4front magazine (autumn 2015 edition)

S O U T H C H E S H I R E C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S M A G A Z I N E

Autumn 2015

A NEWVISION FORCREWEPage 34

AUTUMN 4Front_Layout 1 21/10/2015 14:56

3FOREWORD

Welcome to the autumn edition of the South Cheshire Chamber’s 4FRONTmagazine.

There was no lull for the area over thesummer period with many projectscontinuing to be developed and planned.At our Annual Business luncheon atWychwood Park this month, we heardfrom Cllr. Peter Groves and Jez Goodman,Regeneration Manager for Crewe aboutthe schemes that had been completedsuch as the Jack Mills Way Bypass andthose that were in the pipeline. Theseinclude the much needed Crewe GreenLink Road (Completion date December),geothermal project at MMU Cheshire,investment at Bentley Motors and theregeneration of Crewe town centre.

All these projects provide solid foundationsfor the area to grow and prosper over theforthcoming years and hopefully this willbe enhanced when the plans for HS2 areannounced within the next few months.An integrated HS2 Hub for Crewe is whatwe want to see and is a game changer forthe area.

Although there is still a lot more to do, allthese developments mean that Crewe andthe surrounding area can look forward toan exciting period. The Chamber lobbiesand helps identify projects needed, butCheshire East Council and our MP EdwardTimpson should be congratulated for theirsignificant roles in making this happen.

The Chamber has also been working withCrewe Town Council, leisure companiesand Marketing Cheshire to develop aninitiative called ‘Destination Crewe’. Theinitiative is to increase awareness andpositive perceptions of Crewe as a placefor business meetings and conferences.Like the Crewe Pledge that helps young

people, Destination Crewe has beendeveloped from the grass roots of the areaand is starting to gain momentum. SouthCheshire has a lot to shout about andthat’s exactly what we should be doing.

Change is always inevitable and theChamber is currently in a period ofsignificant change itself. The Chamber hasmoved to new offices based in MMUCheshire. It’s an extremely exciting timeand is the first steps towards developing abusiness hub for Crewe which can helpdrive growth in the local economy. Thenew offices will also be home to theCrewe Pledge, UK Trade and Investmentand other business support bodies.

I would like to take this opportunity towelcome Jacqui Morris to our organisation.Jacqui is the new Chamber Manager and co-ordinator of International Tradeand will bring her significant commercialexperience to our organisation. I know sheis excited to be at the Chamber and iskeen to help develop services and supportfor members.

I hope you enjoy this magazine and if yourcompany has good news to share or you’dlike to take advantage of the advertisingopportunities, please do not hesitate tocontact Tina at the Chamber.

May I take this opportunity to wish yourbusiness every success in the future.

Chief ExecutiveSouth Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry

@SCCCI_CEO

Welcome to the Autumnedition of 4Front, themagazine for businesses inSouth Cheshire

Chamber Team

Paul ColmanChief Executivewww.sccci.co.uk/

portal/paul-colman/

Jacqui MorrisChamber Managerwww.sccci.co.uk/portal/jacqui/

Tina HankeyChamber Executive -

Membership Co-ordinatorwww.sccci.co.uk/portal/tina-hankey/

Nadeem AhmadChamber Executive -Business Community & ICT Developmentwww.sccci.co.uk/

portal/nadeem-ahmad/

Madeleine AbbeyChamber Executive -PA to Chief Executive

www.sccci.co.uk/portal/madeleine-abbey/

Daryl WilliamsChamber Executive Events

Co-ordinatorwww.sccci.co.uk/portal/

daryl_williams/

Lauren ReaddinChamber Executive Events Administrator

www.sccci.co.uk/portal/lauren_readdin/

Anne XiourouppaAccounts

www.sccci.co.uk/portal/Anne_M_Xiourouppa/

The Chamber, or any of its agents/representatives/staff, cannot accept any legal liability for the accuracy of the news items and articlescontained in the magazine, which have been obtained and are reproduced in good faith.

The Chamber also reserves the right to edit articles submitted for publication or exclude them completely.

Richard WeildingBusiness Loans Executive

www.sccci.co.uk/portal/richard_weilding/

Trevor LangstonChamber Executive -Business & Education

Co-ordinatorwww.sccci.co.uk/

portal/trevor-langston/

Paul WilcoxUKTI

www.sccci.co.uk/portal/paul-wilcox/

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Dianne ParrishBusiness Connector, Crewe

and South Cheshire (Working incollaboration with South Cheshire

Chamber of Commerce)www.sccci.co.uk/portal/diannecheshireconnect

Michael SwalesSpringfield School Student


4 NEW MEMBERS

Meet our new members . . .

Cheshire Fire & Rescue ServiceSadler Road, WINSFORD, Cheshire CW7 2FQTelephone 01606 868 761kristian.clowes@cheshirefire.gov.ukwww.cheshirefire.gov.ukFire Safety and Protection

Constructive Animation3 Baden Terrace, LEEDS, West Yorkshire LS13 4HUMobile 07411 454 422hello@constructiveanimation.co.ukwww.constructiveanimation.co.ukMarketing

The Wilbrahams58 Welsh Row, NANTWICH, Cheshire CW5 5EJMobile 07908 266 [email protected] House & Restaurant

Out There CreweGreenways, Chester Road, KELSALL, Cheshire CW6 0SDTelephone 01829 759 [email protected]

Trimo UK LtdUnit 4, Willaston House Business Centre, Crewe Road, Willaston, NANTWICH, Cheshire CW5 6NETelephone 01270 665 [email protected]

Lisa’s Treasures189 Gainsborough Road, CREWE, Cheshire CW2 7PNTelephone 01270 482 [email protected]

Fairerpower Ltdc/o Westfields, Middlewich Road, SANDBACH, Cheshire CW11 1HZMobile 07757 508 719sophie.thorley@cheshireeast.gov.ukwww.fairerpower.co.ukElectricity Gas and Water - Energy Provider

Smith Bellerby Ltd7-8 Abbey Court, High Street, NEWPORT,Shropshire TF10 7BWTelephone 01952 825 [email protected] Services

Can Training LtdElectra House, Electra Way, Crewe Business Park, CREWE, Cheshire, CW1 9HWTelephone 0800 177 [email protected]

Edenfield Training & OsteopathyBridge Centre, Birches Head, STOKE-ON-TRENT, Staffordshire ST2 8DDTelephone 01782 219 [email protected]

Ibis Styles Crewe (New World Crewe Ltd)Emperor Way, Crewe Business Park, CREWE, Cheshire CW1 6BDTelephone 01270 506 [email protected]/creweHotel

Extreme Adventure LtdFoxdale Cottage, Bunbury Lane, Bunbury,TARPORLEY, Cheshire CW6 9QZTelephone 01270 524 075info@extreme-adventure.co.ukwww.extreme-adventure.co.ukEntertainment

DJS Garden Design51 St Leonards Way, CREWE, Cheshire CW3 9SSMobile 07817 917 [email protected]

Rhino Safety Limited12 Ruscoe Avenue, Elworth, SANDBACH, Cheshire CW11 3HGMobile 07736 688 [email protected] & Safety

Inrad ConsultantsThe Cedars, 12 Pipe Gate, MARKET DRAYTON, Shropshire TF9 4HXTelephone 01630 647 [email protected] & Mentoring

Stripey Pig Limited2 Downfields, NEWPORT, ShropshireTF10 8QHTelephone 01952 767 [email protected] Phones

For more information on joining the Chamber contact Tina on 01270 504 700 or email [email protected] you would like a meeting with a member of the Chamber Team, please contact the Chamber on 01270 504700



Lawrence DavisChimneys House, Warner Street, STOKE-ON-TRENT,Staffordshire ST1 3DHTelephone 01782 264 [email protected]

AptMiller’s Cottage, Bishops Offley, STAFFORDSHIRE ST21 6ETTelephone 08448 584 [email protected] Design

C E Contracting ServicesFirst Floor Room 12, Stapeley House, LondonRoad, Stapeley, NEAR NANTWICH CW5 7JWTelephone 01270 620 068 Fax 01270 260 [email protected] Services

5NEW MEMBERS


Winter Issue due out 29th January 2016 Editorial Deadline18th December 2015

Advertisement Deadline8th January 2016

Contact [email protected]

For Advertising Sales and Articles please contact Tina Hankey:

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry,Couzens Building, Manchester Metropolitan University,

Crewe Green Road, Crewe CW1 5DU

Telephone: 01270 504 700 • Fax: 01270 504 701 Email: [email protected] www.sccci.co.uk/portal/tina-hankey

Apologies to Helen Pullan whose email appeared incorrectly in our last edition. It is [email protected] Safe Opportunities Ltd • www.safeopportunities.co.uk • Telephone 07415 245537

PLEASE NOTESouth Cheshire Chamber of Commerce

& Industry has moved!

Our new address is:South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Couzens BuildingManchester Metropolitan University

Crewe Green RoadCrewe CW1 5DU

Telephone 01270 504 700

Paul Colman, Chief Executive of SouthCheshire Chamber of Commerce haswelcomed the appointment of the newChamber Manager Jacqui Morris.

Jacqui (pictured) has joined the Chamberfrom James Walker & Co Ltd in Crewewhere she was responsible for theinternational financial accounts. She spenteight years working for the company thatmanufactures high performance fluidsealing products.

In 2011 Jacqui was part of the team that helped James Walker scoopthe Chamber’s Exporter of the Year award. Before that Jacqui wasexport co-ordinator for a veterinary medicines manufacturer. Jacquibrings with her more than 20 years of experience in developinginternational trading links.

Jacqui takes over from Jon Barnes who has left the Chamber to workin New York. She added: “I worked very closely with Jon for manyyears as part of the Chamber’s Export Forum which advises

businesses on trading protocol and best practice. It was veryrewarding to see local companies take the leap into trading abroadand reap the rewards. Among its successes, the Forum has helpedSouth Cheshire businesses sell stationery products to United ArabEmirates, beauty products to Europe and graphic design services to China.

“As part of my new role I’m eager to encourage local businesses tobecome members of the Chamber. They will have opportunities toshare their knowledge and experiences through our successfulnetworking events, plus provide input into the Chamber whilstsupporting our efforts to strengthen South Cheshire’s status as athriving place to do business.”

Over the next few months Jacqui will be out and about meetingexisting members and spreading the word about the benefits of membership.

Companies interested in receiving information on thebenefits of joining the Chamber or discussing the support itcan give on trading overseas are asked to contact JacquiMorris on 01270 504700 or visit www.sccci.co.uk

Introducing the new Chamber Manager


South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce has moved to a newbase at the MMU Cheshire campus in Crewe.

The move comes as the Chamber unveils exciting plans to create aBusiness Hub offering hot-desk and meeting facilities for members.

Chamber chief executive Paul Colman said: “The ManchesterMetropolitan University Cheshire campus is a long-standing Patronof the Chamber and an active supporter of initiatives to driveforward business growth in the area. The move allows us tostrengthen links with this centre of academic excellence andintroduce members to some of the country’s finest research andstudy facilities.”

Previously based on Crewe Business Park, the Chamber will operateall services from the Couzens Building – home also to the MMU’sDepartment of Business and Management. It will be home toChamber administration and events staff as well as specialists ininternational trade, business finance and promotion.

It will also be the new venue for meetings and monthly WelcomeMornings offering new members and people interested inmembership an insight into the benefits of being part of theChamber community.

Mr Colman added: “Our future plans include creating a Business Hubwhere members can work, meet customers and benefit fromrubbing shoulders with people from different business sectors. Withthe new base and regeneration taking shape around us in SouthCheshire, this is an exciting new era for the Chamber.”

The MMU Cheshire, which offers courses in Business Management,

is once again a proud sponsor of the South Cheshire ChamberBusiness Awards. It promotes good working practices as sponsor ofthe hotly-contested Employer of the Year category.

MMU Enterprise Fellow Trevor Brown said: “We are thrilled towelcome the Chamber to our Cheshire campus in Crewe. Theopportunity to connect on a daily basis with the Chamber, itsmembers and associated organisations will be of benefit to theuniversity, the business community and our students. We have alwaysbeen proud of the close links between our organisations and thisrelocation strengthens these links and will lead to a stronger businesssupport offer in the region."

The Chamber will also continue to operate the office at NantwichCourt on Hospital Street in Nantwich.

For more information call 01270 504700 or visitwww.sccci.co.uk

New home for the South CheshireChamber of Commerce

6 CHAMBER NEWS


Are you receiving the Chamber e-newsletters?

Sent fortnightly on successive weeks:News & Blogs

Latest News, Blogs, Offers, Polls etc.

Events & TrainingForthcoming Events and Training Courses, including ongoing

clinics, workshops, drop-in sessions, consultations etc.

Mailing list of over 1300 email addresses

Subscribe online at www.sccci.co.uk

For more details contact Nadeem AhmadEmail: [email protected]

Telephone: 01270 504 700

Promote your BusinessChamber Members - reach out to new customers and buildyour brand through regular promotion in the e-newsletters

News, Blogs, Events, Training, Advertising,Sponsorship


7CHAMBER NEWS


OCTOBER

Final Friday

30th October at Ibis Style Hotel, Crewe

9.00am - 11.00am

NOVEMBER

BCC International Trade Conference 2015

3rd November at Grand Connaught Rooms, British Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Welcome

6th November at the Chamber

9.30am - 11.00am

Business Awards

6th November at Crewe Hall

6.45pm - 1.00am

Bank of England Monetary Policy event

9th November at Rookery Hall

11.30am - 2.00pm

In the Know - Liberate your pension

11th November at Crewe Hall

8.00am – 10.00am

Portal User Workshop

17th November at Pitman Training Centre

10.00am - 12.30pm

Meet and Eat Networking Lunch

17th November at Residence Nantwich

12 noon - 2.00pm

Chamber Social - Quiz Night

26th November at Worleston Village Hall

Evening event

Final Friday

27th November at The Academy for Performing Arts

9.00am - 11.00am

DECEMBER

Chamber Welcome

4th December at the Chamber

9.30am - 11.00am

Christmas Lunch

11th December at Rookery Hall

12 noon - 2.00pm

Forthcoming Chamber Events

Look out for more Chamber eventscoming soon!

For more information and event listingsor if you wish to promote your own

event visit the Chamber Member Portal:www.sccci.co.uk

Chamber is pleased to meet you

Young people in Crewe and Nantwich have ambition.

They want to get on and make the most of theirlives, to gain skills and knowledge, and theyrecognise that a good well rounded education - followed by universityor an apprenticeship - can help them achieve this.

Apprenticeships have become increasingly attractive, as they offeryoung people opportunities to earn while they learn. They also bringreal value to businesses, by helping employers develop a motivated,skilled and well qualified workforce. The growing liaison seen betweenschools and employers since 2010 has been remarkable, that so farhas helped create over 6,000 training placements for young peoplein Crewe and Nantwich - at businesses big and small.

There is, however, still more to do. The role of government is toprovide people with the foundations they need to better themselves,and it shouldn't in any way favour one path over another. It's righttherefore, that by committing to the delivery of a further 3 millionapprenticeship places by 2020, ministers are restoring parity in thesystem, and also re-establishing the crucial connection betweeneducation and the workplace.

Doing so will widen access to professions for school leavers, as wellas provide the higher technical skills employers need to improveproductivity, and, in doing so, ensuring that young people have theskills they'll need for a bright and secure future. So if you haven'tconsidered taking on an apprentice, now is as good a time as any.

For further details about apprenticeships, how to set up one for your business, and how to apply for one, please visitwww.apprenticeships.org.uk.

Edward Timpson can be contacted on 01270 501725

From Westminsterwith EdwardTimpson MP

Welcome Mornings continue to draw a good crowd to the Chamberoffices. These monthly events offer new and existing members anopportunity to learn more about the Chamber’s work to boost trade ona local, national and international level.

Introduced a year ago, the Welcome Mornings also highlight the variousnetworking, training and export events available from the Chamberthroughout the year. Supporting businesses of all sizes, from sole-traderto international exporter, the Chamber lobbies on behalf of SouthCheshire as a member of the British Chambers of Commerce.

It also supports business growth in the area through its Loans Schemeoffering cash help to firms looking to expand.

The next Welcome Morning will be staged at the Chamber’s new officeon the MMU Cheshire campus in Crewe on November 6. The finalWelcome event of the year will be on December 4 – but there will beplenty more to follow in 2016.

For more information on joining the Chamber call Tina Hankeyon 01270 504 700 or visit www.sccci.co.uk


8 CHAMBER NEWS


On Wednesday, 30th September the Crewe Pledge held a launchevent for the Duke of Edinburgh award at Springfield School inCrewe. Many young people from the schools and colleges in Crewemet to start their journey on the programme to help to developtheir employability skills.

The Crewe Pledge has committed to doubling the number of youngpeople completing the award this academic year to over 100. Thisis part of the Pledge’s aim to support young people. In a survey,businesses identified communication skills, problem solving, self-

management and resilience as vital skills that they look for whenappointing young people. They went on to agree that the Duke ofEdinburgh award was a great programme for developing these skills.

Assurant were so keen on the idea that they have agreed to supportthe programme, providing funds to reduce the cost to any youngperson wanting to complete the programme in Crewe.

The launch was attended by over 100 people. Staff and studentsfrom Springfield School inspired the guests with their stories of howthey had overcome adversity to achieve the award. Organisationsincluding the Glasheen Academy, MMU, Cheshire East, Crewe TownCouncil, Cheshire Youth United, Everybody Leisure, CheshireConnect and the Wishing Well were on hand to offer young peopleopportunities to sign up for voluntary opportunities or the chanceto take on a skill or physical activity which could count as part oftheir Duke of Edinburgh award.

Many more Duke of Edinburgh groups are now established in thetown and Cheshire East have agreed to work with the CrewePledge to run a cohort for anyone aged 14-25 wanting to do theDuke of Edinburgh award who can’t join any of the other groups.

If you want to undertake the programme or have a youngemployee or apprentice who would benefit, e-mail TrevorLangston at [email protected].

Duke of Edinburgh award supported bythe Crewe Pledge and Assurant

The Crewe Pledge is holding a Your Future Careers Fair on 26thNovember at South Cheshire College. This event is for youngpeople aged 13-24 to inspire, enthuse and motivate them to thinkabout prospective careers, the employment options available to them and to make the most of their remaining time in education.

The Your Future Careers Fairs are a government funded national project to deliver 250 events through Chambers ofCommerce, attracting over 70,000 young people across England.

The event is a great opportunity for businesses to raise their profile,meet potential new employees and help young people discovernew careers. All schools and South Cheshire College have grabbedthe opportunity and are bringing their pupils to this event.

At the end of the day, we will come together and share the journeyof the first 9 months of the Crewe Pledge and share future plans.

Please join us. Contact Trevor Langston at the Chamber ore-mail him on 07595 496400

Careers Fair and celebration of the first nine months of theCrewe Pledge

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) surveyed over 3,246businesses and over 306 schools to learn what could be done tobetter prepare young people for the world of work.

The findings reinforce the work that South Cheshire Chamber isdoing under the umbrella of the Crewe Pledge.

82% of businesses and 73% of schools, colleges and universitiesthink secondary schools should offer work experience to studentsunder 16 years old. Pleasingly, all of the schools and both collegesin Crewe run work experience in the town and businesses arestepping up to the plate by offering these opportunities.

The Pledge is working with businesses to support them in ways tomake work experience as effective as possible for both thebusinesses and the young people.

The survey goes on to say that work experience is seen as the bestactivity to prepare young people for work. 79% of businesses saywork experience develops effective skills for the workplace.

This is followed by: paid part-time work (69%), community activities(55%), and enterprise activities (44%).

The Pledge agrees with these other priorities. The Pledge hascommitted to doubling the number of people completing the Dukeof Edinburgh Award which supports community activity. The Pledgealso runs a number of enterprise activities alongside businesses inits Employment Readiness and Explore Programmes.

To find out more about how you can offer workexperience or run enterprise activities with young peopleas a way of talent spotting your next workforce, contactTrevor Langston at the Chamber or e-mail him [email protected]

BCC Survey shows overwhelming support for the work ofthe Crewe Pledge



9ANNUAL LUNCH

At their Annual lunch recently, South Cheshire Chamber officialspromised not to overlook the needs of existing businesses inCrewe as the town powers ahead with regeneration and becomesmore attractive to developers.

The promise came as Crewe enters into a predicted period ofphenomenal growth and a New Year in which all eyes will be on itas the Gateway to the Northern Powerhouse.

Chamber Chairman John Dunning said: “There’s no doubt Crewe ison the brink of historic transformation should the HS2announcement be favourable to Crewe creating a fantasticopportunity for growth and inward investment. But as part of thatwe want to ensure the needs of existing businesses, large and small,are catered for.

“Crewe’s infrastructure, for example, does nothing to drawshoppers into the town centre and that’s an area where wecontinue to press for improvement.

“Working in conjunction with the Crewe Pledge, we also want to ensure our local young people benefit from the new jobs being created.

“Supporting those local companies looking to export or needingfinance to grow will also remain key objectives of the Chamber.”

A round-up of the exciting changes taking place over the next fewmonths were presented to members recently at the Chamber’sannual luncheon at Wychwood Park.

Hot off the press came news of the long-awaited Crewe Green LinkRoad opening up Basford East for commercial and residentialdevelopment. Guest speaker, Cheshire East Regeneration ManagerJez Goodman revealed the £26.5m link between Weston Roadroundabout and the A500 would open in December.

November would see an announcement made on HS2 with Crewestrongly tipped to become the Northwest Gateway Station makingtravel to London possible in under an hour.

Meanwhile the council is starting the process of finding adevelopment partner to lead on a leisure-led transformation of thetown centre and Royal Arcade site.

Mr Goodman said: “We are looking at leisure-led schemes which bring people into town in the day and night, not a nine tofive situation.”

Other developments like Crewe University Technical Collegeopening next September and Crewe Lifestyle Centre opening inApril would also help to generate vital town centre footfall, he said.

Also speaking was the council’s Finance and Assets Portfolio Holder,Cllr Peter Groves, and British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)Business Insight Manager David Bharier.

David presented the findings of a Quarterly Economic Survey whichpainted a bleak picture for manufacturing nationally with figuresfalling in the three months leading to October. Firms exporting theirproducts also reached an all-time low.

Crewe however was bucking the trend with the likes of Bentleyenjoying success overseas. Chamber members heard there was afull order book for its new SUV Bentayga and plans for a £40mexpansion at Crewe were progressing well.

For more on the BCC survey visitwww.economicsurvey.org.uk

Caring for the needs of business now and in the future

Left to right: Chamber Chairman John Dunning and Chief Executive Paul Colman with Cheshire East Regeneration Manager Jez Goodman,

Finance and Assets Portfolio Holder Cllr Peter Groves and British Chambers ofCommerce Business Insight Manager David Bharier

High speed rail travel will connect Crewe and the South in under an hour

Crewe Green Link Road is set to open in December offering speedy access to the M6

HS2 trains will be designed for comfort and speed, with airy compartments, TVs and computers


10 CHAMBER NEWS


Need a loan? The Chamber can help . . .

The anniversary of ITV has prompted themedia to remind us of the classicadvertisements that have graced ourscreens over the past 60 years.

Whilst we may not necessarily rush outand buy the product on offer there is nodoubt that we know the brand through itsinnovative promotion on TV. As such wemight consider buying Guinness, SmashMashed Potato or Tango when theopportunity arose even if these itemswere not necessarily on our usualshopping list.

Indeed the medium is so powerful that arguably more peopleknow the name JR Hartley than JB Priestley and Wolf Blass morethan Wolf Hall.

How many people would have bought Ferrero Rochet chocolatesor Martini Cinzano but for the brilliant advertising campaigns?

Unfortunately local business does not generally have the budgetto operate at these levels but we should never underestimate thepower of the advertising medium and no matter what size yourbusiness is you do need to consider every opportunity topromote yourself.

Marketing, networking and overall visibility are all key areas in asuccessful business. Social media is a far cheaper option thanhiring an orange suit and slapping people on the face in CreweTown Centre (and a good deal safer).

The message is the same whichever route you take. The morepeople know about you and your product the more they are likelyto use it. The Chamber Fund has money available to lend towardsexpansion for businesses and advertising is just one option.

I would not suggest that you come to me with a business plan totake you and your mates to California so that you can surf thewaves with several white horses in order to promote yourwheelie bin cleaning business or that you book two First Classtickets to Dubai so that you can take a selfie of your wife throwinga drink over herself as she reclines abruptly in her seat.

Unfortunately despite having an ‘ology’ from University, my ownbudget will restrict me to sporting an ‘A’ frame over my shouldersas I parade up and down Nantwich Road.

Give me a call if you feel the need to expand your business. Youcan contact me at the Chamber office or alternatively tap me onthe shoulder when I am on Nantwich Road. However do avoidthe guy in the orange suit!

For more information on Chamber loans contact Richard Weilding on 01270 504700 or email [email protected]

You can read more from Richard on the Chamber Portal where he blogsregularly - http://www.sccci.co.uk/portal/richard_weilding/blog

Business Loans ExecutiveRichard Weilding

Money to help businesses stay ahead of the game

Construction and property maintenance firm Construction Linxcelebrated its 10th anniversary and record sales in the summer.

Two years ago the business approached the South CheshireChamber for a loan and here owner, Gareth Williams, explains howa timely cash-injection helped complete a key project.

He said: “We approached the South Cheshire Chamber ofCommerce in December 2013 when we won a project working onbehalf of Sport England in Hartford.

“The development was to refurbish a large internal sports changingroom in the centre of a busy school environment as well asextending another part of the school to make the facility a multiuse site.

“However, when speaking with thearchitects at the early planning stage itwas apparent that we would beentering into an agreement known as aJCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) which inshort meant that the staged paymentswe proposed had to be altered to fit into this contract so as to make it bindingunder its rules and regulations.

“This is when we turned to theChamber Loan Fund for assistance. Werequired the first £20,000 to part fundthe front end of the project so as tosee us through to the first paymentfrom the customer through the JCTarrangement.

“It is without doubt that the support, guidance and reassurance wereceived from Richard Weilding at the Chamber helped usenormously not only in providing the funds to enable us to start ontime but also provide a smooth and quick transfer of the funds sothat our client could be safe in the knowledge that we could moveforward with ease and concentrate of the job at hand. Now as weapproach the final payment of the agreed loan, I would urge anybusiness to contact the Chamber to see if they can help you.”

Construction Linx offers a range of services including electrical,plumbing, glazing, plastering and roofing.

For more information visit www.constructionlinx.co.uk

Building strong foundations with Chamber support

Gareth Williams ofConstruction Linx


12 PORTAL NEWS / CHAMBER NEWS


When evaluating the essence of what a membership organisationoffer is built around – information sharing, promotion, collaborationand networking are some of the key attributes that stand out.South Cheshire Chamber as a membership organisation providesbenefits to its members which are often intangible. Many of the Chamber membership benefits manifest periodically throughoutthe year as notifications, newsletters, magazines, seminars,presentations, information packs, emails and networkingopportunities.The South Cheshire Chamber Portal provides a place for most of thekey attributes of the Chamber membership to live and be easilyaccessed by the members. Through the online platform, memberscan communicate, find information, be informed, contribute, shareand network with the Chamber and other individuals andorganisations that are part of the Chamber network.The Chamber Portal has been designed to serve as a place formember organisations, their staff, board members and Chamber staff

to share valuable information and contact details around the clockwithin a trusted network, keep in touch 24/7/365 and effectivelycollaborate, even if geographically dispersed.It is an effective marketing and promotional tool where members canpost announcements, news, photos and videos. The platform can alsobe used to post blogs for thought leaders to share their insight anddevelop groups for constituents to tap into the collective wisdom oftheir organisations.If you are already a Chamber member, logintoday to explore the promotional, networkingand engagement potential of the onlineplatform, entitled to you through yourChamber membership. Non-members canjoin for a free trial to get a flavour of theChamber Portal as a membership benefit.Login/ start your free trial at www.sccci.co.uk

Chamber’s online platform is an integral membership benefit

Chamber PortalUsage Stats:

Nadeem AhmadChamber Executive: BusinessCommunity and ICT Development


13CHAMBER NEWS


The initiative developed by local business people and supported bySouth Cheshire Chamber of Commerce to help make newbusinesses successful has continued to provide free advice toprospective entrepreneurs.

Following a successful launch of the project in June at South CheshireCollege, a further event at the College saw a dozen budding businesspeople engage on a one to one basis with experts covering areassuch as finance, insurance, legal, health and safety and marketing.

Local professionals gave their services free of charge and the one toone format enabled those attending to cover specific areas relevantto each of them individually. One of the organisers, Jamie Stewart of

Bumblebee Digital Marketing commented: “The event has providedwhat amounts to the equivalent of hundreds of pounds worth offree advice in areas that are key for any start up business”.

Another organiser, Sarah Faulkner of Sarah Faulkner Lettings &Management Limited explained: “The format was similar to speeddating with each prospective business having ten minutes with anexpert where advice could be specifically addressed to thatparticular business. From feedback on the night, all those whoattended were thrilled at the opportunity the session gave them”.

Richard Weilding, representing the Chamber of Commerce agreed:“The project offers a significant opportunity for local people whoare looking to start their own business. This is a great example ofexisting businesses that have become well established, workingtogether with local professional advisors in encouraging thedevelopment of business opportunities, which must be good newsfor the local area”.

At the time of going to press a meeting covering Access to Financeis scheduled for October and further meetings are in the diary forNovember and December. A full programme is planned for 2016. OurNovember meeting is scheduled for the 18th and covers ‘Promotingyour Business on a Budget’ whilst December 9th sees ‘Social Mediafor Start Ups’.

For more information visit www.chamberstartups.co.uk orcall us at the Chamber on 01270 504700

Kick Start Your Start Up gains momentum

A seminar is being staged to help businesses and individuals get togrips with the new pension reforms. Specialists at Jones SheridanFinancial Consulting in Crewe have teamed up with the SouthCheshire Chamber to stage an event focusing on the pension reformsintroduced in April.

Are you Ready for the Pension Revolution? is aimed at businessesand individuals and is free to attend at Crewe Hall on November 11.

Jones Sheridan managing director Dave Williams (pictured) said: “Theworld of pensions has been revolutionised this year following theintroduction of pension reform legislation in April 2015.

“The Chancellor’s unexpected liberation of pension pots brings infreedoms which for many are too late, having already cashed in theirpension pots to buy annuities. For those reaching 55, the new legislation brings a range of choices but there is nothing simpleabout them!

Other reforms include a change to tax charges on pension pots onthe death of a saver, the impact for those on final salary pensions andrestrictions on the annual level of pensions contributions - and thisis all before we even mention auto-enrolment and the responsibilitiesand obligations this imposes on employers. Getting to grips with thereforms is vital if you want to make the most of your retirementsavings and fulfil your legal obligations as an employer.”

The event will also update businesses on auto-enrolment whichmakes it compulsory for employers to enrol workers into a pensionscheme. Phased in over the past three years, it will begin to bite inthe New Year for companies with fewer than 30 employees.

Guest speakers will be pension specialist Tim Mason of Old MutualWealth and Gary Craig from Royal London who will cover the topicof auto enrolment. Mr Williams added: “We have drawn from the bestin the field to offer an enlightening and interactive seminar whichindividuals and businesses can’t afford to miss.”

Jones Sheridan has provided the South Cheshire community withindependent financial advice for more than 30 years. Specialists workwith clients to grow their savings, plan for retirement and protect their investments.

South Cheshire Chamber events co-ordinator Daryl Williams said:“The Chamber works with members to stage In the Know businessbriefings. This latest seminar offers time-critical information and JonesSheridan has been especially supportive in making it happen.”

For information on attending the seminar and the services provided by Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting call 01270 530975

Be In the Know with the Chamber and Jones SheridanFinancial ConsultingBenefits and pitfalls of pension reform

Supporting start-ups - Jamie Stewart of Bumblebee Digital Marketing, Mark Greenhalgh of South Cheshire Business Doctors and lettings specialist

Sarah Faulkner with Richard Weilding and Daryl Williams of the South Cheshire Chamber


14 NETWORKING


Final Friday events are now well and truly established as a highlight on the business networking calendar.

Staged on the last Friday of the month, these events give members a chance to meet informally at landmarkvenues and get to know the people who run them.

Since our summer edition there have been networking visits to Albert’s Corner pub in Crewe, the Lyceum Theatre and Alsager’s newCommunity Fire Station.

Chamber Events Co-ordinator Daryl Williams said: “Final Friday events are quick and easy breakfast networking events that introduce thebusiness community to member venues across South Cheshire. They are free and we welcome non-members who would like to knowmore about joining the Chamber.”

Check out the Chamber website for details of upcoming venues www.sccci.co.uk

Fun and friendly Final Friday

The Prince Albert Street pub proved a popular venue for a Final Friday gatheringwhich introduced businesses from a wide variety of sectors to the new owners at thehelm, Cheshire Taverns Ltd. They were greeted by Rachel Tink who helps to run thefamily business which has ploughed more than £200,000 in revamping the landmarkpremises, blending modern style with original features.

She said: “We feel very lucky to have a business in the heart of Crewe as newdevelopments take shape. Now we’re looking forward to the opening of CreweLifestyle Centre nearby and welcoming more families.”

Albert’s Corner, a Chamber member, was previously known as The Waldron. In the1930’s, it was Crewe Labour Exchange.

Albert’s Corner, Crewe

Theatre management gave members a rare chance to see behind thescenes of this Edwardian gem. The tour took in the back stage area andthe cellars below the building which originated as a church in 1876.

With its stunning gilt-finished auditorium, the theatre is now a popularvenue for conferencing, presentations and meetings.

November’s packed programme includes a Ghost Hunt on the trail of TheLady in White who has been seen on numerous occasions and a VienneseStrauss Christmas Gala, presented by the British Philharmonic Orchestra.

Gareth Gates will tread the boards in this year’s pantomime, Cinderella,opening December 12, and just announced are Russell Watson and JimDavidson in 2016.

September saw a fascinating visit to Alsager’s new community Fire Station.Officially opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire in August, the BrookhouseRoad facility is the first of four new fire stations to be built as part of CheshireFire and Rescue Service’s Emergency Response Programme to improveresponse times across the county.

Members were given a guided tour round the building and a fire engine, hearingall about the equipment on board from a defibrillator to shears to releasepeople trapped in cars. A presentation was also given on fire safety for businesspremises. Alsager is staffed by on-call firefighters who have other jobs as well asbeing firefighters.A Final Friday visit to the new fire station in Alsager

Members enjoyed a backstage tour of the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe

Lauren Readdin and Daryl Williams of theChamber with Sarah Johnson and Rachel Tinks of Albert’s Corner

Lyceum Theatre, Crewe

Alsager Community Fire Station


15NETWORKING / MEMBERS NEWS

Talented youngsters were rewarded in thisyear’s Rotary Young Designer Competition.

Malbank School’s Ella Jade-Harris, in Year 11,took the Judge’s Award of Excellence for

Graphic Design for her Hamster Homedesign. Other entrants from Malbank wereChelsea Richards in the Resistant Materialscategory and Oliver Slaney in the ResistantMaterials category, both in Year 12.

Contestants were judged on originality,innovation, presentation of their Design LogBook as well as presentation andconstruction of their final design. Markswere also awarded for knowledge of thesubject displayed during discussion with thejudges.

This competition has been held for over 20years and it’s aims are simple – GCSE and A

Level students are invited to bring alongtheir Design Technology Projects to bejudged against pupils from other schools inthe area of the same level and within thesame categories

This year there were 11 entrants from fourschools in the region. Each entrant wassponsored by a local Rotary Club with Ella,Oliver and Chelsea sponsored by the RotaryClub of Nantwich.

For more information on the work ofthe Rotary Club visitwww.nantwichrotary.org.uk

Oliver Slaney, Chelsea Richards and Ella Jade-Harriswith Malbank teacher Alistair Reed

Royal honour for ‘Mr Nantwich Show’ Congratulations to John Broomhall (pictured) formerchairman of Nantwich Agricultural Society, who wasmade an MBE in the 2015 New Year’s honours list

Mr Broomhall recently made the trip to London toreceive the accolade from Princess Anne at BuckinghamPalace.

The 80-year-old – affectionately known as ‘Mr NantwichShow’ – received the MBE in recognition of his services

to agriculture, the rural economy and the Nantwichcommunity.

His work over the years has helped Nantwich Show tobecome the largest one-day agricultural event in theUK.

He stepped down as chairman in 2013 to hand over thefamous black bowler hat worn every show day toanother society stalwart, Michael-John Parkin.

Social evenings have become a regularfeature on the Chamber calendar.

Introduced this year, the dates offer achance to tour a place of interest or enjoya theatre show or meal in the company ofChamber members.

In September there was a surprise stage debut for membersattending the Jeeves and Wooster comedy at the Lyceum Theatre.After liaising with back-stage staff, there was an opportunity for onequick PR shot before curtains up.

Jan Roberts of Pure PR said: “We had just three minutes to grab apicture with the principal character, Wooster. It’s always great tophotographs actors who strike a pose so easily. And there wasfantastic co-operation from theatre management and the memberswho were such good sports.”

Next on the social agenda is a quiz night. Get ready to pit your witsat Worleston Village Hall on November 26.

There’s always a full diary of events at the Chamber. Meet and Eat, Inthe Know business briefings, Welcome Mornings and Final Fridaysamong them.

Round off the year with us at our Christmas Lunch at RookeryHall on December 11.

For more information call Events Coordinator Daryl Williamsor visit www.sccci.co.uk

Members from Storage Boost and Chandler Associateson stage at the Lyceum Theatre

South Cheshire Chamber: Let’s get social!

Rotary Club inspires creativity in school competition

Pictures by Pure PR



16 ADVERTORIAL


Nantwich based Watts Mortgage and Wealth Management is seeking toencourage clients to review the quality of their private protection policieson a regular basis.

Barry Jones, specialist protection adviser, commented:

'We would recommend that clients review protection policies such ascritical illness assurance every two years as a minimum.

The industry has improved dramatically over the past couple of yearsand we consistently find we can offer big improvements on the level ofcover provided without any meaningful increase in premium. Typicallywe can look to remove any minimum severity of heart attack or strokefrom the definitions, and find cover for 30 early stage cancers that werenot available on the market just 12 months ago. With this being possiblythe most important insurance you can purchase, the last thing clientsshould be doing is putting the small print in a drawer and never lookingat it again.

I would be delighted to offer any client a free of charge bespoke reporthighlighting, on a condition by condition basis, the improvements thatcan be found in today's new critical illness contracts. If you want a policythat performs in the way you expect it to, please do get in touch on01270 620 555'.

Review your protection with Watts

Barry Jones DipFASenior Manager


17MEMBERS NEWS


A couple have launched a new venture whichaims to help small South Cheshire businessessave money on their telecommunications.

New Chamber members Steve Bellerby andJenny Smith already run a successful costreduction consultancy working with nationalbrands such as EasyJet and Biffa on slashingtheir utility and communication bills.

Now the pair are directing their vastknowledge of the telecoms industry gainedover 16 years into a new business calledStripey Pig.

With quirky pink pig branding and a websitewhich is attracting many hits, new clients arealready enjoying savings on their mobilephone, broadband and data packages.

Steve said: “At Smith Bellerby we have beenlucky enough to win awards and supportlarge corporates in achieving tangible benefitsyear-on-year.

“But we started small and after 16 years wewanted to give back to the businesscommunity by creating an offering for smallfirms trying to reduce overheads. Too oftenthey can fall into the trap of paying too muchfor their mobile phones and the dealersdon’t help with overly complex tariffs andhidden charges.

“Having one point of contact for all voice anddata communication issues, all billed on asingle monthly invoice, can simplify and savemoney.”

Stripey Pig offers all types of telephone andbroadband solutions through trustednetwork operators.

For more information visitwww.stripeypig.co.uk

Businesses in the pink with new venture

Event raises £6,500 for cancer charity

Steve Bellerby and Jenny Smith are working withsmall businesses to save money on their

telecommunications

Crewe-based recruiter, Absolute SolutionsGroup and Wardle-based BougheyDistribution joined forces to stage an eventto raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK and toshow their support for Men United, thecharities movement for everyone thatbelieves men are worth fighting for.

The event, attended by more than 350people, featured live music from Crewe

favourites The NSS Band, comedy from funnyman Adger Brown, pie and peas dinner, acharity auction and a sponsored leg and chest wax, which even saw CreweAlexandra Football Club Manager, Steve Davis,taking part.

“The night was a fantastic success,” saysAbsolute Solutions Group co-owner, DanMarshall, “We not only had great fun hostingit, but we also managed to raise £6,500 for areally worthwhile cause. Absolute hasworked with Boughey Distribution for over adecade, and both companies have had first-hand experience of the devastating effects ofprostate cancer. This event was a great wayfor both companies to work together insupport of a common cause.”

The event raised £6,500, which waspresented to Lawrence Gilmore fromProstate Cancer UK. Mark Bishop, Director ofFundraising at Prostate Cancer UK, said,“What Absolute and Boughey did for us is a

fantastic demonstration of people comingtogether to fight this terrible disease. Theyraised money but also the bar in terms ofawareness of the disease and they’ve inspiredothers to do the same.”

Jessica Marshall, Absolute co-owner, addedthat the night not only raised funds for a trulyworthy cause, but it also gave those involvedthe chance to remember loved ones in areally positive way.

“Two years ago, we lost Dan’s father toprostate cancer, and Boughey lost a well-respected colleague, Mark Smith. The eventwas about remembering them and the manyothers that have been lost to the disease. Ithink we did them justice and would like tothank all who attended and the local firmswho gave so generously to make the nightsuch a success.”

For more information on services visitwww.absoluterecruitmentukltd.co.uk

Colin Porter (Absolute), Carmel Bevington(Boughey), Lawrence Gilmore (Prostate Cancer UK),

Jessica and Dan Marshall (Absolute), Kerry Hughes (Absolute)

The kettle was on the boil for a MacmillanWorld’s Biggest Coffee Morning event atctchealthcare’s clinic on Crewe BusinessPark.

Proceeds are being totted up after the coffeemorning and a week-long series of activitiesbut staff expect to raise more than £100 forthe charity.

Spokeswoman Helen Lowe said: “Patientsand our neighbours on Crewe Business Parkwere very kind, popping in to add to thecollection. We’re all about health and well-being, taking care of the mind, body and soul,and Macmillan is one of our chosen charities.

The coffee morning has done a great jobover the years to raise funds and awarenessof the need to support seriously ill people.”

ctchealthcare is a leader in the field of injuryprevention in business, sport and the localcommunity. It works with hundreds ofemployees in corporate settings across theregion and is sponsor of the ChamberBusiness Awards Health and Wellbeingcategory which highlights the benefits of staffwelfare increased productivity and fewerdays off.

For more information on services visitwww.ctchealthcare.co.uk

Physios brew up for World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

Business development manager, Helen Lowe,physiotherapist Jane Hardwick and patient

Carolyn Duignan are offered coffee and cakes by receptionist Estelle Bass at ctchealthcare on

Crewe Business Park


18 SOUTH CHESHIRE CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2015


Judging is underway for the South Cheshire ChamberBusiness Awards 2015.

Now excitement is mounting as the Chamber preparesto unveil its business stars at the glittering awards ceremony at Crewe Hall on November 6.

Awards will be presented in the categories of: Young Business Person of the Year,Best Start Up Business, Small Business of the Year, Large Business of the Year,Employer of the Year, Contribution to the Community, Excellence in CustomerService, Exporter of the Year, Health and Wellbeing. New for 2015 is a categoryfor Apprentice of the Year.

South Cheshire Chamber chief executive Paul Colman said: “Success in theawards carries considerable prestige and the opportunity to market yourbusiness as the best in its respective category.

“Many start-up business winners, for example, have gone on to achieve greatthings and become large-scale employers. Every year the calibre of entries isextremely high, and this year has been no exception. We can look forward toanother exciting night at Crewe Hall.”

The awards are always a highlight on the business social calendar, producing talesof triumph over adversity and an opportunity to be inspired by the innovativeideas that help boost sales and create new jobs.

All short-listed entrants are named on the night and featured in a souvenirBusiness Awards brochure. New this year are Highly Commended certificatesfor those pipped at the post.

The evening will be compered by RedShift Radio, with support also coming fromPure PR and media partner, the Chronicle. With fabulous backing from top namesponsors, the awards look set to be another night to remember.

For more information on booking a table at the event, which includesa three-course dinner and entertainment, visitwww.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

Sean Murphy of RBS Corporate Banking, Graham Neyt, Beswicks Legal, Vicki Batemanof ctchealthcare, Paul Colman, South Cheshire Chamber, Natalie Caderbank, JonesSheridan, Trevor Brown, MMU Cheshire and Gault Picken, RBS Corporate Banking

gather for a photo-call at Crewe Hall to announce the 2015 awards

Introducing the SouthCheshire ChamberBusiness Awardssponsors 2015

Edward Timpson MP joins South Cheshire Chamber events co-ordinator DarylWilliams, Chamber apprentice Lauren Readdin and chief executive Paul Colman

at Crewe Hall to announce the launch of Apprentice of the Year

Young Business Person of the YearSponsored by KPI Recruiting

Best Start Up BusinessSponsored by Cheshire East Council

Best Small BusinessSponsored by Beswicks Legal

Best Large BusinessSponsored by RBS CorporateBanking

Employer of the YearSponsored by MMU Cheshire

Excellence in CustomerServiceSponsored by Jones SheridanFinancial Consulting

Health and WellbeingawardSponsored by ctchealthcare

Apprentice of the YearSponsored by Bentley Motors Ltd

Exporter of the YearSponsored by UKTI

Contribution to theCommunitySponsored by South Cheshire College

The Chamber also wishes acknowledgesupport from the following businesses

Chronicle • Redshift • Pure PR • Cloverleaf ImagesCode Audio Visual • Q Hotels • Concorde TrophiesJohnsons Printers • JG Creative Communications

The Academy for Performing Arts Limited

Business Awards promise a night to remember



19SOUTH CHESHIRE CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2015

Best Start-Up Business of the YearSam McGarrigle and Daisy Slater of Beer Dock picking up the

Cheshire East Council- sponsored Start Up Business of the Year award from Cllr David Brown

Young Business Person of the YearMike Lawson of trCreative receives his award from Steve O’Neill and Ryan

Jardine of sponsors KPI Recruiting

Best Small Business of the YearSouth Cheshire Chamber Loans Executive Richard Weilding presents the

award to Helen Gould and Joanne Bennett of PA4You

Best Large Business of the YearSteve Jackson of sponsors RBS Corporate Banking South Cheshire

presents the award to Rachel Stones of Return on Investment

Employer of the YearDavid Smyth of Swansway Group takes the accolade for a second year from

John Morris of sponsors Manchester Metropolitan University in Crewe

Exporter of the YearSally Hepton and Marlies Rogait of sponsors Bentley Motors Limited

present the award to Catherine Sadler of Mornflake in Crewe

Health and Wellbeing AwardRick Carter and Sarah McGovern of sponsors ctchealthcare present the

award to Marlies Rogait and Amy Collins of Bentley Motors Limited

Excellence in Customer ServiceLeanne Miller and Cat Bernal are presented with the award for Kindertons

by Richard Griffith of sponsors Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting

Smarter Travel AwardMike Finney accepts the award for South Cheshire College from Cllr David

Topping and Clair Visco of the Smarter Ways to Travel initiative

Contribution to the CommunityDonna Okell of Cheshire Connect presents the award to Angela Hodgson

of Bentley Motors Limited for the company’s support with charity

A flashback to the winners of 2014


The Nantwich Team

Karen Kilcourse Matthew Pochin Andy Butler

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20 ADVERTORIAL



Accountancy and business advisory firmBanks Sheridan has recruited two newmembers of staff, only months after its lastrecruitment drive early in 2015.

“We’re delighted to welcome Liz Faulkner inthe role of Client Manager and SharonSurman as Office Manager to the BanksSheridan team,” says managing director ofBanks Sheridan, Stuart Banks.

“This year is proving to be a particularlysuccessful one for our firm, as our recentintake of two new staff members follows thethree individuals we recruited in January. Andto make it extra special, all this is taking placeduring our 10-year anniversary of being in business.”

With modern offices on Crewe BusinessPark, Banks Sheridan has continued to growsince its launch in 2005 and today provides

accountancy, audit and tax advisory servicesto businesses of every size, across Cheshire,the North West and the UK.

“Both Liz and Sharon bring a wealth ofexperience and specialist skills to the firmwhich will no doubt benefit our clients

enormously,” he added. “Liz is a qualifiedAccountant with nine years’ experience andSharon is an experienced Office Managerwith a finance and insurance background.

“In addition to the great news we’ve beenable to recruit once again during our tenthanniversary year, it’s a bonus we’ve been ableto employ talented individuals from the localarea and support our immediate communityin the process – Liz is from Newcastle UnderLyme and Sharon lives in Wistaston.”

The accountancy firm has now taken on five new staff members since the start of 2015, having already recruited an Accounts Apprentice, Trainee Accountantand Outsourced Services Leader.

To find out more about its services visitwww.banks-sheridan.co.uk

Accountancy firm adds to its numbers

Stuart Banks, David Morris, Darren Walley, SharonSurman and Liz Faulkner at Banks Sheridan

Ice cream van manufacturer Whitby Morrisonscooped a prestigious order from EnglishHeritage.

The firm in Crewe was asked to build an icecream van for the World Heritage Site atStonehenge. Whitby Morrison is recognisedthroughout the world as the best when itcomes to ice cream vans – products can beseen in operation in over 60 countries,

including places as diverse as Libya, Malaysiaand Kyrgyzstan.

Established in 1962 the company hasproduced a number of iconic ice creamrelated vehicles during its history, including100 carts for the London Olympics.

They also built an ice cream van for ComicRelief which was used by comedian Eddie

Izzard to support his 43 marathons aroundthe UK- that initiative alone raised over £1m.

Operations manager Ed Whitby said: “Ourunique product has enabled us to work withthe most varied of people and companiesaround the world. When we wereapproached by English Heritage we werequite taken aback. Stonehenge is recognisedthroughout the world as a symbol of Britain,and by building a van to operate there,they’ve now got two!”

UNESCO restrictions mean that nopermanent buildings can be erected andtherefore all refreshment facilities must bemobile - something that has WhitbyMorrison optimistic for further opportunities.

For more information on the firm visitwww.whitbymorrison.com

Historic setting for Crewe-built ice cream van

21MEMBERS NEWS

Jim Hadfield of A J Field Developments was part of a team which took part on the North West Tough Mudder event at Cholmondeley Castle.

The challenge included a 12 mile assault course with 21 obstacles totackle along the way including wading a mile through waist high mud,scaling 10ft walls and crawling through a ‘tear gas’ enclosed structure.

Jim said: “I wanted to show my appreciation towards servicepersonnel and their families who have given so much in service totheir country and now need our help to overcome injuries and otherlife changing issues. The course relies heavily on team work, mud and fun!”

Jim joined a team from Wrenbury fitness trainer Claire Sherbourne’s‘Boot Camp Buddies.’ Funds raised so far stand at £600.

Meanwhile Jim has made his TV debut as part of a DIY SOS buildingteam who turned a derelict street in Manchester into a village forarmy veterans.

To pledge support to Help for Heroes visit justgiving.com/jim-hadfield.

For details on AJ Field Developments visit www.ajfield.co.uk

Builder gets muddy for Help for Heroes

Seen at the finish line of the North West Tough Mudder with his ‘Boot CampBuddies’ are Jim Hadfield, Rosalind Wallis, Emma Blake, Jonathan Hadfield, Nick

Blake, Martin Wallis, Helen Davies and Claire Sherbourne



22 MEMBERS NEWS


Men are being invited to step out instilettoes to help raise cash for a goodcause.

The fun event will boost funds for Chambermembers Arch – a charity supporting childvictims of domestic abuse in Cheshire East.

It takes place on Saturday, November 29.Registration is £5.

Spokesman Ray Elks said: “We are askingmen to walk a mile around a venue to beconfirmed. Participants can make it morefun and join in our football theme and wearsome form of football kit.

“It’s all in a good cause, so if you don’t thinkyou can manage to do the walk in heels joinin the fun and wear football boots instead.”

Walk this way to support Arch

For more information or to register visit www.archnorthstaffs.org.uk/stilettos

South Cheshire has welcomed one of theregion’s longest established law firms topremises on Beam Heath business park inNantwich.

Beswicks Legal has made a new home in thetown as part of a growth strategy that hasincluded the take-over of law firm DavidLago & Co.

David Lago, a family lawyer in SouthCheshire for more than 25 years, joins the52-strong team at Beswicks Legal and will continue to be based in the BeamHeath office.

The firm, which has supplied legal servicesto the people of Staffordshire since the early19th century, has already shown a strongcommitment to supporting South Cheshire.

It is a sponsor of the South CheshireChamber Business Awards and registeredcollection centre for Nantwich Food Bank.

Managing partner Graham Neyt said: “Weare delighted to be able to offer our legalservices through a local office. We havegained a reputation for a straight-talkingapproach. Now it’s great to be in South Cheshire offering individuals andbusinesses the same highly-skilled butjargon-free service.

“Fantastic things are happening in the arearight now. Nantwich is enjoying a property

boom and Crewe is becoming the place toinvest in Cheshire. Already our SouthCheshire office has become a busy additionto our business.”

Beswicks Legal, which also has offices inStoke-on-Trent and Newcastle under Lyme,handles cases in all areas of law includingfamily, property, motoring offences,employment, debt recovery, commercialand wills and probate.

The firm is also a specialist in sports law witha pre-eminent team that represent andadvise professional sportsmen and women,clubs and organisations in the UK andfurther afield.

Beswicks Legal is ranked highly in The Legal500 – the independently published guide tolaw firms in the UK which provide expert,cutting edge and innovative advice to clients.

For more information on services callthe South Cheshire office on 01270504850 or visit www.beswicks.com

New Chamber members Simon and CateWalter (pictured) are celebrating a string ofnew contracts following the launch of theirhealth and safety consultancy.

The pair set up Rhino Safety this summer inresponse to a growing demand fromcompanies needing help to stay on the rightside of complex health and safety legislation.

A diverse range of new clients include anaviation repair company at ManchesterAirport, a city crematorium and day carecentre for dogs.

The pair are also working with a newchildren’s nursery in Stoke-on-Trent, printingcompany in Winsford and a chain of pubs inNorth Wales.

Mr Walter, 35, has many industryaccreditations under his belt and now headded another – graduate membership of

the Institute of Occupational Safety andHealth after 10 years working in the sector.

He said: “Health and safety legislation has areputation for being restrictive andexcessively demanding on business owners,particularly SMEs, but we don’t share orencourage that view. Over the years, it hascontributed to the UK having one of the

most impressive safety records in the world.However statutory legislative requirementscan be a minefield and our aim is to helpbusinesses, large and small, unravel thedetail and comply efficiently, effectively andeconomically.

“They have peace of mind knowing theyhave ticked all the boxes to ensure thehealth and safety of employees, visitors andcustomers. And that allows them to carry onrunning their businesses and doing whatthey do best without fear of claim.”

The couple’s expertise was called on duringthe Nantwich Food Festival. They offeredtheir services to ensure the event was up-to-date with legislation and ready towelcome thousands of visitors.

For more information on services visitwww.rhinosafety.co.uk

Consultancy helps companies stay safe, strong and secure

Beswicks Legal partners Graham Neyt, Gary Mellorand Nick Phillips at their new office in Nantwich

Beswicks Legal unveils South Cheshire base


23MEMBERS NEWS

National Citizen Service in action at centreA group of NCS students chose to help TheWingate Centre in Wrenbury with much-needed maintenance as their social actionproject this summer.

Following a week of fundraising activities,students worked at the centre for a weekdecorating the corridors, painting gardenfurniture and picnic benches and renovatingthe overgrown Sensory Garden.

Centre manager Rona Moroney said: “It wasa pleasure having such a helpful andenterprising group of youngsters helping atthe centre. The Sensory Garden is veryimportant to many of our visitors,particularly those with impaired vision orwheelchair users who get the opportunity

to experience different textures, smells andsounds. The path had become overgrownbut now the garden is accessible toeveryone again.”

The Wingate Centre is dedicated toenriching the lives of children and youngadults with all levels of physical and learningdisabilities through the provision of specialistholiday accommodation and recreationalgymnastic facilities.

In September it played host to Birminghamcharity PHAB which brought over 50children with disabilities for summer holidaycamps. The mixed groups of children withdisabilities, and those from disadvantagedbackgrounds, took full advantage of therecreational facilities on offer at the Wingateas well as visiting many local attractions.

To support to The Wingate Centre call01270 780456

Sell-out dinner boost to scanner appeal

South Cheshire businesswoman Pam Allenof PA Today helped raise £539 for Mid

Cheshire Hospital Trust's MRI scannerappeal by organising a Dining Divas Dinner.

Pam, who provides virtual businessmanagement and PA services, said: “When Ilearned that the current MRI scanner isworking to full capacity seven days a week Iwas delighted to support the appeal toprovide another one and help save morelives.

“The ladies had a great evening raisingmoney for this worthwhile cause. We wouldlike to thank everyone who donated a raffleprize and items for the goodie bags.

Julia Sanders, South Cheshire College, said“The evening was a wonderful opportunity

to showcase our newly refurbished‘Academy’ restaurant, and to allow ourlearners to enhance their catering and front-of-house skills whilst contributing to thisworthwhile cause.”

Laura Riddle, Mid Cheshire Hospital TrustCharity, commented: “We are so grateful toPam for holding this event and to all theladies who came along. It was a greatevening with a fantastic amount raisedtowards the appeal and a really good wayto also support the South Cheshire Collegelearners.”

For more information on PA Todayvisit www.patodayuk.co.uk

Youngsters at work in The Wingate Centre

Pam Allen with Laura Riddle of the Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust Charity

Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa celebrates a red hot summer

Figures peaked for this 4 Red Star country house hotel, reaching ahigh in August and September, indicating a good recovery in thelocal business and leisure tourism market.

August 2015 was a record a month for the business during which ithosted 13 weddings, cleaned over 2000 bedrooms and served4200 restaurant guests.

General manager Daniel Hodson said: “On the back of what was adifficult and extended economic downturn, I am delighted to beleading the team at Rookery Hall forward. This year we have grownfrom strength to strength and with the budgeting process now inhand we are looking to grow again for 2016 by some 10%.

“I can see how the business market is developing in South Cheshirewith the dynamic of our visitor profile changing.

“We are welcoming more US and Asia guests who are here becausethey are visiting businesses in the region - this itself indicates thatthe local business economy is in continued upturn.”

The autumn conference and corporate market period is provingjust as buoyant for Rookery and with confidence high the hotel isplanning further investment in the facilities.

A complete renovation of 21 bedrooms in the Old Hall anddevelopment of the kitchen will take place from January 2016.

Five of these new Bedroom Suites will be named in conjunctionwith Bentley Motors, reflecting the strong business links thatRookery Hall has in South Cheshire.

The team have also proved their 2014 Chamber Business Award forCustomer Service and Care was very well deserved.

The AA has confirmed retention of the coveted 4 Red Star gradewhich is awarded as ‘Inspectors Choice’ for venues displayingexceptional service and standards to their guests.

Rookery Hall offers a variety of business, event and leisure facilitiesfor local, national and International companies and individuals.

For more details call 01270 610016 or visitwww.handpickedhotels.co.uk/rookeryhall

Rookery Hall general manager Daniel Hodson and deputy general managerJames Wiseman celebrate the hotel’s record figures



Business students gained valuable skills forthe workplace after linking up with a rangeof local companies over the summer.

Students on South Cheshire College’sCareer Ready programme completed aseries of six week paid internships throughthe Career Ready programme.

They teamed up with companies includingVirgin Trains, Kindertons, Expert Logistics,Pets at Home and County Insurance.

Career Ready, formerly Career AcademiesUK, is a UK wide charity which linksemployers with schools and colleges to

open up the world of work to young peopleage 16 to 19.

It gives students the chance to take part inpaid internships, be mentored by businessexperts, take part in company visits and gainvaluable advice from guest speakers fromdifferent industry sectors.

Students at the College’s Crewe campuscomplete a structured programme of studywhich sits alongside their day-to-daybusiness courses.

Lucy Cooper, 16, from Nantwich, completedan internship at the South Cheshire

Chamber of Commerce. She said: “I workedon databases, marketing materials, invoicesand carried out general administration tasksas well. It was great to find out more aboutwhat the workplace is all about.”

Business mentors from the differentcompanies are also working closely with thestudents to help them develop and studentswho impress could land permanent jobs inthe future.

Karen Richardson, Career Ready Co-ordinator at the college, said: “We are verygrateful to all the organisations whoprovided internships for our students thissummer.

“This is an excellent opportunity for them togain valuable new skills and make the stepup from education to the workplace.”

For more information about Businessprogrammes at South CheshireCollege, call 01270 654654 or visitwww.scc.ac.uk

To find out more about the CareerReady programme, please visitwww.careerready.org.uk

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SOUTH CHESHIRE COLLEGEStudents get career ready with business internships

WULVERN


Wulvern customers across Crewe and Nantwich are being offered thechance to learn computer skills for free.

The courses are being offered by the local affordable homes providerto all its customers to help prepare people for changes in the waywelfare benefits are paid.

Jan Melia, Regeneration Officer, said: “Soon people will have to apply forbenefits and manage their claims online but we know that many of ourcustomers do not have a computer at home and many have never useda computer.

“We want to help as many people as possible to cope with the changesand, in partnership with The Lighthouse Centre, we are offering freecourses to customers.”

The centre based on Stewart Street in Crewe is running a number ofinformal drop-in sessions for people who are looking for help andadvice with basics of using a computer to setting up an email accountand shopping online.

Following a successful application to Wulvern’s Community InvestmentFund, The Lighthouse Centre was awarded funding to install broadband,provide and deliver IT training, purchase materials and cover associatedcosts.

For more information on thecourses, or to offer support asa volunteer, call 07980011803or email [email protected]

For more information visitwww.wulvern.org.uk

Free IT courses for Wulvern customers


Reaseheath College in Nantwich has begun its new academic yearby welcoming Richard Ratcliffe as its new Chair of Governors.

Well known in agricultural and businesscircles and a long-time supporter ofReaseheath, Richard and his wife, Gill,farm in Nantwich and also operate anumber of separate farming businessesacross the UK.

He said: "The Governors are part of theReaseheath team which helps to keepthe college at the forefront of higher andfurther education, both regionally andfurther afield. This is an important andexciting time for this wonderful collegeand I am looking forward to helping toshape its future and to continue to seefirst-hand the positive effect it has on somany young people.”

Reaseheath is one of the UK’s premier, specialist land-based collegeswith some of the best training facilities in the country including acommercial farm, zoo, equestrian centre and food processing hub.

Soon to open is a National Centre for Food Futures and theEnvironment – a forward thinking bio-tech facility to train studentsand those already working in the industry to meet the challenge ofworld population growth and climate change.

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REASEHEATH

Reaseheath welcomes newchair of governors

BENTLEY

Bentley Motors unveiled sector-defining Bentayga SUV at the 66thIAA in Frankfurt.

The Bentley Bentayga combinesunparalleled luxury with effortlessperformance and everydayusability. With an all-new twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12powertrain, the Bentayga is thefastest, most powerful, mostluxurious and most exclusive SUVin the world.

It offers a true Bentley driving experience and showcases a range ofinnovative technology features.

Its modern luxury interior is handcrafted in Britain, the Bentayga boaststhe world’s finest automotive cabin. The detailing in metal, wood andleather – including meticulous tolerances between elements of trim –sets a new standard in automotive design. This level of perfection is onlyachievable thanks to the exceptional skill of Bentley’s colleagues inCrewe.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors,said: “The Bentayga is truly the Bentley of SUVs. It redefines luxury inthe SUV sector and offers a genuine Bentley experience in anyenvironment, thanks to a combination of unparalleled attention todetail, go-anywhere ability and cutting-edge technology.

“With this extraordinary car we are looking forward to an excitingperiod of strong growth and sales success for Bentley. The Bentayga isthe next step in our brand’s bold future.”

Also unveiled was the freshed Continental GT Speed Convertible. Newexterior styling including more pronounced fenders lend a moreassertive and confident stance to the front of the car.

The Mulsanne Speed completed Bentley’s production-model line-up atFrankfurt. Tailored for the driver, the Mulsanne Speed delivers the fastesthandcrafted luxury driving experience in the world.

For more information on Bentley visitwww.bentleymotors.com

Bentley unveils its Bentayga SUV


The striking Bentayga SUV – fresh from Crewe

Visitors to the motor show inFrankfurt were keen to see the

new vehicle

Reaseheath College traineddairy technologists struckgold three times at therecord breaking NantwichInternational Cheese Show.

The students, who arestudying on the Cheshirecollege’s unique Edenprogramme, took goldawards in the SpecialistCheesemakers section inclasses for cheddar andcrumbly territorial cheesesand also won the highlycompetitive StudentCheesemaker class.

They also took a further silver and two highly commended awards inthe Student Cheesemaker class and a highly commended in the opencheddar cheese class.

The Eden programme is an education initiative driven and supportedby leading dairy companies who recognise the importance of investingin talented employees.

The technicians attend Reaseheath on a block release basis to studyfor a Foundation Degree in Dairy Technology which includes practicaltraining in the college’s dairy processing halls.

For more on industry facilities and courses seewww.reaseheathfoodcentre.com

Triple gold for Reaseheathstudents at NantwichInternational Cheese Show

Reaseheath Eden students Sarah Roberts,Sarah Hinchliffe and Joe Wainwright (MullerWiseman), Peter Clark (Dairy Crest) and

Reaseheath Level 3 Food Technology studentSam Clarke celebrate their awards at theNantwich International Cheese Show

Richard Ratcliffe, the newChair of Governors atReaseheath College


Mornflake had another busy summer as thedriving force behind some of the biggestcrowd-pulling events in the region.

The company has been a major sponsor ofthe Nantwich Show for more than 30 yearsand July saw thousands of visitors flock to itsmarquee on the Dorfold Showground.

It had a high-profile presence at TheCheshire Show, Big Taste Weekend atCheerbrook and Bolesworth Horse Trials aswell as smaller events such as AlprahamVillage Fete and the new community daystaged by the Chronicle group at Crewe.

Mornflake showed its support for the

Nantwich Food Festival again as a majorsponsor and welcomed vast crowds to itsgourmet food hall on the Bowling Greencar-park where it also supported the musicstage.

The iconic breakfast-foods was also behindmany sporting events over the summer.Participants in the Cheshire triathlon,Henley-on-Thames triathlon and MornflakeMonster Mash – a new cycling challenge inNantwich – were all fuelled by a Mornflakeporridge breakfast.

Marketing manager Richard Jones said: “It’sbeen another phenomenally busy summertaking in lots of dates across the country. It’salways great to get out and meet the people

who buy our cereals and hear how muchthey enjoy them.”

The sales and marketing team had a busyOctober visiting the BBC Good Food Showin Birmingham and the Anuga worldwidefood fair in Cologne.

Meanwhile the company has been flying theflag for South Cheshire with a series of high-profile advertising campaigns. Afternoon TVcommercials and banners in tube stationsacross London have generated fantasticfeedback on social media.

For more information on products andrecipes visit www.mornflake.com

26

MORNFLAKEThousands enjoy a taste of Mornflake

Manchester Metropolitan University has unveiledmore than 100 new signs around Crewe station aspart of its sponsorship of the station.

Professor Janet Haddock-Fraser, Provost of the Cheshire campus,said: “Crewe is going through an exciting period of change, and asa University with a campus in Crewe, we are keen to demonstrateour commitment to the future of the local area.

“Sponsorship of Crewe train station, and an audience of over 3.5million passengers per year, provides us with an ideal stage to showwe want to support the development of the town througheducation, research and working in partnership with localbusinesses.”

Heather Hodkinson, Virgin Trains’ station manager at the Crewestation, said: “Every year millions of customers pass through Crewestation. So it is great to partner with Manchester Met’s CheshireCampus to further help raise their profile and reinforce ourcollective support for not only the town of Crewe but the manystudents who are based here.”

The sponsorship will run for 12 months.

For more information on courses at the MMU campus inCheshire visit www.cheshire.mmu.ac.uk

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITYUniversity announces sponsorship of Crewe train station

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Professor Janet Haddock-Fraser, Provost of the Cheshire campus and Heather Hodkinson, Virgin Trains’ station manager, unveil one of the

new signs at the Crewe station

Mornflake was a big attraction at the NantwichFood Festival

Mornflake ambassadors did brisk trade on thecompany’s stand at the Nantwich Food Festival

Entertainment on the Mornflake sponsored musicstaged went down well at the event


27

SG WORLD

It was with great sadness thatwe had to announce that ourChairman, Arnold NormanHaase (pictured), diedpeacefully at home in April.Mr Haase, who was GroupManaging Director and laterChairman at SG World forover 25 years, passed awayafter a short illness.

Having already carved out asuccessful career in print andmanufacturing, Mr Haasejoined SG World in 1989. Hegrew the company andshared a vision which guided

the business through two decades, two recessions and some goldenmoments. This included orchestrating a management buy-out,constructing the Crewe HQ building and evolving the businessprofile to what it is today – a leading supplier of Health and Safetycompliance and visitor management solutions.

Mr Haase played an important role in the BPIF (British PrintingIndustries Federation) and local business organisations, such as SGWorld’s position as a patron of the South Cheshire Chamber ofCommerce. He was also a Fellow of the Institute of Directors. Morerecently, he concentrated on the further development of thecompany’s international markets in Ireland and Germany.

He truly believed that being a great business meant being a greatplace to work. Building a company where employees felt valued,secure and happy was central to the SG World ethos.

He counted his SG World colleagues as his family, stating during theArnold Haase House naming ceremony in September 2014: “I alwaystalk about the SG World family and this just brings that messagehome. Although this is Arnold Haase House, I would have beenquite happy to have it called the SG World Family House. They haveboth come to mean the same to me.”

Mr Haase leaves behind his wife Shelagh and four sons, Mark (SGWorld CEO), Antony, Garrey and Dov. Mr Haase leaves a rich legacyas a successful business leader, a supporter of the local communityand a true gentleman remembered with great affection and respectby all who knew him.

For more information on SG World visit www.sgworld.com

Company says sad farewell to chairman

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John Heath (UK) Limited is Registered in England and Wales as a Private Limited Company, company no. 07636523‘John Heath Insurance Brokers’ and ‘Coverdrone’ are trading names of John Heath (UK) Limited

John Dunning ,Chamber Chairman who worked closely with Arnold for many years paid tribute to his achievements not onlywithin SG World but for his contribution to the area through his involvement on many organisations and committees concernedwith encouraging economic growth and supporting business start up and development. He said: "It was a pleasure and privilegeto have worked with Arnold and he will be sadly missed not only within the SG World Family but by all at the Chamber and thelocal business community”.


28 MEMBERS NEWS


The County Group has completed its fifth acquisition inthree years, taking over Chester Insurance Services.

Chester Insurance Services has been established since2004 and has a client base mix of both personal andcommercial insurance. The company will continuetrading as Chester Insurance Services and remain in thesame premises in Ashton Hayes near Chester.

Dave Clapp, CEO of the County Group, said: “We have abusiness plan we are working to. We have two furtheracquisitions that should complete by the end of 2015, andseveral more in the pipeline for 2016. With theseacquisitions and our current organic growth rate, I’mconfident we will become a £50m GPI broker in the nextcouple of years”.

This acquisition follows The County Group’s recentpurchases of Whitchurch Insurance Services in May 2012(£1.2m GPI), JSW Insurance Services in July 2013 (£6m GPI),Safe and Sound Insurance Centre in July 2014 (£1.5m GPI)and Clement Gallagher in September 2014 (£1.25m GPI).Meanwhile Keith Frost has joined The County Group asAcquisitions Manager. His primary focus is to acquire UKbased insurance brokers wishing to join The CountyGroup whilst protecting their existing brand and legacy.

County Insurance is a UK Top 50 broker. Formore information visit www.countyins.com

A new acquisition and more in the pipeline for The County Group

Dave Clapp

Keith Frost

Storage Boost, the self-storage facility onWeston Road in Crewe, will once again beworking with CVS Cheshire East and thestaff from AstraZeneca’s Alderley Park siteto provide Christmas presents for familiesin need across Cheshire East.

Last year, Storage Boost stored over 1600toys for the appeal and these were donatedto local charities and organisations whichwork with families and children who maybe facing a hard time at Christmas. Together

they helped 60 Cheshire East organisationsprovide toys to the families they wereworking with.

Katie Vost, Operations Director at StorageBoost, said: “We are always looking for waysto help our local community. Since we firststarted working alongside CVS CheshireEast and AstraZeneca the number of toysdonated every year has consistently risenand this year we are hoping to break therecord again.”

It's toy time at Storage Boost

If you or your business would like to donate time, money or toys, please contact Rhiannon Birch, Digital Marketing Executiveat Storage Boost on [email protected] or Sally Davies, Marketing Manager at CVS Cheshire East [email protected]. For more information contact Storage Boost on 01270 250000


29MEMBERS NEWS


Alextra Accountants have launched theirvery own book, 57 Ways To Grow YourBusiness. After having launched otherpublications such as the Alextra NewBusiness Kit, designed to cover all the

financial, tax and accounting considerationof starting a new business, the firm nowwants to help businesses realise whataspects it takes to grow a business, maintainprofitability and strengthen their position inthe market.

Director Keith Knight commented: “Veryfew things will be more important topeople as an entrepreneur, than the futurewellbeing of their business. Even thoughpeople may be in a strong positioncurrently, things can and do change.

“The question is, how can people maximisetheir potential to stay profitable, as well aslook to strengthen their current position?We believe that by following some of the

ideas in the book, people will improve theirperformance and grow their businesses.

“We hope to assist individuals andbusinesses in the locality and those in thesurrounding area.”

The book provides 57 actions for people toconsider, ranging from the creation of abusiness plan to the rejection of industrycompromises. It has a recommended retailprice of £14.99, but is offered free of chargeand available upon request for a limitedtime only.

For more information phone 01270 250800 or [email protected]

Accountants launch business help book

Over the last four years, CVS Cheshire Easthas been working with Storage Boost inCrewe and staff from AstraZeneca’sAlderley Park site to provide Christmaspresents for families in real need acrossCheshire East.

The toys and gifts that are donated aregiven to local charities and organisationswho work with families and children who may be facing an extra hard time at Christmas.

A spokesman said: “Last year, we helped 60Cheshire East organisations provide toys tothe families they were working with and itwas fantastic to see some of the thank youmessages and photos from the childrenwho received the gifts. We couldn’t helpevery organisation that asked for toysthough and this year we would really like toreach this goal.”

Businesses are asked to become collectioncentres, arrange fundraisers and encourage

staff to bring alongdonations of toys.

All toys donated must bein excellent condition andsuitable for any age.

If you would like toregister your interestor receive a list of toysuggestions per age group, [email protected] or call Sallyat CVS Cheshire East on 01270 763100

Can you help a Cheshire East child this Christmas?


30 MEMBERS NEWS / BUSINESS NEWS


MMU Cheshire student Graham Witter willturn his home into a ‘winter wonderland’

this December to help raise funds for theDonna Louise Children’s Hospice inTrentham.

The hospice has provided many hours ofcare and support for his disabled sister andthis is Graham’s way of saying thank you.

In 2014 the event raised £5,720 which hehopes to exceed this year. There will be achance to look inside Santa’s Grotto, listento festive music and enjoy mince pies,chocolate and sweets.

Santa will visit every Friday, Saturday and

Sunday evening and the launch of a real-size sleigh so children can take a ‘sleighselfie’ with Santa.

The lights will be switched on between the1st - 28th December and will shine brightbetween 6.15 and 9pm each night.

Graham said: “The hospice needs £2.5meach year to remain open and I feel that mycontribution each Christmas is providingenjoyment for young children and familieswhilst allowing this local charity to benefitfrom my display.”

Student to transform home into Winter Wonderland

Cyclists raised more than £7000 for a children’s charity by takingpart in 2015’s Up and Under Foundation Rides.

The event, staged by Chamber members The Up and UnderFoundation, raises money to help local youngsters take part inoutdoor activities and ensure they don’t miss out on adventuresbecause they can’t afford the trip fees. Now organisers are sayinga big thank-you to the Chamber members and local businesses thattook part in the summer challenge.

Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting and Return on Investmententered teams of riders while the Wrights Food Group andctchealthcare contributed post ride teas and rider recuperation.

Draw prizes were contributed by Halfords and ctchealthcare anda donation was made by Construction Linx

Spokeswoman Lorna Fewtrell said: “A huge thank you to SCCCImembers and other local businesses for supporting the 2015Foundation Rides. So far this year, funds have been used to supportscout camps, school trips to the Conway Centre in Anglesey, andresidential trip by the Cheshire Buddies and some summer daytrips to Delamere and Tattenhall outdoor centres.”

The date for next year’s Foundation Rides, which willinclude 50, 100 and 160km routes and maybe a surpriseevent, will be held on 2015. To get involved, call Lorna on01270 250583.

For more information visitwww.upandunderfoundation.org

Charity fundraising tops £7000

The light display will be set-up at Carters Green Farm, Jack Lane, Weston (first turning right, after the A500 bypasscoming from the village) and can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/westonlightdisplay

Chamber members Bazaar Media Grouphas had a very busy year.

Established in 2010 with the South CheshireBazaar, a local advertising newspaper, theBazaar expanded into other advertisingpublications.

Now in larger premises on Nantwich Road,the group has invested in digital and wideformat print machinery to offer design andprint services.

Now Bazaar Media group is in a strongposition to support the local businesses inalmost all aspects of Design and Print,especially on the run up to Christmas.

Director Krisztina Spann said: “We aredelighted with our ambitious growth plans.At the start of the year we wanted toenhance the business, based on what wehave already achieved. A lot of time, moneyand effort has been put in by all mymembers of staff - Sandra, Keith, Andrewand myself and we are finally beginning tosee the results.

“We are now able to provide not only aplatform for local business in ournewspapers but we can also provideprinting of leaflets, booklets, business

stationery, banners, architect drawings,posters, internal and external signs, vehiclegraphics, window graphics, exhibitionmaterial, wallpapers, photography, T-shirtprinting and a whole host of other things.

“These tremendous achievements havebeen accomplished by our commitment toimproving growth of our company withinthe local community and to help us achievethis Bazaar Media group has also taken onan apprentice, Alysha Smith, to assist withthe sales and marketing, supported by theSouth Cheshire College Apprenticeshipprogramme.”

Next year there are ambitious plans todevelop digital displays and advertising.

For more information call BazaarMedia Group on 01270 219173

Design and print service will add extra cheer to Christmas

Bazaar design and print manager Keith Jones and director Krisztina Spann with new

apprentice Alysha Smith


31BUSINESS NEWS


Baywater Healthcare, which employs 85 staff at its Creweheadquarters, has secured an important contract to supplyemergency oxygen cylinders to The LMC Buying Groups Federation,which provides products and services to 6,800 GP surgeries anddental practices across the UK.

The oxygen packages have been created to help GPs and dentistsdeliver immediate assistance in case of an emergency and give them

peace of mind that they are prepared for these scenarios.Comprising a portable medical oxygen cylinder, a mask and tubing,they are designed to provide a high flow of oxygen for use inresuscitation. The packages show users how to quickly and easilyadminister lifesaving oxygen until further help arrives.

Practices can also rent a larger cylinder that lasts five times longerthan the smaller portable device, while reducing the number ofrefills.

Adam Sullivan, chief executive of Baywater Healthcare said, “This isa strategically important contract for us, helping us build links withthousands of GP and dental practices across the country. It alsofirmly associates us with the safe, reliable supply of oxygen andhelps build the profile of our core healthcare business.”

Baywater Healthcare was recently shortlisted for two categories ofthe Supply Management Awards from the Chartered Institute ofProcurement and Supply (CIPS) - for its partnership with NHS WalesShared Services and for its own purchasing operation.

The CIPS Supply Management Awards celebrate excellence andexceptional examples of best practice.

For more information on the company visitwww.baywater.co.uk

New contract for homecare company

Baywater Healthcare team at the CIPS awards ceremony in London

Everyone at work should have an understanding of why they must‘work safely’. Every manager should have an understanding of theirresponsibilities when it comes to health and safety. Iosh (The Instituteof Safety and Health) has produced Working Safely - a one-dayprogramme for people at any level, in any sector, that need agrounding in health and safety. It is an ideal way of introducing staffto the importance of health and safety.

Working Safely shows how everyone can make a difference to theirown wellbeing and that of others through everyday behaviors. Funand interactive, the course focuses on best practice rather thanlegislation.

For senior members of the team there is a Managing Safely coursewhich is a four day programme ideal for getting managers up-to-speed on the skills they need to tackle safety and health issues inthe workplace.

This is a practical programme with a sharp business focus and full of

step-by-step guidance. The hands on, jargon-free format engagesand inspires, and has helped a huge range of businesses to raisestandards of safety and health.

So what are the benefits of Working and Managing Safely to yourbusiness? Greater productivity as fewer hours are lost due tosickness and accidents, improved company-wide safety awarenessculture and appreciation for safety measures.

See staff actively involved in the improvement of the workplace.Invest in your workforce’s professional development with anationally-recognised, respected certification and enhance yourcompany’s reputation with the supply chain.

IOSH Working Safely is also recognised by CSCS as an equivalent toa Level 1 Award in health and safety in a construction environment.

For more information on Health & Safety including IOSHcourses please contact [email protected] our websitewww.applesafetyservices.com

Apple Safety ServicesThe Importance of Health and Safety Training

A special summer event was staged inQueen’s Park in Crewe to raise awarenessof the Every Breath You Take campaign.

Family Fit & Fun Day put out the message‘Keeping lungs healthy in Crewe’ andhighlighted the main signs and symptoms oflung cancer.

Project officer Ann Jones said: “The mainpurpose was to raise awareness of ourcampaign at a large community event rightat the heart of our target area – Crewe. Itwas a very well attended event and wellpublicised in advance by Creative Crewe,our campaign friends on social media andon the Chamber Portal.

“Our team took the opportunity to explainto visitors why the campaign has beenlaunched in Crewe and talked about thenew chest x-ray self-referral service atLeighton Hospital. We also encouragedlocal people to get involved with the

campaign – raising awareness amongstcolleagues, families and friends, signing upas Community Champion or putting up aposter or leaflets in workplaces,community centres, shops and offices inand around Crewe.”

Anyone over 50, who is presentingsymptoms and has not had a chest x-ray inthe past three months, can go directly tothe X-Ray Department at Leighton Hospitaland ask for a chest x-ray, without needingto see their GP first. This service is availableMonday to Friday 9am-7pm and Saturday9am-1pm

Event delivers life-saving message


32 ADVERTORIAL



33BUSINESS NEWS


Manchester Science Partnerships has announced the launch of anew fund, with a first close of £30.7m, to support growingbusinesses in the region’s life sciences sector.

The Fund, raised by Manchester Science Partnerships, Cheshire EastCouncil, Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership(LEP), Greater Manchester Combined Authorities (GMCA) andmanaged by fund managers Catapult Ventures, offers a source ofrisk capital to local SMEs to drive the growth of innovative younglife sciences businesses across the North West region.

A successful bid by the Greater Manchester and Cheshire andWarrington LEP secured £20m of Government funding, which hasbeen matched by private sector investors and is expected to reachover £45m in following a second close.

Rowena Burns, chief executive of Manchester Science Partnerships,said: “The life sciences industry is amongst the fastest growingsectors of our economy and is flourishing in the North West. Ourgoal is to work with our businesses to support their next stage ingrowth, by reducing their risks and accelerating successfulinnovation. This new Fund is just part of our commitment to theregion’s wonderful life science entrepreneurs.”

The Fund will fill an important gap in the funds available to earlystage businesses, help to drive their early growth, and createadditional high value employment opportunities in the area.

As important source of capital for Cheshire businesses, MichaelJones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, commented: “This is a clearsign of our commitment to growing the already world-class lifescience cluster in Cheshire and Greater Manchester. We lookforward to working with the team at Catapult Ventures to achievereal benefits for companies in Alderley Park and across Cheshiremore widely.

“This is great news for the whole region and strong evidence of theNorthern Powerhouse in action.”

The Fund will invest in SME life science businesses covering humanand veterinary applications such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnologydiagnostics, life science contract research organisations, healthcaretechnologies and medical devices.

It is available to SMEs in Cheshire with less than 250 employees.

For more information visit www.gmclifesciencesfund.com

£45m funding boost for life science SMEs

The partners of the Greater Manchester and Cheshire Life Sciences Fundincluding, Andy Allan (Finance Director of Manchester Science Partnerships),

Dr. Chris Doherty Site Director Alderley Park, Matt O’Neill Cheshire EastCouncil, Clare Hayward, Cheshire and Warrington LEP Board member, CllrKieran Quinn GMCA, Sean Davies Head of Finance - Commercial & PublicSector Reform at Manchester City Council, Bill Enevoldson Chief InvestmentOfficer GMCA, and Nick Wright Chief Executive Catapult Ventures – pictured

at Alderley Park Conference Centre

Independent commercial property consultancies, Legat Owen andLamont Commercial, have merged to become Legat Owen(Incorporating Lamont).

The move creates a combined team of 37 and allows the companyto continue to offer its clients a personal service with hands-oninvolvement at a director level.

It also coincides with a raft of promotions for the firm. MatthewPochin is promoted to director of industrial agency, Mark Athertonto director of building surveying, James Lutton takes on the role ofdirector of retail agency and Will Sadler is promoted to director ofoffice agency. Andy Butler is promoted to director of the Nantwichoffice.

Sam Tarjomani takes on the role of associate director of valuationand Karen Kilcourse is promoted to associate director of theNantwich office. Jon Hardie and Heather Johnston are appointed tothe role of senior surveyor – Jon in building surveying and Heather inoffice agency.

The announcement also sees changes at a senior level with PeterOwen, Legat Owen’s founding partner, stepping down as managingdirector, as does Neil Lamont, founder of Lamont Commercial. Bothwill continue as consultants advising some of the company’s longeststanding clients. Sue Harris steps down as director and as head ofLegat Owen’s management department but will also retain aconsultancy role.

Speaking about the decision, head of Legat Owen (IncorporatingLamont) Peter Johnston, said: “This merger brings together twodynamic and well-respected companies that have a very similarapproach to business, taking pride in our commitment to personalservice and long-standing client relationships, some of which weshare. By merging we will succeed in retaining our independence,strengthen our core business and broaden our client base."

Director of the Nantwich office, Andy Butler said: “Joining forces witha larger, very experienced and highly respected team such as LegatOwen will ensure that we can continue to serve our long establishedclient base but now offer a wider range of services.”

The business will continue to operate from the Chester and Nantwichoffices to help achieve wider market coverage and serve thecompany’s enlarged client base.

For further information visit www.legatowen.co.uk

Commercial property consultants announce merger

The Legat Owen Incorporating Lamont team with Peter Johnston (left) and Neil Lamont (right)


34 BUSINESS NEWS


Cheshire East Council has taken major steps towards realising a boldnew scheme to transform Crewe town centre. The authority hasannounced it will start the process to appoint a developer to workwith it to create a mixed-use town centre development on part orall of the Royal Arcade site.

The Council’s preference is for the site to include leisure attractions,such as a new larger cinema and restaurants.

This follows on from informal discussions with developers over thesummer, which has given the Council confidence that there is astrong interest in Crewe from developers and investors.

The Council is also proposing to create a new stakeholder panelwith an independent chair – similar to one established forMacclesfield – to play a key role in overseeing redevelopment of theRoyal Arcade site as well as other aspects of Crewe town centreregeneration. This will help ensure plans are informed by localknowledge and opinion

A recent announcement follows the decision of the Council in Aprilto purchase the Royal Arcade site, which includes the bus stationand 26 retail units along Queensway and Victoria Street.

This bold move followed years of speculation since plans for theDelamere Place retail and office scheme stalled in 2009.

Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones said of the recentdecisions: “The redevelopment of the Royal Arcade site is pivotalfor Crewe and it will set a benchmark for future schemes for othertown centre sites. It is important that we get this right for the peopleof Crewe to give them a town centre they can be proud of – andwe will.”

This Councillor Don Stockton, Cabinet member in charge ofregeneration and assets, said: “We’ve already secured millions ofpounds of investment for the town centre through the new LifestyleCentre and the University Technical College, which will both openin 2016. There is also the prospect of significant investment andgrowth should Crewe be selected for a new HS2 North Westgateway rail hub.

“This is the latest piece in the jigsaw and builds upon strong interestexpressed from leisure operators, who share our vision for Crewe.It is our strong belief that we can forge a role for the town centrethat is based on it being a vibrant and attractive destination forfamilies to spend quality leisure time together.”

Cllr Stockton added: “We are keen to work with existing occupierswithin Royal Arcade and will look at all options including thepotential for bringing in a development partner to ensure that anyscheme balances viability with our aspirations that this site can actas a significant catalyst and bring even more investment into thetown. The Council held an extensive consultation with localresidents and businesses – called ‘Your Town Your Choice’ – on ourregeneration delivery framework, to ensure we’re making the mostof our key assets and opportunities in the town centre.

“The responses showed a strong endorsement of both our overallvision and the regeneration objectives of the framework.”

The full results of the public consultation will be published in thenext few weeks.

The Royal Arcade site includes Crewe bus station and units on thewest side of Queensway and the south side of Victoria Street, whichinclude BHS, Santander and Wetherspoon’s.

The Council has already committed to support several majorprojects to unlock the potential of Crewe, revitalise the town centreand boost the surrounding local economy.

These include: proposals for a HS2 hub station – which wouldgenerate £10bn of investment and 100,000 new jobs along the M6corridor around South Cheshire and North Staffordshire; the £6macquisition of the Royal Arcade site; and the completion of the new£15m Crewe Lifestyle Centre for people of all ages.

For more on HS2 and regeneration in Crewe visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

A bright new future for Crewe town centre

One of the region’s leading agricultural lawfirms has been re-appointed to the

National Farmers Union’s Legal Panel.

Nantwich-based law firm BowcockCuerden LLP participated in a six monthreview by the NFU and was praised forstrength of expertise in farming matters aswell as its commitment to NFU membersand quality of service.

The announcement means that the firmhas retained its place on NFU’s NationalLegal Panel for the second time, keeping itamongst the UK’s leading agricultural lawfirms.

Philip Cuerden, Bowcock Cuerden’smanaging director, said that the firm hadalways been heavily committed to itsagricultural and horticultural clients so hadbeen delighted to have been appointed asone of NFU’s 16 National Legal Panel firms

back in 2008. That appointment wassubsequently re-affirmed in 2012.

He added: “The NFU’s six month review in2015 was extremely thorough, involving anassessment of the services andspecialisations we offer, our fee structures,commitment to the NFU and its members,and also feedback from both NFU staff andmembers.

“We are very pleased indeed to have beenre-appointed to the NFU National LegalPanel for a third term. Quality of serviceand client satisfaction are paramount to usand it is extremely gratifying to havereceived such a highly valued independentendorsement.”

For more information on services visitwww.bowcockcuerden.co.uk

Top agricultural law firm reappointed

Managing Director Philip Cuerden with co-Director and Head of Litigation Lesley Smith


35BUSINESS NEWS


Employment law specialists Alf and KevinMurphy (pictured) are celebrating the launchof a new website and new look. After takingadvice from their accountants, and fellowChamber Members, they have reformed theircompany as Employment Law Solutions.

Kevin Murphy said: “We have re-organised asa Limited Company, dropping the LLP. Wenow continue to trade as Employment LawSolutions.”

Based near Nantwich, the father and sonteam work with a wide range of clientsthroughout the North West and Midlands,from care homes and estate agents toinsurance companies and manufacturers.

Kevin added: “Employment law is a minefieldand we work to protect companies andreputations from tribunal proceedings.”

One recent case saw the lawyers conduct aninvestigation with the HR department of a

care facility for young people. Their work ledto the dismissal of a member of staff whowent on a spending spree after stealing thecredit card of a young person.

The keen bloggers have always been keen topromote business amongst their fellowChamber members.

They are regular faces at networking eventsand invite members to connect with them onthe Chamber Portal and stay ahead ofchanges in employment law.

For more information on services visitwww.elslegal.co.uk

Pam Allen has won the prestigious titleof Virtual Assistant (VA) of the Year forNorth West England 2015.

Her company PA Today provides a virtualpersonal assistant service to a range ofclients in different industries across theregion and UK. Judges commendedPam’s work as innovative and found thatPA Today was providing clients withoutstanding services.

Chairman of the judges panel JohnPalmer said: “Pam has built a solid andefficient business, her work is ademonstration of good practice.”

Pam Allen said: “As business owners, both myself and our skilledteam of PA Today Associates, understand the challenges andopportunities facing SME's in a competitive market. We are here tomake lives easier, relieving the burden of time consuming tasks,enabling our clients to focus on the things that are important tothem. We assist a wide range of businesses, providing bespokeadministration and business services to meet each client’s needs.From board level to basic admin support for sole traders, PA Todayadapts services for each business. And if we see something that canbe achieved more efficiently or effectively, we’ll suggest a better wayof doing it.”

Pam will now represent the North West in the Finals for England atthe Office Show at Olympia, London later this month.

For more information on services visitwww.patodayuk.co.uk

Virtual assistant carries off best in the region title

Great legal minds like father like son

Pam Allen (right) isrecognised as VA of

the Year 2015 for NorthWest England


36 BUSINESS NEWS / CHESHIRE CONNECT


Business and Charity: sharing skills

If you wish to find out more about how a clear, compatible and concise path towards achieving your CSR aims and objectives could be obtained by utilising the services of Cheshire Connect, please drop in, write, email or phone:

Dianne Parrish on 07946 639394 • Email: [email protected]: @ccdiannep • Web: www.cheshireconnect.org

Cheshire Connect, c/o South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, Global House, Westmere Drive, Crewe Business Park, Crewe CW1 6ZD

Business and Charity: Sharing Skills

CHESHIRECHARITY NEEDS MET BY

AutismResourceNetworks

HumanResource

(HR)

Conviviality Retail PlcProviding adviceand Guidance

Case Study

Cheshire Connect offers a cost-free service to help you identify the best way to achieve your Corporate andSocial Responsibility (CSR) aims and develop a strategy and action plan that will make a real difference . . . and

not merely a box ticking exercise, but to have a direct impact on real people within our community

There is no cost to you or the charity to explore the possibilities. Cheshire Connect is generouslysupported and funded in Crewe and South Cheshire by Radius Payment Solutions Limited

• Event Management • Business Strategy & Planning • Marketing and Media• Health & Safety + Hygiene compliance • Website & Social Media• Vehicle Maintenance & Servicing • Book Keeping • Design & Print

Would your company like to volunteer skills to a local charity?

Sharing your skills, talents and time

Businesses are being encouraged to switch to an environmentally-friendly form of bookkeeping.

Barringtons is offering a free trial of the latest Cloud-basedaccounting services which cuts down on paperwork and the clutterof saving receipts.

Cloud Accounting Manager Emma Fergusson said: “The Cloudallows users to update records away from their desktop computerand simplify the financial side of their lives.

“Filling up with fuel, for example, you can simply take a picture ofthe receipt, send it to us and then throw it away. Data is stored

securely on ‘The Cloud’ which can be updated and accessed fromanywhere, anytime.

“Employees in other departments or working off-site can alsoaccess the same data and update records in real time. Everythingcan be fed into the system, including bank transactions. You caninvoice online and pay bills.

“We collate the information and prepare the accounts. Perfect forSMEs and anyone needing time to grow their business. It’s also agreen-minded approach which is why we are delighted to offer afree trial.”

Barringtons Chartered Accountants, which has offices on BeamHeath Way in Nantwich, offers a range of services to helpbusinesses free up time and save money.

It is a Silver Partner in Xero, a global leader in Cloud accountingsoftware, which offers a secure virtual platform to store and accessdata from any device. Access is password protected to ensuresecurity.

The 30-day trial will help support anyone not so computer savvyand needing a jargon-free low-down on The Cloud.

For more information call Barringtons on 01270 623821 oremail [email protected]

Look up to The Cloud for a simple life


37BUSINESS NEWS

Parents and students have been given asneak preview of how Crewe Engineering &Design UTC will look.

New architectural design images show howthe £10.6 million UTC campus will regeneratethe heart of Crewe and breathe life into thecommunity’s educational offering for 14-18year-olds.

A new Principal has also been appointed to drive the curriculum and lead the creationof the next generation of creative engineers, scientists, innovators, techniciansand designers.

David Terry has over 20 years of senioreducation leadership experience, workingmost recently as Headteacher of Culcheth High School in Warrington afterworking as Principal, Headteacher andDeputy Headteacher in a number of‘outstanding’ schools in the North West.

He said: “The purpose of the UTC is veryclear - to meet the challenges of the futuredeveloping more talented people ready for roles in industry. We will give every student exciting and challenging learningexperiences, leading to outstanding progressand the ability to thrive in their chosencareers.”

Crewe Engineering & Design UTC will delivercourses that offer exciting and engagingpathways for youngsters, alongside businessand academic partners such as BentleyMotors, Manchester Metropolitan University,Siemens, Bosch, OSL Rail, Chevron Racing,Optical 3D, Unipart and Cheshire EastCouncil.

Georgina Harris, Head of MechanicalEngineering at Manchester MetropolitanUniversity, said: “The partners weredetermined to find the best school principalfor Crewe Engineering & Design UTC. It willopen doors to young people with the desireto develop their love of Science, Technology,Engineering and Maths and develop theminto talented individuals prepared for theirfuture in engineering, giving the UTCgeneration the best chance of success in anever-changing, challenging and globaleconomy.”

Crewe Engineering & Design UniversityTechnical College will open inSeptember 2016.

For more information on the schemevisit www.utccrewe.co.uk

A vision for the future

A trading relationship between China and one the oldest companiesin Britain was celebrated with a special visit to Crewe.

Mornflake on Gresty Road was proud to welcome the businesspartners who have helped to make the company a mainstreambrand and household name in China after two decades of workingtogether.

The 340-year-old family firm played host to export partners, NanpuFood Group, together with Zhixiong Jiang, the Deputy Mayor from

the city of Putian, Fujian Province, as part of their trade mission tothe UK.

Zou Zhi Cheng and Wu Haiduan, Deputy Secretary and ViceDirector of the Putian Bureau of Commerce accompanied the party.Putian is a city of some three million people on the South Chinacoast.

Mornflake managing director John Lea said: “It was both an honourand a pleasure for Mornflake to host this visit.

“Mornflake has worked with Nanpu Food Group for 20 years andtogether we have grown hot-eating oat cereals sales across Chinafrom nothing to a multi-million pound business - exporting andpacking British oats under the Mornflake brand.”

The Chinese visitors received Best of British hospitality fromMornflake, enjoying a night’s stay at Crewe Hall and supper at theHand and Trumpet pub in Betley.

Mornflake exports to 62 countries including China, Saudi Arabia,America, Australia and South Africa.

The firm’s many accolades include The Queen’s Award for Exportfor outstanding achievement in International Trade and the Mondegold medal awarded to companies achieving worldwide acclaim forexcellence.

For further information visit www.mornflake.com

Mornflake celebrates 20 years as a household name in China

The Chinese delegation is welcomed to Mornflake in Crewe by managing director John Lea and his sons James and Edward

David Terry will welcome students to Crewe Engineering & Design UTC

An artist’s impression of the new facility



38 BUSINESS NEWS


Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has been stressing the importanceof business safety to companies across South Cheshire recentlyduring a fortnight of targeted campaigning.

September saw fire protection officers out and about in varioustowns in the area promoting general fire safety and ensuringcompanies were meeting their legal duties. Fire door safety was alsohigh on the agenda with fire staff providing information andguidance on what to look for being provided to businesses inpartnership with the British Woodworking Federation.

Kristian Clowes, Business Safety Manager for Cheshire Fire andRescue Service, said: “On our visits we were looking for compliancewith the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and spoke tobusinesses direct to help with any issues that people may have.”

The regulation requires people responsible for a premises to carryout a fire risk assessment and produce significant findings. It alsorequires them to look at reducing the risk from fire as far as possibleand provide general fire precautions such as reducing the chanceof being targeted by arson attacks, ensuring electrical equipment isin good working order and that fire doors are in place andperforming their correct function.

Kristian added: “Another important thing for businesses toremember is to have in place a plan to deal with emergencies andto train staff on how to deal with emergencies. Also if anydangerous or flammable substances are present within a workplacethen it is important to ensure that these are risk assessed andadditional measures are put in place to reduce any risk.”

During their visits, fireprotection officersstressed the importanceof fire doors not beingpropped open, whichstops them fromprotecting the means ofescape. Businesses werereminded that doorsshould be installed andmaintained by credible

companies in the same way that other fire safety devices area andshould have the correct glazing, frames and ironmongery installed.

Simon Gibbins, Head of Protection at Cheshire Fire and RescueService said: “Fire doors play a critical role in saving lives andproperty and should never be propped open. They are extremelyeffective at preventing fire spreading from the room of origin andwe have seen cases in the past where buildings have been savedas a result of fire doors being fitted and used correctly. We wouldadvise people to also get into the habit of closing all doors as amatter of course to prevent fire spreading and at the first sign offire get out and call 999.”

If you would like some more information or help with any of the above then please [email protected] or visit our websitewww.cheshirefire.gov.uk/business-safety

Fire safety on the agenda

Direction, support and visibility - these are the three main aspects of my role as the Inspector with responsibility forproviding response policing within Crewe,Nantwich, Sandbach, Middlewich, Alsager &surrounding areas.

Having been the ‘Force Incident Manager’for several serious incidents includingflooding, fatal shootings & murders Ireturned to local policing in September 2014and ran the Wilmslow Police teams. Here,we achieved the lowest ever recorded ASB& retail crime levels alongside increasingpatrol time and customer satisfaction.

I was consequently invited to speak at anational conference on achieving thesereductions in retail crime – especiallyshoplifting. I am now challenged withbringing some of these results to a largergeography with a focus on deter, disrupt andsupported challenge by retailers.

The direction I provide to my team is toattend all emergency calls from Chamber ofCommerce members promptly – with thechallenge in such a large area to arrivewithin 15 minutes.

In the last three months we have averaged89% for all emergencies in all communities,with around 500 events per month.

Through supporting frontline staff, andlistening to their ideas, we have increasedthe availability of staff across our 24/7 365days a week requirement – for example, wehave to have increased visibility to supportthe nighttime commerce community acrossall towns.

I achieve visibility by working closely andpatrolling with my teams – and still smile ata few weeks ago, when on foot patrol inNantwich I forgot I had my helmet on andknocked it off on a shop sign! Please do sayhello if you see myself or a colleague onpatrol.

In the coming months, I have planned extrastaff to be available on anticipated increaseddemand days, caused by Christmasshoppers, busier roads and of course officeparties.

To get in touch with Alan [email protected]

Supporting the business community – Alan Fairclough

On the beat with Cheshire policeAlan Fairclough, Response Inspector, tells how the police will concentrate their efforts in the run up to Christmas


4front magazine (autumn 2015 edition)

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