced Martin Lowry, who chairs the Rural Economy Task Group.
William White, policy adviser for the South East region of the National Farmers' Union, discussed the merits of the Government's rural policy framework and the progress the initiative has achieved since its launch. He also provided an overview of the Curry Report, the Government's response to the Foot & Mouth crisis of 2001, and outlined how the report's 170 recommendations would provide a sound basis to set the industry back on the road to profit.
John Rees-Evans, head of economic development at Hampshire County Council, reiterated the council's support for local food initiatives, including the development of a local procurement policy and support for Farmers' Markets and Hampshire Fare.
The issue of diminishing local slaughter facilities was also addressed, along with the planned establishment of a Hampshire Food Enterprise Centre. He also outlined plans for the Hampshire Food Conference, to be held on July 3.
Tim Jackson, principal at Sparsholt College, presented progress of the business support initiatives undertaken at the college, focusing on people issues, training programmes and demonstration farming.
Martin Lowry said afterwards: "Mary Fagan's visit was a very important milestone for the Rural Economy Group.
"Lots of fantastic work is being undertaken within the Group and all by people and companies volunteering valuable time and resources to make these initiatives happen.
"Looking ahead, one of our key priorities remains to improve the performance of Land Management by supporting the efforts of the Sparsholt College initiative and Business Link, to provide real business support for rural enterprise.
"Other areas of focus will include the ongoing promotion of consumption of locally produced food products and support for the development of a food centre in Hampshire, the aim of which is to provide advice on training, retail, distribution and logistics."
HEP website: www.hep.uk.com

Summer Ball for Magpie Campaign
TWO local charities are joining forces in a grand Summer Ball to promote interest in their objectives and to raise funds.
The Magpie Cancer Campaign is based at Winchester Hospital and is well on its way to achieving its target to raise funds to build a specialist cancer unit. In fact building work is already under way and the Campaign’s many supporters can begin to see the rewards for their generosity.
The Jeff Smith Foundation is the other charity involved. The foundation is based in Southampton and its objective is to fund the building and maintenance of a house in Spain to provide specialist respite care for people with Multiple Sclerosis. Again, the foundation has already raised substantial funds and it is expected the house will be opening next year.
The ball is to be held at The Botleigh Grange Hotel, Hedge End, on Saturday, July 5. The patron for the occasion is Alan Titchmarsh and he will be present, as will Winchester’s Mayor-elect, Mrs Jean Hammerton, and Mark Oaten MP.
Music will be by The Southampton All Stars, and there will be a casino and auction, with items including sailing holidays, free use of an apartment in a Colorado ski resort, and rent-free occupation of an apartment in the West Indies.
The organisers of the ball are seeking advertising in the souvenir brochure and sponsorship for the various items of cost involved in the event. The number of tickets already sold shows considerable early interest. Tickets are priced at £65 individually or £600 for a table of ten.
For tickets and enquiries regarding advertising and sponsor-ship, please contact: Appeals Office, Magpie Cancer Campaign, tel 01962 825089, email magpiecancerappeal@eidosnet.co.uk

Cancer Care Unit for North Hampshire Hospital
BEARS are the mascots for the Basingstoke Brighter Days Appeal – a project to provide the North Hampshire Hospital with its own dedicated cancer care unit, incorporating six single bed isolation rooms with en-suite facilities and a four bed ward by the end of this year.
The total cost of the unit is just under £400,000 and it is a collaboration between several charities. Half of the money has already been raised and the remaining £205,000 has been pledged by The Wessex Cancer Trust.
This hospital provides for around 270,000 people so many local company employees would be included in that number.
There are many ways in which businesses can support this very worthwhile cause.
The bears, for example, were donated by the local branch of The Bear Factory situated in Festival Place. Shires have generously pledged to provide all the sanitaryware needed throughout the new unit. Similarly, the soft furnishings for the unit have been offered at cost by Alexander James who stage all Bewley Homes showhouses.
A company might perhaps nominate this as their Charity of the Year or employees may wish to organise an event within the workplace. Payroll giving is also a very tax-efficient way of contributing.
The police are organising several major fundraising events for this appeal, including a celebrity football match with, among many others, Matt Le Tissier and Gordon Strachan playing, a parachute jump, a three peaks challenge and a celebrity golf day in which Justin Rose is to play. The culmination of their efforts is to be a black tie ball on July 26 – and the police are currently seeking a sponsor for this event.
If you can help in any way, please ring Susan Williams, Appeal co-ordinator, on 01256 314755, email sue.williams@nhht.nhs.uk

Relate’s new online shop
RELATE Winchester has joined an exciting fundraising initiative which could generate funds towards our running costs, writes Diana Veal.
We now have a webshop at http://buy.at/relatewinchester
This shop links to many high street retailers' websites, and commissions are earned from these at a rate ranging between 3% and 8%.
Quite simply, your purchases will earn commission for us. The precise commission rate for each retailer is shown on the shop when you hover over the links in the middle of the shop.
We all buy CDs, books, electrical goods, holidays, insurance, etc over the web – please do so via our shop in future and help us to keep going.
To start you off, why not send some flowers to someone you love? If you register as one of our shoppers and send flowers through International Flowers, we will get 6% of the retail price!
Book yourself a bargain last-minute holiday through Superbreak and we will benefit by 8% of the purchase price!
See how simple it is to support a worthwhile charity, Relate Winchester?
Please use the shop and recommend it to your friends, family and work colleagues. If I can be of further help please contact me by email, or the operators of the shop at support@perfiliate.com
Diana Veal, Winchester Relate: tel 01962 861336

Chamber News Golf section
St Michael’s Hospice (North Hampshire)
Basil de Ferranti Golf Tournament, Thursday, September 18, at Weybrook Park Golf Club
A superb day of golf at a fabulous course, with wonderful food and networking while raising funds for St Michael’s Hospice (North Hampshire). This annual event enjoys an excellent reputation for organisation, superb prizes and great atmosphere. This is a perfect opportunity to reward your clients and/or staff for outstanding business and loyalty. Please do support!
Platinum Sponsorship: £10,000
Event named after the sponsor. All imaging, main course advertising, programmes, press and associated printed material to headline the sponsor’s name with logo where appropriate.
Hole-in-One Specials: £2,500 – £7,500
Valuable hole-in-one prizes will be at five holes around the course. Prizes include executive car, luxury golfing weekends, Rolex watch.
Hole Sponsor: £1,000
Programme Adverts: full page – £100
For information on all sponsorship packages, please call Viv Woolston-Bass on 01256 844744

Win a place in your own Ryder Cup!
Business people all over the country are being invited to take part in a business golf challenge which could take them to the fabulous Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina.
The first three teams to qualify at area level will go forward to regional finals, the winners of which will fly out to the States, all expenses paid, to take on a team of American opponents at Pinehurst.
The UK team will be captained by John Stirling PGA, who said: "The Business Golf Challenge has been designed to give amateur golfers the chance to experience the tension and excitement of Ryder Cup Golf."
Area heats will be held on Wednesday, July 2, at Basingstoke Golf Club.
Business Golf Challenge 2003 is supported by talkSport radio and the event is raising money for the Wooden Spoon Charity, which helps disadvantaged children and young people.
The tournament is open to teams representing UK companies, partnerships and other business organisations. Ladies and mixed teams are welcome.
For further details and an application form, contact Team Sport on 0870 850 8910, or see www.businessgolfchallenge.com

ALDERSHOT, FLEET & DISTRICT CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE GOLF SOCIETY
CROOKHAM SERVICE GARAGE MATCH-PLAY 2003
Holder: Simon Berryman (Windlesham)
2nd Round Draw to be played by Tuesday, May 27:
G Reeve (Blackmoor) v R Wise (Hindhead)
R Harrison (Army) v P Wheeler (Hankley
A Carew (Farnham Sands) v B O’Callaghan (Southwood)
K Weston (Oak Park) v V Went (Farnham Sands)
S Berryman (Windlesham)
or M Dennis (North Hants) v P Cain (Farnham Sands)
G Rose (Oak Park) v R Newman (Farnham Sands)
C Bunnett (Army) v T Mooney (Hoebridge)
A Green (Army) v P Sawyer (North Hants)
D Hull (Army) v G Burke (Army)
G Gibbons (North Hants) v P Cooper (Mere)
T McCudden-Hughes (Hartley Wintney) v J Beaver (Army)
M Bedlow (Farnham Sands) v J Hawkins (North Hants)
C Smith-Gander(Puttenham) v D Ellis (Blue Mountain)
B Atkins (Farnham Sands) v B Chambers (Oak Park)
M Middlemiss (Army) v D Thomas (Hankley)
C Wheeler (Roker Park) v M McCrum (Merrist Wood)

‘There is such a thing as a free lunch’ ... at least, there is at the Wessex!
In return for introducing a new member to the NHCCI, we are offering you a choice of lunch or dinner for two at The Wessex!
Enjoy a three-course meal in Walker's Restaurant, overlooking the Cathedral.
A great opportunity to treat someone special in your life, host a new client or discuss business with a colleague: whatever your choice, enjoy a ‘free lunch’ on us!
Terms and conditions apply. Contact the Chamber for full details. Lunch or Dinner available, Monday to Friday.
The offer applies to any member introducing a new fully paid-up Chamber member between now and the end of September 2003.

Expansion for accountants
ACCOUNTANTS Langdowns DFK have expanded into new offices in Eastleigh. Most of their specialists are now under one roof, where they can offer clients a range of services.
"We can meet the next half century of business with confidence," said managing partner Bob Law.
"Already we offer a ‘one stop shop' for business requirements. We have a division for business start-ups and developing local business, and professionals who offer support to large corporates with branches in the US."
Langdowns DFK, founded 50 years ago, is now one of the largest independent accountancy practices in the south of England.
The spacious new offices are in a barn conversion that is modern and well-equipped. "There is none of the crusty image accountants use to have," said spokeswoman Andrea Campbell Smith.
The refurbishment is geared to modern equipment and they can offer on-site conference and training facilities.
Recent expansion has led to Langdowns DFK taking on several new members of staff. They include ex-banker Philip Gready, who will develop Langdowns’ Financial Planning department, working with Simon Loveday-Lovell.
Langdowns DFK will be inviting clients to an event shortly at their new offices to meet the team.
Langdowns DFK: tel 023 8061 3000

CRIME PREVENTION FOR SME's - Month 2
This month we examine Burglary and offer some practical tips to make your business premises less vulnerable. Remember that the police are available to provide advice on crime prevention.
Burglary Prevention
*Make sure all outside entrances and inside security doors have deadbolt locks. If you use padlocks, they should be made of steel. Remove serial numbers from your locks to prevent manufacture of unauthorised keys. Ensure, where safety permits, that security doors are kept locked. Wherever possible, external doors should not be able to be opened from the outside.
*All outside or security doors should be metal lined and secured with metal security crossbars. Exposed hinges should be pinned to prevent removal.
*Windows should have secure locks and burglar resistant glass. Consider installing metal grates on all your windows except display window. Remove all expensive items from window displays at night and make sure you can see easily into your business after closing.
*Light the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors, windows, skylights, or other entry points. Consider installing covers over exterior lights and power sources to deter tampering.
*Check the parking area for good lighting and unobstructed views.
*Keep your cash register in plain view from outside your business, so it can be monitored by police during the day and night. Leave it open and empty after closing.
*Be sure your safe is fireproof and securely anchored. Leave it open when it’s empty, use it to lock up valuables when you close. Remember to change the combination when an employee who has had access to it leaves your business.
*Invest in an alarm system. Learn how to use your system properly. Check the system daily, and run a test when closing.
None of this is rocket science. It is good common sense, and if some simple rules are followed you can play your part in helping to reduce crime by making it more difficult for the criminal.

Business Rescue seminar success
A ‘Business Rescue Know-How’ seminar hosted by State Securities, Lester Aldridge and Fanshawe Lofts at the Intech Technology Centre (Winchester) provided to be an enlightening and informative event for the delegates.
The seminar was chaired by local MP, Christopher Chope. Speakers Paul Burke, Jeremy Guilfoyle, Malcolm Niekirk and Antony Fanshawe explained the implications of the new Enterprise Act and the ruling in the ‘Brumark’ case, to an audience that included business advisers, business people, accountants and insolvency practitioners.
"The aim of the seminar was to provide down to earth advice in a space age environment," commented Antony Fanshawe.
"The government is about to introduce some potentially far reaching reforms to insolvency legislation. The changes are technical and, at first sight, seem to have little relevance to many of us. But in fact they could make it harder for small businesses to borrow the money they need and could also increase the amount we all have to pay for personal finance, if the American experience is any guide, " said Malcolm Niekirk.
"It’s the small business person that needs to appreciate the importance of these changes, not only in their business lives but on any personal guarantees they may have given," Paul Burke stressed.
"The seminar cut through the jargon and explained the implications in simple terms."

HSBC Economic Advice
In Sickness and in Health: The benefits of a Health Cash Plan
Most businesses know that healthy, motivated employees are essential to the smooth running of their business. After all, it can be difficult for all
concerned when key members of staff are absent through illness.
Which is why so many employers are now offering their staff the benefits of a Health Cash Plan. Simpler and lower cost than Private Medical Insurance, this is an ideal way to offer your employees cash towards healthcare bills and help towards private treatment if required.
With HSBC, our Health Cash Plan also encourages health awareness by giving cash towards regular check-ups.
HSBC's Health Cash Plan can help towards the cost of going private for a range of conventional and complementary medical treatments and consultations – including optical, dental, acupuncture, chiropody, chiropractic, physiotherapy and hospital day-surgery.
All costs are 100% reclaimable up to the benefit limit, and employees can organise their medical appointments when and where they choose. Alternatively, they can decide that the complaint is not acute, and wait for a routine NHS appointment. Even so, they are still entitled to claim their benefits and use the money for other things. The decision is up to them – either way they will gain from this company benefit.
From your point of view, as an employer, the Health Cash Plan allows you to:
*actively reward your staff.
*deduct contributions from corporation tax, which works out cheaper than pay rises and bonuses.
*effectively reduce absence due to sickness.
*meet certain Health and Safety requirements.
A Health Cash Plan is easy to administer and claims are paid promptly. Your employees can be treated for health problems before they become acute. The premiums are reasonable, everyone is eligible between the ages of 18 and 65 and, unlike Private Medical Insurance, individual medical checks are not required to take out our Health Cash Plan.
For more information, call for a copy of our brochure, ‘Health Cash Plan: Looking after the routine healthcare costs of your employees'.
For further information, contact Mike Loftus, Branch Manager, HSBC Bank plc, 8 London Street, Basingstoke RG21 7NU, tel: 01256 726026.

Let’s hear your business news
IF you have news about your business that you want to share with other Chamber members, please send the information to your local NHCCI office or contact:
Andrew Renshaw, Editor of Chamber News, tel and fax: 01252 843566, email: Andrew.Renshaw@tesco.net
Chamber News also represents a cost-effective advertising opportunity to reach 1,000 businesses in north Hampshire. For details, call the editor or your local office. The rates are at the back of the Directory.

Students get a practical lesson in business
STUDENTS spent a day with Basingstoke electronic components distributor Telecom Design Communications gaining an insight into the world of business.
The students visited eight key areas – Accounts, IT, Logistics, Marketing, Management, New Business Development, Sales and Technical – hearing about each department's role as part of the bigger TDC picture.
They also got to meet Barbara Bryant, chief executive of the NHCCI, and Jerry Sandys, Managing Director of TDC.
The students enjoyed lunch with the TDC team, but learnt another important lesson: there's no such thing in business as a free lunch! They were given a competition to complete and were asked 40 questions about TDC – the answers all being obtainable from staff presentations, the TDC website and by asking individual members of staff.
The student who answers the most correct questions will be invited to ‘Become MD for a Day'. This will entail joining the ‘real boss' Jerry Sandys in a variety of meetings including lunch with NatWest Basingstoke manager Kevin Jelley.
Jerry Sandys said: "Building on the work that we did last year with local students in our Young Innovator Competition, and as part of our ongoing commitment to encourage students to consider the electronics industry as a career choice, we were approached by Bearwood College who were looking for companies to visit in order to discover what makes the operations and structure of each firm unique.
"We hope that the students and our staff found the day equally rewarding."
Last year TDC won Basingstoke Business Awards Business in the Community prize. The 24 students from Bearwood College, Wokingham, are all taking A-level Business Studies.
Barbara Bryant said: "It was very encouraging to see tomorrow's business people being given a practical insight into the world of commerce, and TDC is to be applauded for opening their doors to the students."

Export news
‘GREEN VENTURES’ Partenariat, Potsdam, Germany, June 18-20: pre-arranged meetings for SMEs from Environmental & Energy Technology sectors.
A business matchmaking event with companies from the water, air, soil, energy, construction, recycling and renewable materials sub-sectors.
Contact John Harrocks on 01256 352275.
TRADE MISSIONS:
CHINA, June 6-18: Ningbo (Zhejiang Province), Nanjing (Jiangsu Province) & Shanghai. Organised by Liverpool CCI.
SOUTH AFRICA, June 23-27. Organised by Liverpool CCI.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES:
Joint venture partner/agent in UK sought for Sri Lankan company wanting to set up merchandising unit for selling products (including tea, coffee, garments and handicrafts) in UK and mainland Europe.
Joint venture partner/agent sought by Sri Lankan company wanting to set up screenprinting factory in UK, to employ disabled persons. Ref LANKABRIGHT
For further information, contact the NHCCI International Trade Centre on 01256 352275, email internationaltrade@nhcci.co.uk

Data Protection Act: Don’t be conned
MORE instances have been reported of companies with official-sounding names and forms contacting firms regarding registration under the Data Protection Act 1998 and charging £95 for notification.
Details of how to notify under the Act, with an annual statutory fee of £35, are available on a website at www.dpr.gov.uk
If in doubt, call the notification hotline on 01625 545740.

Welcome to new members

Asset On Line – Gareth Edwards
Lomber Hey Farm, Andrew Lane, High Lane Village, Stockport, Cheshire SK6 8HY
Tel: 0161 427 9990. IT Reseller (computer industry)
Asset On Line are an IT Reseller offering substantial discounts on all IT systems from memory upgrades to PCs, laptops, servers, printers, copiers, scanners, faxes etc, with up to 50% savings on genuine like-for-like quotations.

Business Evolutions – Mary Allen
44A Winchester Road, Petersfield GU32 3PG
Tel: 01730 231019. Small business specialist
As adviser, mentor and coach, I bring a gentle, caring approach to my clients and to the business management process. Using all my knowledge, skill and experience, I help my clients create successful and fulfilling businesses: www.businessevolutions.co.uk

Ciao Baby Cucina (Basingstoke) Ltd – Rita Swart
Unit 9, Festival Place, Basingstoke RG21 7BB
Tel: 01256 477299. Restaurant
Up-market modern Italian restaurant in Festival Place, Basingstoke.

Dynamic Solutions (Europe) Ltd – Tracy Meachin-Adams
Eastlands II, London Road, Basingstoke RG21 4AW
Tel: 01256 693050. Training & Development
We design and deliver precisely targeted training to develop individuals and change the culture within organisations. Using mould-breaking techniques, our goal is to build emotional commitment, to send everyone – from front line staff to senior management – back to the workplace with a new belief in themselves and their company.

Focus 21 Visual Communications Ltd – Peter Brewer
14 London Street, Basingstoke
Tel: 01256 347070. Visual communications
Focus 21 is a Visual Communications solution provider. We are an audio visual engineering company which specialises in the integration of top grade presentation and conferencing products into boardroom, conference room and training room environments. Our dedicated engineers offer a comprehensive range of services, from design consultancy and visualisation, to programming, installation, training, technical support and on-sitemaintenance.

Lloyds TSB Bank Plc – Steve Fahy
36 Market Street, Eastleigh SO50 9YT
Tel: 02380 650047. Bank

Oakley Hall Park Ltd – Karen Farmer
Rectory Road, Oakley, Basingstoke RG23 7EL
Tel: 01256 783350. Conference & banqueting venue
Oakley Hall is a Grade II listed Manor House built in 1795 and set in 304 acres of Hampshire woodland with easy access from the M3 motorway. With 11 luxurious rooms to choose from, including an original library, Garden Room, Austens Restaurant and a deluxe marquee, Oakley Hall can offer every event exceptional service and a unique experience.

PA Search Ltd – Jenny Warner
37-39 Southgate Street, Winchester SO23 9EH
Tel: 01962 813300. Recruitment
PA Search is a specialist recruitment company which selects dedicated and experienced Personal Assistants and senior administrative staff for busy decision-makers with demanding daily schedules. Our bespoke search and selection techniques offer a fresh, intuitive approach to identifying the perfect PA.

Randstad Employment Bureau – George Sofokleous
6 Winton Square, Basingstoke RG21 8EW
Tel: 01256 358222. Employment agency
Randstad has been established for over 40 years and is one of the world's largest providers of staffing solutions. Randstad has been active in the UK for over 12 years and has over 70 branches throughout the country. UK revenue in 2001 was £117m. Randstad aims to be a quality player and to deliver an excellent product.