the ulimate business network

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(01224) 343900

The Ultimate Business Network

BE PART OF ‘THE ULTIMATE BUSINESS NETWORK’

From the networking

opportunities to the training portfolio, the

Chamber helps us to develop our business and our

people

George Yule, Dominion Gas

Advertise your company in the Business Bulletin:

Published 10 times a yearTightly targeted at the people who control and manage the business, financial, oil and gas and industrial sectors within the Aberdeen and Grampian regionA readership of around 10,000 peopleDiscounts on rate cards for members

For more information contact Ayo Akinrinmade on (01224) 343931 or email [email protected]

BUSINESSBULLETIN

Our members at the heart of the Chamber.Our Chamber at the heart of a strong and sustainable economy in the City and Shire. Our region at the heart of a prosperous country.

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(01224) 343900

Contents

The Ultimate Business NetworkMember BenefitsPremier PartnershipEventsA Typical Business BreakfastCapitalise on your NetworkingNorthern Star Business AwardsBusiness Mentoring ScotlandTraining and SkillsAfrica Business CentreInternational TradeMediaPolicyMembership Rates

The Chamber offers a wide range of services to all types of business and is a valuable resource for those wanting to conduct business in Aberdeen and

North-east Scotland.

Tim Smith, BP


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Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) is North-east Scotland’s leading private sector, member-focused organisation. The Chamber represents more than 1,200 businesses with 90,000 employees covering all industry sectors, ranging in size from sole traders to multi-national corporations. The Chamber works at local, national and international levels to provide a comprehensive portfolio of business services, support and advocacy.

We recognise that different companies and organisations have different needs from a Chamber of Commerce and we have developed a constantly evolving range of products and services.

Our aim: Our members at the heart of the Chamber.Our Chamber at the heart of a strong and sustainable economy in the City and Shire. Our region at the heart of a prosperous country.

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www.agcc.co.uk

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(01224) 343900


Business supportBusiness Mentoring ScotlandFree Legal Advice and InsuranceChamber Finance HotlineFree Help at Work Helpline from AXA HealthcareLobbying and RepresentationAccess our Business Support Partners

Local and national offersChamber Connect Card - providing national discounts from top brandsLocal Offers - to make savings or promote your services

Brand Awareness and Marketing OpportunitiesFree listing in the AGCC Member DirectoryMember’s news published on the AGCC websiteDiscounted rates for members to advertise in the Business BulletinNorthern Star Business Awards sponsorship opportunitiesPublish your own events with free advertising on the AGCC website

Member BenefitsAs a member you will receive discounts for events, training and documentation services as well as marketing and sponsorship opportunities and access to a 24/7 free legal helpline, discounted healthcare and insurance.

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www.agcc.co.uk

Member BenefitsInternational Business Support

Grow your business overseasExport documentationTrade missions

Skills and TrainingCommercial TrainingUp to 50% discount for members on more than 60 commercial training courses

Vocational QualificationsWe offer one of the most flexible training programmes in vocational qualifications, allowing candidates to demonstrate competence in different environments.

Lunch and Learn CoursesAGCC runs various bite sized learning sessions on industry changes and best practice at a discounted rate for members.

Events and NetworkingJoin the ‘Ultimate Business Network’. AGCC runs around 70 events each year at a discounted rate for members.

For more information please call the Membership Team (01224) 343934/343903


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Premier Partnership

Premier Partnership is about creating a bridge between the Chamber and key businesses in the local economy. Premier Partners Exclusives

Exclusive Premier Partner network eventsDirect access to Chamber Chief ExecutiveDirect access to other Premier PartnersIncludes annual membership fee and up to 5 subsidiariesLogo throughout Chamber websiteLogo in each Business Bulletin

Business Breakfast2 places at eachLogo on screen

City Lunch 1 place at each

Shire Lunch 1 place at each

Northern Star Business Awards 10% discount on all tables booked

Business Bulletin 1 Business Bulletin profileand 25% discount on all advertising

Training 1 full day training course

Branding Display stand at 3 eventsLogo on some Chamber literatureInfo in delegate packs

For more information please contact the Head of Membership on (01224) 343929


Events

AGCC delivers around 70 events every year to give members the opportunity to learn, make new contacts and help business growth.

These include business breakfasts, networking lunches in the City and Shire, alternative networking, golf tournaments and Young Chamber Connections. These events aim to bring you topical information on business themes.

Events information is now active on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

For more information please call the Events Team on (01224) 343901/343922


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www.agcc.co.uk

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(01224) 343900


A Typical Business Breakfast

07.00 - 07.30 Registration: Get your name badge, pick up a delegate list and enjoy a full breakfast

07.30 - 07.35 Chairperson’s Introduction

07.35 - 08.05 Speakers: Discuss topical issues

08.05 - 08.20 Networking Break: Your chance to meet new people and promote your business

08.20 - 08.35 Speaker

08.35 - 08.50 Panel Questions: Opportunity to ask questions

08.50 - 08.55 Vote of Thanks

09.00 Close and networking

I have to thank the Chamber for giving me the opportunity to speak at their Sports in Business

Breakfast. I have received excellent feedback since the event and it gave me the platform to promote

and showcase what we do at AFC besides play football! The Chamber staff were helpful and

encouraging throughout and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Lynne Duncan, Aberdeen Football Club

www.agcc.co.uk


Capitalise on your networking

Come prepared - In order to get your message across clearly and concisely it is helpful to prepare your pitch in advance.

Listen - Take an interest in other people and their business, they could turn out to be the best business contact you have ever made.

Become a regular - Make networking part of your routine, not just a one off. This will increase the interest in your company and help with its promotion.

Don’t forget your business cards - Saves time rather than writing down details.

Follow up - It is beneficial to get in touch with worthwhile contacts up to 48 hours after meeting.

Deliver - Always deliver what you promise.

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Northern Star is the flagship event of the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the achievements of businesses from across all sectors of the business community in the City and Shire.

NOMINATE SPONSORBOOK YOUR PLACE

For more information visit: www.northernstarawards.co.uk

Northern Star Business

Awards

www.agcc.co.uk

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Business Mentoring Scotland

Business Mentoring is a service which is provided through a partnership between Scottish Chambers of Commerce, Scottish Enterprise and the European Social Fund.

Business Mentoring can help growing businesses make their business dreams a reality. AGCC carefully matches ambitious leaders to experienced and successful business mentors. This happens by assessing your business development objectives and matching these with a mentor who has the required experience and skills to meet your needs.

Business Mentoring is free. Mentors are deployed according to best fit with growth potential and availability. Mentors understand how difficult it can be to own a business.

For more information please call the Business Mentoring Scotland Team on (01224) 343909


Training and skills

AGCC runs regular training courses and the opportunity to complete Vocational Qualifications (VQs).

The training department offers an extensive range of services including:

Open short course trainingIn company trainingManagement plusIT trainingSAGE training

The AGCC training teams understand that you and your colleagues are individuals, with unique aspirations and goals. Whether at the start of your career or seeking to move up through an organisation, we’ll give the support and guidance to help succeed at every stage.

Get your career on the right course.

For more information please call the Training Team on (01224) 343902


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(01224) 343900

www.agcc.co.uk

Africa Business Centre

The Africa Business Centre (ABC) is an industry-led organisation run under the auspices of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce.

With more than 80 corporate members, ABC is the largest organisation of its kind specialising in assisting companies enter Africa’s energy markets and offers:

Intelligence reports and briefingNewsletter and country reportsComprehensive web-based librariesAdvice, consultancy and business plan reviewMarket entry processIdentification of partners & opportunitiesNetworking and representation Trade missionsEvents and conferencesNetworks

For more information please call ABC Team on (01224) 343920

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International Trade

International trade concentrates on distinct service elements; market entry and export document certification.

The Chamber can provide advice, training and information on any aspect of international trade and we hold information on markets, regulations, industry sectors, useful contacts and basic exporting information.

Our documentation team provides impartial advice on worldwide export documentation requirements and trade regulations. Key benefits include:

EC Certificate of OriginArab - British Certificate of OriginEUR1 Movement CertificateA.TR Movement Certificate for Turkey

AGCC provides online certification:Apply and print at your own deskFast/friendly/easy to useMaintain online libraryRepetitive applications submitted in secondsAccepts invoices and other documents in all major formats

For more information please call the International Trade Team on (01224) 343920/343916

www.agcc.co.uk

Media

Let the Chamber direct you to accurate and cost effective advice and information to enhance your own marketing activity. Our network of contacts and targeted marketing campaigns can help push your business to the next level.

Business BulletinThe Business Bulletin is read by around 10,000 business people and is directly delivered to key contacts. Advertising in the Bulletin directly targets the corporate sector.

Web BannersWith more than 500,000 hits annually on our website, a banner may be the best way for your organisation to reach its target market. We have a range of options available depending on your budget and specific promotional objectives.

Direct MailUsing the Chamber’s reputation, brand and extensive contacts your targeted mailing could be giving you a return of up to 20%. Chamber membership is a cost effective way to communicate your key message.

Event SponsorshipWith around 70 events per year including the prestigious Northern Star Business Awards, sponsorship could be the key to you reaching your business market. Costs range from as little as £1,000 to have your brand highlighted.

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Policy

The Chamber acts as the voice of business for its 1,200+ members, lobbying on issues which impact on them.

Policy is developed in conjunction with our Policy Council, an elected group of 27 members representing all sizes and sectors of our membership. Information gathered from the wider membership on an ongoing basis is also fed into policy formulation and the Chamber has a number of virtual policy groups covering specific areas.

We are an accredited member of both the British and Scottish Chambers of Commerce and together we form an independent UK business support organisation which has local representation, credibility in the eyes of Government and the media, and is consulted at all levels by the Scottish and UK governments.

For more information please call the Policy Team on (01224) 343913


www.agcc.co.uk

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Membership Rates2010 New Membership RateMembership Banding(employees)

Excluding VAT

1 - 5 £269.00

6 - 15 £325.00

16 - 30 £411.00

31 - 50 £590.00

51 - 100 £ 829.00

101 - 250 £1,010.00

251 - 500 £1,485.00

501 - 1000 £1,785.00

1000+ £2,377.00

Premier Partner £6,425.00

For more information please call the Membership Team on (01224) 343934/343903

The AGCC is one of the most important associations with which Aberdeen Business

School can engage, given its extensive network of members throughout regional business

and public sector organisations and the wide range of relevant events aimed at the business

community hosted.

Professor Rita Marcella, Aberdeen Business School, RGU


The Chamber is one of the North-east’s leading training providers offering quality, cost effective personal development opportunities for staff at all levels. We offer proven courses which we know will benefit you and your staff, delivered by professional trainers.

We can provide a comprehensive portfolio of one and two day courses covering all your business needs from Personal Development to HR and Employment Law.

SKILLS & TRAINING

Customised Training, delivered by AGCC, adapted specifically for your company’s unique requirements.Management Plus - year long executive development programmeVocational QualificationsModern ApprenticeshipsSkillSeekers

For more information contact Fiona Fernie or Jenny Robertson on 01224 343900.

For more information Jenny Robertson on (01224) 343900 or email [email protected]

Our members at the heart of the Chamber.Our Chamber at the heart of a strong and sustainable economy in the City and Shire. Our region at the heart of a prosperous country.

Greenhole PlaceBridge of DonAB23 8EU

t: (01224) 343900f: (01224) 343943

the ulimate business network

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