4FRONT Magazine (Winter 2015-16 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

Winter 2015/16

On the roadto growth

Page 8

Winter Edition_Layout 1 01/02/2016 11:54

3FOREWORD

Welcome to the first edition of SouthCheshire Chamber’s 4FRONT magazine for2016. The Christmas period allowed us all to reflect on our achievements in the previous year and plan for theforthcoming year.

There were many highlights for theChamber last year; we helped establishedthe ‘Crewe Pledge’ and ‘Destination

Crewe’. Initiatives that help young people become more workready and encourage more business visitors to South Cheshirerespectively. The Chamber continued to lobby on many issuesincluding the town centre development and high speed railcoming to Crewe. It was late on in the year that the governmentannounced that Crewe would be having a fully integrated hubstation for HS2, which is clearly fantastic news for the area and akey factor for our future prosperity.

There is no reason why 2016 cannot be another successful yearfor the Chamber and the area. We will continue to provide ourmembers with new benefits and make sure the business voice isheard in national and local governments. Due to economiccircumstances there has never been a bigger need for private andpublic sectors to work more closely together in shaping theeconomic development in the area.

I hope you enjoy this edition of 4FRONT and I encourage all Members to submit articles for future magazines [email protected].

On behalf of the Chamber I would like to wish you a happy andprosperous year. Remember that the Chamber Team is here toassist you and your business, so if you have any queries pleasedo not hesitate to contact us.

Chief ExecutiveSouth Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry

@SCCCI_CEO

Welcome to the Winter edition of 4Front, themagazine for businesses in South Cheshire

The Chamber, or any of its agents/representatives/staff, cannot accept any legal liability for the accuracy of the news items and articles contained in the magazine, which have been obtained and arereproduced in good faith. The Chamber also reserves the right to edit articles submitted for publication or exclude them completely.

www.southcheshirechamber.co.uk

It's all systems go for South Cheshire in2016 following a number of significantevents at the back end of last year.

The decision on HS2 and the openingof two major new link roads has reallyopened the door for exciting timesahead for our local economy and Ifirmly believe that the realisation of themajor growth that we have been

talking about for many years is now in our grasp. We can nowplan ahead with more certainty and it is essential that acoherent and robust strategy is now developed that will takefull advantage of the situation.

For me, a major objective for this coming year will be toensure that the business community is fully engaged in thisprocess and has the opportunity to influence thedevelopment of the right strategy and plans. A proactivebusiness community will be an essential ingredient in thisprocess and so I would encourage all of our members to getinvolved.

As I have said before, although the emphasis will be onattracting new inward investment, the Chamber will be

working hard to ensure that the interests of our existingbusiness are not overlooked and that they will have everyopportunity to benefit from the opportunities that will arise.

My job as Chairman is to ensure that this happens and willmean working even more closely with Cheshire East Counciland their development partners, the LEP and also with ourneighbouring Chambers in Cheshire and North Staffordshire.

All of this, of course, will be in addition to continuing todevelop and grow our existing range of services and activitiesand enhancing our status and role as part of the BritishChambers of Commerce Accredited Chamber network. Thisincludes providing members with an opportunity to promotetheir services and take advantage of member offers. We willalso be organising more seminars and 'In the know' events tokeep the business community up to date with localdevelopments.

So it looks like being another extremely busy year for theChamber, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We are fortunate in South Cheshire to be entering into anexciting new era of economic growth and we at the Chamberare looking forward to helping our members to share in thesuccess that this coming year promises to bring.

In his New Year statement, Chamber Chairman John Dunning heralds abusy year for the Chamber following some significant announcementsand events last year . . .


4 NEW MEMBERS

Meet our new members . . .

Freshfields Farm Eggs LtdHough Manor, Newcastle Road, Hough, CREWE, Cheshire CW2 5JGTelephone 01270 567 569mail@freshfieldsfarmeggs.co.ukwww.freshfieldsfarmeggs.co.ukFarming

Graham Shapiro Design LtdTudor House, 73 -75 Welsh RowNANTWICH, Cheshire CW5 5EWTelephone 01270 625 [email protected] & Design

Go Green Leasing10-30 Nantwich Road, CREWE, Cheshire CW2 6ADTelephone 01270 500 [email protected] Hire

The Petty Pool TrustPool Lane, Sandiway, NORTHWICHCheshire CW8 2DRTelephone 01606 889 [email protected]

New Business Network11 Brassey Court, Willaston, NR NANTWICH,Cheshire CW5 6NYMobile 07715 170 [email protected] Business Networking

Fancy A Party8 Cocoa Yard, NANTWICHCheshire CW5 5BLMobile 07935 307 [email protected] Specialist & VenueDecorator

Bella Italia - CreweGrand Junction Retail Park, CREWECheshire CW1 2RPTelephone 01270 587 [email protected]

Wendy’s Florist14 Hospital Street, NANTWICHCheshire CW5 5RJTelephone 01270 624 [email protected]

Retreading Business LimitedPO Box 320, CREWECheshire CW2 6WYTelephone 01270 668 718retreadingbusiness@btconnect.comwww.retreadingbusiness.comPublishing

Bramhall Road Sandwich Bar36 Bramhall Road, CREWECheshire CW2 8QTTelephone 01270 664 [email protected] Services

Green Lane Pest ControlBlossom Cottage, 36 Green Lane, AUDLEMCREWE, Cheshire CW3 0ESTelephone 01270 811 [email protected] Control

Deafness Support Network144 London Road, NORTHWICHCheshire CW9 5HHTelephone 03363 220 [email protected]

K C Roofers62 South Street, CREWE, Cheshire CW2 6HLMobile 07506 871 [email protected] Repairs

Skill Supply Ltd7 Cedar Close, SANDBACHCheshire CW11 4JSTelephone 01270 748 [email protected]

Apex Connected Limited3 Park View Business Centre,Combermere, WHITCHURCH, Shropshire SY13 4ALTelephone 01948 302 [email protected] Manufacturers Suppliers

Kingswood Poultry (2011) LtdUnit 7, Orion Way ParkCREWE, Cheshire CW1 6NGTelephone 01270 257 099Manufacturing

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



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/

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/

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

Cheshire Lakes CIC116 Pickmere Lane, Pickmere, KNUTSFORD, Cheshire WA16 0JPMobile 07884 010 [email protected]

Cancer Research UKPO Box 156, OXFORD, Oxfordshire OX4 9GZMobile 07775 685 [email protected]

Cheshire Window CleaningServices Limited209 Lime Tree Avenue , CREWECheshire CW1 4HZMobile 07894 054 [email protected] Cleaning Services

Everybody Sport and Recreation LtdHolmes Chapel CommunityCentre, Station RoadCREWE, Cheshire CW4 8AATelephone 01625 383 848Charity Leisure - Charity -Health & Fitness Charity withcommunity programmes,training and volunteering

Gateway Motor CompanyLimitedGateway, Crewe Gates Industrial Estate,CREWE, Cheshire CW1 6YYTelephone 01270 587 [email protected] Sales Peugeot Main Dealer,Selling and Servicing Cars andVans

Code Audio Visual LimitedUnit 11, Quakers Coppice,Crewe Gates Industrial Estate, CREWE, CheshireCW1 6EWTelephone 0800 644 [email protected] Visual Equipment

The Dairy House Limited17 Chatham Way, Haslington, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 5NUMobile 07961 725 278chris.edwards1966@gmail.comwww.thedairyhousetraining.co.ukTraining Providers

People Central LtdSandbach Enterprise Centre, Wesley Avenue,SANDBACH, Cheshire CW11 1DGMobile 07711 193 [email protected] Resources

5NEW MEMBERS / CHAMBER TEAM


Spring Issue due out 22nd April 2016Editorial Deadline 24th March 2016

Advertisement Deadline 6th April 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


Businesses turned out in force for a presentation on how Britain’seconomy faired in the last quarter as part of an event staged by theSouth Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.

The organisation is hosting a series of Quarterly Economic Updatesthroughout 2016 giving local business an insight into the country’strading strengths and weaknesses based on data collated by theBritish Chambers of Commerce.

The first breakfast event was held at South Cheshire College whereChris Yoxall from Handelsbanken Capital Markets gave an overviewof the economy and global market forces which, he predicted, wouldsee a quarter percent hike in interest rates this September.

Guest speakers also included Cllr Peter Groves, Cheshire EastCouncil’s Portfolio Holder for Finance and Assets, who outlined theauthority’s budget proposals for 2016/17. Although not finalised untilFebruary, the plan would continue to offer rate relief for smallbusinesses to end of March 2017.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said: “The QuarterlyEconomic Survey is Britain’s biggest private business survey and isused by the Bank of England as a benchmark to setting interest rates.

“South Cheshire Chamber contributes with information from localbusiness and remains a leading member of the British Chamber. Wewere delighted to welcome members to the college to present aninsight into how the country performed in the last quarter withinformation vital to success in 2016.”

The BCC Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) is the largestindependent business survey of its kind in the UK and is based oninformation provided by businesses on home sales and orders,export sales and orders, employment prospects, investment,recruitment difficulties, cash flow, confidence and price pressures.

Its findings are watched closely by policymakers such as the Bank ofEngland and every quarter the South Cheshire Chamber will deliveran economic breakfast as soon as QES results are available toprovide member businesses with a clear picture of the economiclandscape ahead of official publication.

February 10 will also see the Chamber host an event focusing oncybercrime and protecting data.

For more information on the latest QES and how to takepart in the next survey, visit the Chamber websitewww.sccci.co.uk

Breakfast event serves up economic insight

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

Seen left Cllr Peter Groves of Cheshire East Council with Chris Yoxall andAdrian Smith of Handelsbanken and right, Chamber Chief Executive Paul

Colman and College Principal Dhesi Jasbir

Chris Yoxall from Handelsbanken presents an overview of the economyPhoto by Nadeem Ahmed

Cllr Peter Groves outlines Cheshire East’s budget proposalsPhoto by Nadeem Ahmed

South Cheshire College students served up a hearty breakfast in the Academy Restaurant

Pictures by Jan Roberts of Pure PR


7CHAMBER NEWS


FEBRUARY

In the Know - How to avoid being a victim of Cybercrime

10th February at Handelsbanken 8.00am - 10.00am

Meet and Eat 18th February at Residence Restaurant and Bar

12.00pm - 2.00pm

Portal Users WorkshopEvery 3rd Friday of the month at Pitman Training Centre

19th February10.00am - 12.30pm

Final Friday26th February at Olive Grove & RedShift Radio

at Regents Park, Nantwich9.00am - 11.00am

MARCH

Chamber Welcome Morning4th March at Manchester Metropolitan University

9.30am - 11.00am


18th March10.00am - 12.30pm

Final Friday18th March venue tbc9.00am - 11.00am

APRIL

Chamber Welcome Morning 1st April at Manchester Metropolitan University

9.30am - 11.00am

Quarterly Economic Update BreakfastDate and venue tbc8.00am - 10.00am


22nd April10.00am - 12.30pm

Theatre Night39 Steps

14th April at Crewe Lyceum

Final Friday29th April at Rookery Hall

9.00am - 11.00am

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

I am passionate about helping smallbusinesses thrive, particularly here in SouthCheshire. They are at the heart of our localeconomy and are responsible for nearlyhalf the job creation in the UK.

I am proud of our record in supportingthem and can assure you of theGovernment’s determination to go furtherand back small businesses to the hilt.

Here are three key improvements that willhelp your small business:

1. Corporation Tax

Corporation tax, which has already been cut to 20 per cent, will becut again to 19 per cent in April 2017 and 18 per cent in April 2020.

2. Employment Allowance

The Employment Allowance gives every business and charity a cash-back on jobs by reducing their employer National InsuranceContributions (NICs) bill each year. At the Summer Budget 2015 theChancellor announced that this allowance would increase to £3,000,up from £2,000.

3. Employer NI

Employer National Insurance was abolished for under-21 year oldson earnings under £813 per week (£42,285 per year) from April 2015.This will significantly reduce the cost of employing young people bymaking it over £500 cheaper to employ an under-21 year old earning£12,000 and over £1,000 cheaper to employ an under-21 year oldearning £16,000.

From 2016 employer National Insurance Contributions forapprentices aged under 25 will be abolished on earnings up to theupper earning limit. This means employers of around half a millionapprentices will be exempt from paying employer national insurance.

760,000 more businesses were created during the last Parliament,which is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of so manybusiness people. However, I want to see many more created overthe coming years, so the Government is not stopping there.

The new Enterprise Bill will ensure we are the best place in Europe to do business and another £10 billion of regulation will becut by 2020.

To help small businesses manage disputes, particularly over latepayment, a Small Business Conciliation Service will be established.

The Prime Minister has also set a target of 600,000 new businessstarts a year by 2020, which I fully support.

We will do this by ensuring businesses get paid on time, get the fastbroadband access and the finance they need to grow. Importantly,these plans are backed by businesses themselves.

If you have any ideas on how to improve conditions for smallbusiness growth that you want to feed into government, pleasewrite to me and I'll pass them on.

Together we can make South Cheshire an even better place to do business.

Edward Timpson can be contacted on 01270 501725

From Westminster withEdward Timpson MP


8 CHAMBER NEWS


Crewe Green Link Road has been welcomed by South CheshireChamber officials.

The £26m stretch, which completes the eastern bypass aroundCrewe, was opened by the Secretary of State for Transport, PatrickMcLoughlin MP.

Chamber Chairman John Dunning, who was at the historic opening,said: “Getting in and out of Crewe by road has long been the baneof commuters and businesses that rely on links with the M6. NowCrewe Green Link Road is finally here, bringing benefits to thewhole community by easing congestion and paving the way formajor development creating new jobs.”

Stretching 1.1km, the road took 15 months to build. Now it forms avaluable link between the A500 Hough-Shavington bypass and theA5020 Weston Road.

It also unlocks nearly 100 hectares of potential development landfor housing and businesses as well as alleviating a bottle-neck.

Part of the cost was met from a £15.6m grant from the DfT and therest by Cheshire East Council and local developers.

Council leader Michael Jones said: “I am so pleased the council hasdelivered yet another strategic highways project that will help tostimulate connectivity and attract new businesses and jobs to thisgreat railway town.”

Crewe Green Link Road is named David Whitby Way in recognitionof the bravery of a local train driver, who became caught up in the1963 Great Train Robbery. David died nine years later from a heartattack at the age of 34. His sister Nancy Barkley was a VIP at theceremony.

Paul Colman, Chamber Chief Executive, said: “This new road willfurther alleviate pressure on Crewe. The town is already anextremely attractive location for business and removing some ofthe congestion headaches faced by companies, their drivers andemployees will be a huge boost to the town’s growth andeconomy.”

Bentley cars and Mornflake lorries were the first to take to DavidWhitby Way as part of an opening ceremony which was followedby a reception at Crewe Hall.

Secretary of State opens Crewe’s new highwayto growth

Bentley and Mornflake vehicles were the first to take to the new road

Secretary of State for Transport, PatrickMcLoughlin MP (right) with Crewe and

Nantwich MP Edward Timpson and NancyBarkley at the opening ceremony

Chamber ChairmanJohn Dunning (centre)with Secretary of Statefor Transport, Patrick

McLoughlin, Crewe andNantwich MP EdwardTimpson and Mornflake

managing director John Lea and son

James (left)

Providing swifter access to the M6 - David Whitby Way


Employers from across the region flocked to an action-packedcareers fair on 27th November to inspire the next generation ofyoung people in Crewe.

The ‘Your Future Crewe Pledge’ event at South Cheshire College wasattended by over 50 businesses and was hailed as a huge success.Over 800 students attended, aged 12 to 19, from Ruskin CommunityHigh School, King’s Grove School, Sir William Stanier High School, St Thomas More High School and South Cheshire College. The event,in the College’s Sports Arena, was supported by the British Chamberof Commerce national programme of Your Future Careers Fairs.

Crewe Pledge aims to bring schools, colleges, businesses andorganisations in Crewe closer together with one aim – to help youngpeople make the transition from education into employment. It willgive young people studying in Crewe opportunities to developemployability related skills and personal qualities while they are stillin education and the chance to progress into a job, training or furthereducation when they complete their studies.

Trevor Langston, leading on the Crewe Pledge, said “It was great tosee so many businesses and young people come together. Themomentum of the Pledge is really growing, with more and morebusinesses keen to get involved”.

Paul Colman, South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and IndustryChief Executive opened the fair.

Paul said: “It was great to see such a fantastic commitment from thelocal business community to support young people. They clearly seethe benefit of talent spotting their future employees. It was also adelight to see many young people showing such enthusiasm andgetting the most out of the experience.”

Various breakout sessions were held during the day, including thoseon the benefits of Apprenticeships, led by South Cheshire College,Reaseheath College, and Total People. Students also received helpin registering on the Find and Apprenticeship website. Michael Lloyd,HR Manager of Kindertons Accident Management, said: "It isparamount that people from the local community support thosestudents who want to know what options there are and it is thanksto the Crewe Pledge in allowing the event to happen. Fairs like thisare one of the best ways to find new employees because we lookfor personality which is hard to get across just in a CV.”

A number of universities attended as well, including representativesfrom Crewe’s MMU Cheshire Campus. Further breakout sessions onthe benefits of going to university were well attended by many of thetown’s young people who are looking to go onto Higher Education.Jamie Stewart of Bumblee Digital was glad that he attended andfound the fair extremely beneficial. Jamie said: “We spotted a couple

of talented individuals with great potential that will lead to, at thevery least, some work experience opportunities.”

Christine Lowrey, Regional HR Manager for Q Hotels, based at CreweHall, said “We met several young people who displayed a genuineinterest in Apprenticeship and general career opportunities withCrewe Hall and QHotels. At another Crewe Pledge event last yearwe spotted one of our current apprentices, Surria who is a greatasset to our team, so we know first-hand the value of working withthe Crewe Pledge.

Any other businesses wanting to get involved in the Crewe Pledge should contact Trevor Langston [email protected].

‘Your future Crewe Pledge’careers fair is a huge success


9CHAMBER NEWS

The Crewe Pledge ispleased to be able toreport that over 100students in the townare working towardsthe Duke of EdinburghAward.

The businesses in theCrewe Pledge havehighlighted that theDuke of Edinburghprogramme is a great

way for a young person to develop the skills that employerslook for in young people. To achieve the award a young personhas to complete four sustained challenges; physical, voluntary,skill and a residential.

These clearly show resilience, team work, communication andself-management, all of which the Pledge businesses value somuch. This is a significant increase in the number whoundertook the award last year. Students at Springfield, The OaksAcademy, St Thomas More and Sir William Stanier are allworking on the award.

A new Crewe Pledge Open group has also been established,led by Jon Austin from Navigation Skills, which any young personcan join. This group meets fortnightly at South CheshireCollege. Assurant have provided financial support to allow moreyoung people to access the programme while Jon Austin fromNavigation Skills has made the open group possible. SouthCheshire College has kindly provided the venue and CheshireEast, which holds the licence to run the programme, haswelcomed the open group.

Add this to the time staff in schools are giving to the programmeand you see a great example of organisations in the townworking to support principles of the pledge which states:

“Businesses in Crewe will work together with the aim ofproviding every young person living, studying or working in thetown with the opportunities to develop employability relatedskills and personal qualities whilst in education, and then achoice of a job, training or further education opportunity whenthey leave.”

Any other businesses wanting to get involved in the Duke of Edinbugh Programme should contact TrevorLangston at [email protected].

Duke of Edinburghnumbers in Crewe grow

The Duke of Edinburgh stand at the careers fair


10 CHAMBER NEWS


Need a loan? The Chamber can help . . .

The Chamber Loan Fund continues toincrease its activities apace. Since 2012 wehave seen significant growth year on yearin the number of loans we have madeavailable and as we start 2016 we areprimed to keep the momentum going.

It occurs to me that there is no bettertime to run your own business not leastbecause we are now in a leap year which,if you hadn’t realised, means that if you payyour staff monthly on the same date eachmonth, then you will benefit from a day’sfree work from your employees comeFebruary 29th.

I was employed in this manner for almost 40 years and until Ibecame a cynical pensioner I never really looked at it this way.Apparently it’s all down to the Earth’s rotation around the Sunwhich takes around 365 and a quarter days to achieve. The leapyear serves to adjust the cycle with an extra day every four yearsto bring us back into sync. (At least that’s how I explained it toBrian Cox in the pub the other night)

Doubtless there will be those employees who over the course ofthe next 12 months will take the odd additional five and tenminutes over lunch or first thing in the morning following a

delayed school run, who will now suggest that their employer takeit from the freebie they gave to the company at the end of Feb.This is probably a better alternative than using Feb 29 as a duvetday on the basis that no one loses out.

To add insult to injury, this year it falls on a Monday, so no matterhow bad you may feel as you, hungover after the weekend, trudgeheroically against an ice cold Winter wind at 7am towards the Millon the Hill, in pitch darkness for your usual eight hour shift, it willbe of no comfort whatsoever to know that you are doing it forno additional reward other than another day’s job satisfaction.

If I were an employer and considering these issues I would at thevery least arrange a cake run.

At the Chamber we have funds to lend to business, either as astart-up or to develop an existing set up. Get organised and upand running by Feb 1st and you will have the benefit of a freebieday from your monthly paid staff.

I am off now to consider my astronomical charts to see whetherI can wangle a three day weekend by a seismic shift in Crewe’slocation within the Universe (after a few pints, Brian suggestedthis was workable). Unfortunately, however my efforts to impactthe Cosmos is not currently an option, at least while the EarleStreet Bridge is restricted to one way traffic.

There are some things that remain beyond the wit of humanity.

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

A poultry processing business has made a new home in Crewe, thanks to cashsupport from the South Cheshire Chamberof Commerce.

Kingswood Poultry has moved fromPenkridge to a state-of-the-art processingfacility on Orion Park after receiving supportfrom the Chamber loans scheme. The fund,administered by the Chamber, loaned arecord £274,000 in the last financial year andis inviting applications from local businessesin 2016.

Chamber business loans executive RichardWeilding said: “This was the highest amount

we have loaned in a single year and from it, a fantastic 39 new jobs were created inSouth Cheshire.

“A total of 14 business were supported froma wide variety of sectors, some needing justa small amount to install new equipment ora larger loan for a complete revamp of theirpremises, expansion or relocation. Whateverthe reason for the application, we never losesight of the fact that just a small loan canmake the difference to one more personbeing in work locally.”

Kingswood Poultry, founded by Stan Parsonsin Staffordshire in 1989, prepares chickenfillets for the wholesale market.

Since moving to its 9000sq ft new premises,the business has expanded its workforce to16 and stepped up production to 100,000birds processed each week.

Other businesses to receive loan assistancefrom the Chamber over the past year haveincluded a hairdresser, hotel, restaurant andmulti million pound manufacturer.

Richard, based at the Chamber office at theMMU campus in Crewe, added: “Our main

objective is to sustain or increaseemployment locally. We lend to the full rangeof businesses from sole trader start-ups toestablished concerns. There are flexiblerepayment options over periods from a fewmonths to five years.

“The application is straight-forward and well worth considering for any local businessneeding that extra bit of cash to grow in 2016.”

Loans of £500 up to £25,000 are available tobusinesses of all sizes.

Kingswood Poultry Managing Director LeeParsons said: “We were up and running latelast year and already we have new orders.

With fantastic modern premises we have plans to grow further and recruit.Geographically, the new base is great for running the delivery side of our businessand we’re thrilled to be in Crewe when somany exciting things are happening aroundthe town.”

For more information on Chamberloans call Richard Weilding on 01270 504700

Poultry business takes flight to Crewe

Richard Weilding (right) welcomes Lee Parsons andstaff members Darren Murphy and Charles Bakerto their new Crewe poultry processing premises


12 PORTAL NEWS / CHAMBER NEWS


Email marketing is one of the most effective marketing channelsavailable which allows the included message to reach a wideaudience in an increasingly digitally connected world. E-newslettersare particularly useful as a tool for communicating regularly withyour potential customers, building engagement and driving traffic toyour website. The South Cheshire Chamber e-newsletters are an importantcommunication tool for the Chamber to communicate and engagewith its members and wider business community. It is also a platform for the Chamber Members to share updates and promotetheir business.Containing latest business related information, news, blogs,forthcoming events and training courses from the Chamber andMembers, the South Cheshire Chamber e-newsletters informsubscribers of the latest happenings in the Chamber memberbusiness community network.The Chamber produces two types of e-newsletters:• News & Blogs - comprising of News, Blogs, Offers, Polls etc.• Events & Training - containing information about the forthcoming Events and Training Courses, including ongoingclinics, workshops, drop-in sessions, consultations etc.Each e-newsletter is published fortnightly on successive weeks andsent out to over 1500 subscribed email addresses using separatemailing lists.

Both e-newsletters have two main sections of Chamber and MemberUpdates, which as the name suggests, include information andupdates from the Chamber and Members respectively. The top section includes updates from the Chamber and is normallyabout the Chamber itself or something informational for themembers. The Members section is where all postings by the ChamberMembers are included. The order is chosen randomly but importantnews is positioned higher up. The events and training courses arelisted chronologically and feature updates up to the next scheduledpublication date of the Events & Training E-newsletter.There are additional promotional opportunities available forChamber Members through sponsorship of the newsletter andplacement of advertising banners, which helps to maximize theexposure of the promoted business.Take advantage of the marketing opportunities available through theChamber E-Newsletters to promote your business, build reputation,reach out to new customers and develop your brand.Sign up to the South Cheshire Chamber e-newsletter on www.sccci.co.uk

For more information on how to get yourarticles included and to advertise in thee-newsletters, please contact NadeemAhmad on 01270 504700 (ext. 19) oremail at [email protected]

Chamber E-Newsletters: An effective marketingtool in a digitally connected world

Chamber PortalUsage Stats:

Nadeem AhmadChamber Executive: BusinessCommunity and ICT Development

1449 935 850 503 3091 114 37News Blogs Events Training Photos Videos Polls


13CHAMBER NEWS


Crewe Engineering & Design University Technical College will soonhost another open evening for the local community to demonstratethe potential of pursuing a career in science or technology. The eventwill be held in March 2016 at the Bentley Showroom at CW1 Housein Crewe. For further information on the details of the event pleaserefer to the website www.utccrewe.co.uk.

Crewe Engineering & Design UTC, opening in September 2016 in thenewly refurbished West Street campus, will deliver courses that offerexciting and engaging pathways for 14-18 year olds, with a supportfrom business and academic partners such as Bentley Motors,Manchester Metropolitan University, Siemens, Bosch, OSL Rail, GeneralElectrics, Chevron Racing, Optical 3D and Cheshire East Council.

David Terry, Principal of Crewe Engineering & Design UTC, said: “It’svital that we open our doors to young people to develop their love

for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The success ofour last event was a further indication that this region is filled withextraordinary young people, who are preparing themselves for abright future in engineering.

“The UTC will offer exciting and challenging learning experiences andgive the future scientists, designers and engineers of tomorrow theability to thrive in their chosen career path. I look forward to meetingmany parents, students and members of the community and I amdelighted to help drive the educational offering in Cheshire forward”.

As a major employer partner, Bentley Motors is committed to thesuccess of Crewe Engineering & Design UTC. Marlies Rogait, BoardMember for HR, comments: “We believe the UTC will be a core partof Bentley’s long-term growth and human resources strategy. Byfocusing on young people at 14, we expect higher standards ofapplicants coming out of the UTC at the age of 18 and 19.

“We also want to see UTC learners taking up roles across the supplychains and other partner companies, improving quality in SMEs in the area.”

Parents and students can find out more information atCrewe Engineering & Design UTC at www.utccrewe.co.uk.Applications for Crewe E&D UTC starting in September 2016are now open for Year 10 and 12 with limited places.

An inspiring approach to education

Principal, David Terry with the architectural impression of the Crewe Engineering & Design UTC

Event offers unmissableapprenticeshipopportunitiesFollowing a successful Crewe Apprenticeship Jobs & CareersFair at Manchester Metropolitan University in February, a majorApprenticeship Jobs and Careers Fair will be held at BarclaysRBB Technology, Knutsford on March 16. Organisers areencouraging all young people to sign up so they don’t miss outon invaluable job opportunities in 2016 with some of theregion’s best employers.

The event is designed to ensure young people across theNorth West find Apprenticeship employment in 2016 bymatching individuals to suitable vacancies amongst a variety ofhigh profile companies.

Advisors from National Apprenticeship Service will be on handthroughout the evening to offer guidance along with other key partners.

Some of the Employers at the events include Aldi, AstraZeneca, Barclays RBB Technology, Bentley Motors Ltd, CheshireEast Local Authority, Cogent, Cheshire Constabulary,Manchester Metropolitan University, NSH Cheshire Hospitals,The BBC, UK Fast, United Utilities and many more.

The event will take place from 6-9pm with hourlyregistration slots.

For further information [email protected]


14 NETWORKING


The Chamber has a varied programme of events designed to helpput you in touch with business owners across a wide variety ofsectors. Informal, and staged at venues across South Cheshire, thesedates offer a chance to meet and mingle at times which can fit inwith running a busy business.

Chamber Welcome Mornings: Held on the first Friday of themonth, these events offer new and existing members an opportunityto learn more about what the Chamber can offer and how we workwith you to boost trade on a local, national and international level.They also highlight the various networking, training and export eventsstaged by the Chamber throughout the year.

Join us at the Chamber offices for a Welcome Morning on February 5.

Final Friday: Quick and easy breakfast networkingevents at member venues across South Cheshire.Last year these included The Lyceum Theatre, AlsagerCommunity Fire Station and the Ibis Styles hotel onCrewe Business Park while 2016 started with a visitto Construction Linx in Crewe.

Join us on February 26 at Regents Park Business Park andConference Centre in Nantwich

In the Know: The Chamber works with members to stage businessbriefings providing access to expert advice and guidance to help yourbusiness grow. The new year began with an economic updatebreakfast at South Cheshire College. Members were given an insightinto feedback from the quarterly economic survey. Next is an eventoffering advice on how to protect your business from cybercrime.

Join us at Handelsbanken - In the Know - How to avoid beinga victim of Cybercrime - 8am to 10am, Westmere Drive,Crewe on February 10.

Meet and Eat: Lunchtime networking designed to fit into a busy day.New to the Chamber calendar, these events have proved popular atResidence Restaurant and Bar in Nantwich. There’s a bite to eat anda great atmosphere.

Join us at Residence on February 18.

Add to these key dates such as the Chamber Business Lunch,Business Awards, Golf Day, pre-Nantwich Show business receptionand regular Portal Workshops.

Daryl Williams, Chamber Events Co-Ordinator, said: “We have apacked events programme for 2016 designed to help you connectwith other Chamber members and to provide access to advice,information and guidance to help your individual businesses growand prosper.”

For more information on all these events and more visitwww.sccci.co.uk

Join us for a full diary of eventsLooking to network and make new business contacts?


15NETWORKING

Christmas started early for members of the South CheshireChamber.

A festive networking event drew more than 60 guests from all areasof enterprise including law, accounting, banking, catering andretail to Rookery Hall Hotel where they enjoyed a buffet lunch andmulled wine.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman said: “The networking eventbrought another hard-working year to a close for the businesscommunity and gave them an opportunity not only to make new contacts, but enjoy the spirit of Christmas in an informal social setting.”

The Chamber stages events throughout the year offering businessesa chance to network and make new contacts.

New Year events will offer updates on a variety of business-relatedtopics including auto-enrolment and protecting data from cyber-crime.

Networking and social get-togethers will be staged regularlythroughout the year.

For more information on events or membership call theChamber on 01270 504700

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman, Chairman JohnDunning and President John Bowler are welcomed to

Rookery Hall Hotel by General Manager Daniel Hodson

Chamber offers Christmas and New Year with all the trimmings


Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colmanwishes long-standing member MikeChandler, of Chandler Associates, a

happy retirement

Paul meets Peter Ellis and Juliette Carter ofBeswicks Legal – the firm has recently opened a

South Cheshire office

Pictures by Pure PR

Businesses got into the swing toraise money for the Mid CheshireHospital’s MRI scanner appeal.

The South Cheshire Chamber ofCommerce annual golf tournamentproved another success, drawinggolfers from across the region in aneffort to raise money for thescanner appeal.

Representatives from different companies including South CheshireCollege, Wulvern Housing, Bentley Motors and Banks SheridanAccountants teed it up as teams of four at the event which tookplace at Crewe Golf Club.

The Wulvern Housing team, which included Tom Butler, LewisJackson, Darren Sumner and Martin Packman, won the team prizewith a fantastic total of 93 Stableford points. Runners up were theteam from Banks Sheridan with 91 points, Bentley finished third on87 points while South Cheshire College claimed the fourth and finalprize with 87 points.

Wulvern’s Tom Butler won the Chairman’s prize for the bestindividual score after notching up 42 points.

There were also prizes for ‘Nearest the Pin’ on the 8th hole whichwas awarded to Peter Bowen of Bentley Motors and the ‘LongestDrive’ competition on the 18th hole which went to Dan Lister ofSG World.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman greeted teams as theyarrived at the club in the morning while Chamber Chairman JohnDunning presented prizes in the evening after a three course meal.

There was a charity raffle during the presentation with the prizeprovided by Banks Sheridan, while Travel Visa and Crewe Alex FCdonated other prizes for the winners.

Paul Colman said: “This was another excellent event which was wellattended by business teams from across the region. Everyonecontributed to the day and I’d like to say a big thanks to everyonewho made the event such a success and kindly provided prizes.”

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

Golfers go a fairway to boost scanner appeal

South Cheshire ChamberChairman John Dunning (right)

presents the Chairman’s Prize to Tom Butler of Wulvern Housing

South Cheshire Chamber Chairman John Dunning (left), presents the Bentley trophy team prize to Wulvern team members

Tom Butler, Darren Sumner and Lewis Jackson


17CHAMBER NEWS / MEMBERS NEWS


Accountants step out to raise charity sumA team from Crewe accountancy firm, BanksSheridan, took part in a gruelling 34-milewalking challenge and raised £3,432.35 forCardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) - a charitydedicated to preventing young suddencardiac death.

Banks Sheridan adopted CRY as its chosencharity in memory of local man Dan Hughes,who died suddenly in his sleep aged just 28.Dan was a friend of Banks Sheridanaccountant Nathan Shaw, who together withother friends of Dan, have been raising fundsfor CRY.

The walkers trekked the Sandstone Trail,running from Frodsham to Whitchurch,aiming to raise £2000 and were thrilled toexceed their target thanks to the generousdonations made by clients, colleagues, familyand friends.

Banks Sheridan Director David Morris said:“Everyone in the office has been involved inthe effort to raise money for CRY. I amdelighted at the sum of money we managed

to collect. It is a fantastic achievement by allconcerned in the organising and fundraising.

“It has been humbling to see thecommitment, dedication and enthusiasmrequired in undertaking such an event forour chosen charity. We are hugely grateful toall our clients and contacts for theirgenerosity by helping us raise over £3,400."

Chief Executive of CRY, Alison Cox MBE,added: “On behalf of all of us at CRY, I wouldlike to say a huge “thank you” to Nathan andhis colleagues for organising this uniqueevent to raise funds in support of ourongoing work to prevent the incidence ofyoung sudden cardiac death.”

For more information on services visitwww.banks-sheridan.co.uk

Banks Sheridan Director David Morris hands thecheque to Sue Hughes, mother of Dan, surroundedby the team who undertook the walk and flankedby CRY representatives Ralph Knox and Tony Hill

Crewe-based Marketing Technology business RedEye has achieveda Two Star ‘Outstanding’ rating in The Times ‘Best Companies toWork for’ survey.

The accreditation comes after 12 months of significant effort by RedEye to further improve its working environment and attractnew talent.

Head of HR at RedEye Scott Young said: “Over the past two yearswe’ve nearly doubled our number of employees to 160. We’ve madea deliberate effort to retain what makes us unique and special at thesame time as growing. In the past year we’ve halved employeeturnover, launched industry-leading benefits and invested heavily incareer development.”

RedEye, which works with some of the biggest brands in the UK, hasa unique multi-channel marketing personalisation platform whichhelps clients deliver the right message, at the right time, to the rightcustomer on the right channel. To be able to deliver such a crucialservice to their clients, attracting top talent in a competitive marketis imperative for the business.

Scott added: “We are straightforward and open with both ouremployees and our clients. Every month our CEO answers anyquestions employees have in a face-to-face business update. Wehave a funded social committee which arranges fun activitiesthroughout the year and employees can nominate each other foroutstanding achievements

“Our Best Companies result is brilliant considering it’s the first timewe’ve entered. But it’s just the start. We’re using all the employeefeedback from specially set up forums to put a clear action plan inplace over the next year, ultimately to make RedEye an even betterplace to work.”

One of the team’s biggest achievements in 2015 was winning HackManchester. RedEye beat 75 other teams from top digital andtechnology businesses across the North West in a ‘Hackathon’- a competition which requires teams to produce software (and sometimes hardware) to a brief during a nerve-inducing 24-hour period.

One of the most famous hack projects was from TechCrunch Disrupt2010 which developed what eventually became GroupMe - a mobilemessaging app bought by Skype for $80 million.

For more information on RedEye visit www.redeye.com

Shining success for marketing technology business

Tuesday March 8 sees an exciting Higher Education andEmployment Fair take place at South Cheshire College.

The event, taking place from 10am to 1.30pm, is hosted andorganised by South Cheshire College and supported by EdwardTimpson MP and South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.

The aim is to help students with their plans for the future,whether this be through Higher Education, an Apprenticeship or

Employment. In addition to student attendees, the fair will alsobe opened up to the general public.

If you would like more information or to book an exhibitor place, please contact Jayne [email protected] at South Cheshire College

Date set for Higher Education and Employment Fair


Best Start-Up Business of the YearRhino Safety

Cllr Peter Groves of Cheshire East Council presentsthe StartUp Business of the Year award to Simon

and Cate Walter of Rhino SafetySponsored by Cheshire East Council

Young Business Person of the YearAmy Prest, Crystal Legal Services

Steve O’Neill of sponsors KPI Recruiting presents theYoung Business Person of the Year award to Amy

Prest of Crystal Legal ServicesSponsored by KPI Recruiting

18 SOUTH CHESHIRE CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2015


Stars shine at sell-out ceremony

All that is great and good about thearea’s local businesses was celebratedat the South Cheshire Chamber’sAnnual Business Awards.

The 19th annual event shone thespotlight on star newcomers to thebusiness community as well as majoremployers and growing firms whichcontribute to the economic growth ofthe area.

Accolades for entrepreneurial talent were presented in ten categoriesduring a glittering Oscars-style ceremony at Crewe Hall.

Welcoming guests Chamber Chairman John Dunning said: “These areexciting times for South Cheshire and hopefully there will be a positiveannouncement on the HS2 Hub Station for Crewe to follow on fromthe recent completion of major infrastructure projects such as the M6Junction 16 improvements, the Basford West Spine Road and soon theopening of the Crewe Green Link Road .

“This confirms what the Chamber has always preached - that SouthCheshire will be the economic powerhouse that will drive forward theeconomic growth and prosperity not only of Cheshire East but theCheshire and Warrington sub-region and will also have major spin-offbenefits for our neighbours in Stoke-on Trent and North Staffordshire.”

He added while inward investment was key, the Chamber wouldcontinue as a voice for the existing business community. “Whilst a lotof the emphasis is on attracting new inward investment and creating

new jobs, the Chamber will not lose sight of the challenges faced byour existing business community. We will therefore continue to pressfor improvements to local access, traffic congestion, parking, shopping,skills, and help with finance and exporting to name but a few.”

RedShift Radio were comperes during a thrilling evening which drewmore than 200 people to the hotel’s Events Centre.

There was double joy for the Crewe-based County Insurance groupwhich scooped the Health and Wellbeing award sponsored byctchealthcare and Large Business of the Year sponsored by RBSCorporate Banking.

A new category for Apprentice of the Year, supported by BentleyMotors Limited, was won by Simon Lewis of accountancy firmNewchurch Associates in Crewe while the award for Young BusinessPerson of the Year, backed by KPI Recruiting, went to Amy Prest, 26,of Crystal Legal Services in Crewe.

Best Start Up Business, sponsored by Cheshire East Council, washealth and safety specialist Rhino Safety of Sandbach and Exporterof the Year, sponsored by UKTI, was wheel cleaning equipment-maker Wheelwash Ltd of Crewe.

Q Hotels Crewe Hall won the Employer of the Year awardsponsored by Manchester Metropolitan University while The Travel VisaCompany, based in the hotel grounds, carried off the Excellence inCustomer Service Award sponsored by Jones Sheridan FinancialConsulting.

Construction Linx of Crewe won Small Business of the Yearsponsored by Beswicks Legal and Expert Logistics of Crewe washonoured for its Contribution to the Community by CheshireConnect and award sponsors South Cheshire College.

A record number of entries were received in each category and newfor 2015 were Highly Commended certificates sent out to finalistspipped at the post.

Chamber Chief Executive Paul Colman with the evening’s comperes LizSouthall and Paul Boniface from RedShift Radio

Many thanks to all the local businesses who made theevening such a success including Cloverleaf Images, CodeAudio Visual Ltd, Concorde Trophies, Crewe Chronicle,JG Creative Communications, Johnsons Printers, Pure PR,

Q Hotels Crewe and RedShift Radio. Also a very special thank you to our award sponsors for

their generous support.



19SOUTH CHESHIRE CHAMBER BUSINESS AWARDS 2015

Best Small Business of the YearConstruction Linx

Graham Neyt of sponsors Beswicks Legal presentsthe Small Business of the Year award to Gareth

Williams of Construction LinxSponsored by Beswicks Legal

Best Large Business of the YearThe County Group

Steve Jackson of sponsors Royal Bank of Scotlandhands over the Large Business of the Year award toTim Crighton, Alastair Christopherson, Kelly Brown

and David Herd of The County GroupSponsored by RBS Corporate Banking

Employer of the YearQ Hotels Crewe Hall

Dr Jacqueline McLean of sponsors ManchesterMetropolitan University presents the Employer of theYear award to Mart Louwerse and Christine Lowrey

of QHotels Crewe HallSponsored by Manchester Metropolitan University

Exporter of the YearWheelwash Ltd

UKTI International Trade Advisor Bohdan Ratyczpresents the Exporter of the Year award to Ian Jolly

and Christina Duarte of Wheelwash LtdSponsored by UKTI

Health and Wellbeing AwardThe County Group

Tim Crighton and Alastair Christopherson of The County Group are presented with the Health

and Wellbeing award by Vicki Bateman of sponsors ctchealthcare

Sponsored by ctchealthcare

Excellence in Customer ServiceThe Travel Visa Company

Phil Ashwell and Hayley Stickley of The Travel VisaCompany pick up the Excellence in CustomerServices award from Richard Griffith and Natalie

Calderbank of sponsors Jones SheridanSponsored by Jones Sheridan

Apprentice of the YearSimon Lewis, Newchurch Associates

Tom Russell of sponsors Bentley Motors Ltd presents the Apprentice of the Year award to CraigBrereton on behalf of the winner Simon Lewis of

Newchurch AssociatesSponsored by Bentley Motors

Contribution to the CommunityAO.com (Expert Logistics)

Jason Charnock of AO.Com (Expert Logistics)receives the Contribution to the Community awardfrom Donna O’Kell of Cheshire Connect and Andrew

Hubert of sponsors South Cheshire CollegeSponsored by South Cheshire College

Pictures by Jonathan Clover of Cloverleaf Images


Nantwich Civic Hall will be a riot of colour for a special choirperformance on February 12.

Chester-based A Handbag of Harmonies, adorned with feather boasand glitzy handbags, will sing their hearts out to raise funds to bringdrinking water to thousands of people struck by the Nepalearthquake.

Run by Rotary Club of Nantwich in conjunction with the HimalayanGhurkas, all monies raised will go towards rebuilding the drinkingwater source in Aruchaur, Nepal damaged by the devastatingearthquake, which tragically took some 9,000 lives.

President Rod Stokes said: “In recent years the Rotary Club ofNantwich have had a close association with the Rotary Club of theHimalayan Ghurkhas and have funded several projects in themountainous Regions of Nepal. We are delighted that A Handbag ofHarmonies is supporting us and we can’t wait to see them in actionat the Civic.”

Tickets at £10 are available directly from the Civic Hall orfrom the Town Council websitewww.nantwichtowncouncil.gov.uk/

Rotary Club offers a dazzling evening of song

21MEMBERS NEWS


Howard Worth Chartered Accountants andBusiness Advisers have welcomed a new TaxPartner.

Tim Lwin joins with over 20 years’experience in corporate and personal taxmitigation strategies and has successfullyadvised owner-managed businesses on profitextraction, restructuring for expansion andsuccession planning.

His previous appointments include PWC andArthur Andersen in their corporate taxcompliance and tax investigations teams andmore recently, he led a tax team specialisingin the automotive industry and advised ontax efficient acquisitions and disposals, sharescheme planning and tax reviews to reclaimrefunds from HMRC.

Tim will be responsible for the developmentof corporate and personal tax teams inNorthwich and Nantwich to ensurecommercial objectives are achievedalongside effective tax planning.

Richard Barnett the firm’s Managing Partner,said: “With our growing client base it isimportant we have the very best people inplace to assist with all our clients tax needs.”

Tim added: “Joining Howard Worth as TaxPartner will enable me to use all myexperience to develop the tax team andgrow this area of the practice.”

For further information about HowardWorth’s tax services contact Tim on01606 369000

New Tax Partner for Howard Worth

Richard Barnett, Howard Worth Managing Partner,welcomes Tim Lwin to the firm

Law firm advises on compensation for those affected by HS2

Beswicks Legal has welcomed newsof HS2 arriving six years earlier toCrewe while offering timely advicefor those affected by future buildingworks.

Work on the construction of the newline through Crewe is expected tostart in the next couple of years andthe firm’s HS2 Advisory Service is onhand to help landowners andbusiness owners on the route claimtheir statutory compensation.

Iain Johnston, planning andenvironment specialist, said: “HS2 isgreat news for Crewe and SouthCheshire as a whole and will bring big

economic injection in the coming years. Great for a town which isalready benefitting from development in the Basford area andproposals to regenerate the town centre

“Although Stoke on Trent lost out on the Phase 2 route and hubstation, there are bound to be economic benefits for Stoke and thenorth Staffordshire area also. As part of the Northern Gatewaydiscussions, it was announced that the various councils involved will

seek to use the A500 corridor between Crewe and Stoke as adevelopment corridor over the coming years.”

In November the Government announced its commitment tobuilding the high-speed rail via Crewe by 2027 – six years earlierthan planned - with a £5bn super hub station offering travel toLondon in less than an hour.

It also issued its long-awaited Safeguarding Direction protecting theproposed route of Phase 2(a) between Fradley and Crewe.

This included a consultation by the Government on variouscompensation schemes that it is proposing for this part of Phase2(a) of the route. The consultation lasts until 25 February 2016.

Mr Johnston added: “Landowners and businesses directly affectedby the Safeguarding Direction can now decide whether to triggerthe “statutory blight notice procedure” and the Government’sExpressed Purchase Scheme in relation to the acquisition of theirland and buildings.

“Beswicks Legal’s HS2 Advisory Service team can assist and adviseon the relevant procedures and compensation available.”

For further details or advice contact Iain Johnston on 01270 504850 or email [email protected]

Iain Johnston, planning andenvironment specialist


22 MEMBERS NEWS


Jones Sheridan Financial Consulting Ltd hasbeen named one of the best in the countryfor financial advice.

The firm, based on Crewe Business Park, hasearned a place in the country’s Top 100 forthe third year running.

It was ranked highly by the financial planningindustry magazine, New Model Adviser, after a year of growth which has includedsuccessful acquisitions, increased turn-overand positive feed-back from clients.

Under the leadership of Managing DirectorDave Williams, the firm has provided theregion with independent financial advice formore than 30 years. Its team of adviserswork with clients from across the region tomanage their savings, plan for retirementand advise on their investments.

A spokesman for New Model Adviser said:“Jones Sheridan has consistently increasedassets and revenue growth thanks to a string

of successful acquisitions over the past fewyears. This strategy continued in 2015 withthe acquisition of two further client banks.”

Jones Sheridan began from small offices onEdleston Road, Crewe in the 80s. The teamhas swelled to 30 and the firm is looking toincrease its numbers in 2016 with the searchfor additional financial advisers underway.

The firm also plans to continue the hunt formore acquisitions and step up its marketingactivity to develop the brand at a local level.To support this it has welcomed MartinGregory as marketing manager.

Dave Williams said: “Our services havegrown over the years but the core remainswealth management. We deal with peoplewho have worked all their lives to build upa nest egg and understandably they want tomake that money work for them in themost tax efficient manner and in line withtheir attitude to risk.

“It’s our mission to unravel the legislationand help them make the right choices. It’sbeen our pleasure to see their investmentsgrow as well as our reputation.”

For more information visit www.jones-sheridan.co.uk

Celebration time at top rated Jones Sheridan

Jones Sheridan managing director Dave Williams,new marketing manager Martin Gregory and staff

raise a glass to a record year

Pam honoured for business supportSouth Cheshire basedbusinesswoman Pam Allenwhose company PA Todayprovides a virtual businessmanagement and PA service toa range of clients in differentindustries across the region hasbeen recognised for herachievements at the prestigiousOffice 2015 Awards at LondonOlympia.

There the speakers includedZelda La Grange, former PA toNelson Mandela, and Judith

Croasdell, former PA to Professor Stephen Hawking.

Pam (pictured) who is Virtual Assistant (VA) of the Year for NorthWest England 2015 was representing the region in the VA of the Yearfor England 2015 Final.

Judges commended Pam’s work as innovative and found that PA

Today was providing clients with outstanding services. Chairman ofthe Judges Panel and Founder of bemyva.com John Palmer said:“Pam has built a solid and efficient business, her work is ademonstration of good practice.”

Pam said: “It was an honour to represent the region and although Icame runner up it was a great opportunity to be part of such aprestigious event. 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 to make businesses’ lives easier, relieving the burdenof time consuming tasks and enabling our clients to focus on thethings that are important to them.

“We assist a wide range of businesses, providing bespokeadministration, project management, training and business servicessupport to meet each client’s needs. From Board level to basicadmin support for sole traders, PA Today adapt our services foreach business, dependent on their needs.”

For more information visit www.patodayuk.co.uk

Support to help businesses tap into social mediaNew Chamber member CAN Training ishelping the business community embracesocial media through a learning initiative.

Based on Crewe Business Park, the trainingorganisation has launched a Level 3 in SocialMedia for Business.

Director Neil Mawdsley (pictured) said: “Ispend a lot of my time listening to managersand business owners talking about their plans

for the future and emerging training and development needs.

“Over the last 12 months or so the topic of social media has oftenbeen raised. In fact only last week during a conversation with theMD of a very successful management consultancy businessmentioned that 50% of new business comes direct from Linkedin.

“In conversations with colleagues about social media, three stages

of development can be identified. Businesses that have for anumber of years now embraced social media wholeheartedly. Theyhave a clear strategy, a budget, dedicated and trained staff in placeand are reaping the rewards of this new approach to doing business.

“Other businesses have been slower to adopt and adapt to socialmedia. They have dipped their toe in the water with a token Twitterfeed or Facebook page.

“And finally there are those businesses that have heard all the hypeon the traditional media and think they should be doing somethingbut are not sure which way to go. Interestingly only one businessI’ve spoken to actually had a written social media strategy.”

To get started Neil suggests a regular blog from the CEO and amindset that focuses on helping customers rather than selling.

For more information about social media qualifications foryour staff contact CAN Training on 0800 1 777733


23MEMBERS NEWS

Give5 to your CommunityA new campaign has been launched to encourage people tovolunteer.

Community Voluntary Services Cheshire East (CVS) hopesbusinesses will support Give5 and put back to their communities.

Sally Davies, Marketing Manager, said: “The main focus of the Give5campaign is to encourage those living and working in our localcommunities to give something back, perhaps give a small amountof time and volunteer or get involved in activities taking placearound their local area. Give5 is a fantastic way to do this withoutmaybe being put off by a long term commitment.”

Suggestions include cooking five meals for a neighbour in need,giving five skills to a community group, attending five communitycoffee mornings and giving £5 to a local good cause.

Sally added: “This is a fantastic way to try volunteering, perhaps forthe first time and really experience the many benefits that it canoffer. Five hours could be enough for some people or it could thenlead on to other new volunteer roles and experiences. It’s aninspirational way to experience volunteering, try something newand support your community.’

Just pledge your support and how you are aiming to Give5 atwww.cvsce.org.uk/Give5. Post a photo or give a shout out on socialmedia using the hashtag #IGive5.

For more information call CVS in Sandbach on 01270 763100


A new networking group is going from strength to strength at SouthCheshire College. In the middle of 2015 Sue Roberts launched theNew Business Network in Crewe. Sue is keen to foster relationshipsbetween the business community and education. She said: “I ampassionate about bringing education and business closer togetherand ensuring that the next generation of young people have the bestpossible start in life.

“Bringing businesses regularly into South Cheshire College ensuresthat students can learn more about the world of business and havea real opportunity to choose to run their own business and be anentrepreneur. Alternatively they can understand more about theopportunities for employment as well.”

The New Business Network brings together local people who wantto make new contacts in the area. Sue believes word of mouthrecommendation is the best way to get new business. The groupoffers a chance to meet regularly and build relationships.

There are regular attendees and here’s what twohave to say:

Antony Garnett of SG Property Group/CreweProperty Meet said: “The New Business Network meeting with SueRoberts is a great way for small businesses to meet with like-mindedlocal entrepreneurs. I found the format of the meeting really beneficialas it gives everyone the opportunity to learn about your business andthe products and services you offer. I would recommend every localbusiness to pop along and give it a go.”

Shawn Gallimore of Alextra Accountants added: “The group has acore of attendees who are friendly and welcoming and willing to helpfellow members. There’s also a number of guests attending eachmeeting who help keep things fresh and new.”

New Business Network meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday ofeach month at South Cheshire College. For more informationvisit www.newbusinessnetwork.org.uk

College networking ticks all the right boxes

Barringtons Chartered Accounts has beenselected to help deliver GetSet for Growthwhich offers SMEs a unique combination offully-funded marketing and finance support.

Barringtons Chartered Accounts has beenselected to help deliver GetSet for Growthwhich offers SMEs a unique combination offully-funded marketing and finance support.

GetSet for Growth has been made possiblewith backing from the Regional Growth Fundand Barringtons which has offices in

Nantwich will help steer its activitiesthroughout 2016.

Any business with the ambition to grow canaccess up to 16 hours specialist supportwhich includes masterclasses designed tohelp them develop effective growth,marketing and sales strategies as well asidentify and secure sources of finance.

GetSet for Growth National OperationsDirector, Lucy Carmichael, said: “Barringtonsimpressed us with its genuine desire tounlock growth potential. We are delightedto have its Managing Director Phil Wood andthe team on board. Together we aim to help‘ambitious but stuck’ businesses from allsectors grow their skills.

Once accepted into the programme,businesses will receive a package of supportfrom commercial marketing and financeprofessionals, many of whom have had first-hand experience running their ownbusinesses and overcoming obstacles forgrowth.

GetSet has been rolled out in other parts of the country such as Birmingham where it attracted a mix of people providing

professional services such as solicitors,accountants and recruiters as well ascompanies in the manufacturing,construction and retail industries.

Barringtons Managing Director Phil Wood(pictured) said: “This expert advice is worththousands of pounds but is being offered freeof charge to ambitious local businesseslooking to grow and make a difference in2016. There’s no catch, just a greatopportunity to learn from people who havereal life experience of overcoming businesschallenges.”

The service aims to combat difficultieshighlighted in the Department of Business,Innovation and Skills’ 2014 Small Businesssurvey which found although 73% of UK SMEshad aspirations for growth, only 28% feltconfident about entering new markets andalmost half had trouble accessing finance.

Business owners that would like toapply for this fully-funded support areasked to contact BusinessDevelopment Manager, Des Machin, at Barringtons by email:[email protected]

Get Set for Growth Partnership Manager KathyPoole with Phil Wood and Des Machin of

Barringtons Chartered Accountants

Pioneering scheme offers fully-funded business advice


Starting Point Child Care Centre is delighted to announce it hasachieved Ofsted Outstanding status in 2015.

The popular nursery, based at South Cheshire College, achieved thetop ‘Outstanding’ grade in all areas that were inspected.

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Servicesand Skills and inspects and regulates services that care for childrenand young people.

The nursery achieved outstanding status (Grade 1) in the quality andstandards of its early years provision, effectiveness of its leadershipand management and the quality of teaching, learning andassessment.

Grade 1’s were also awarded for personal development, behaviourand welfare and outcomes for children. The Ofsted reporthighlighted that teaching is ‘inspirational’ and that the nursery is ledby a very strong management team.

It also acknowledged that staff have an excellent knowledge andunderstanding about how children learn and, along with theirinspirational teaching, results in all children making exceptionalprogress in their learning and development from their startingpoints.

Julie Jervis, Starting Point Child Care Centre Manager, said: “We areabsolutely thrilled to have achieved Outstanding status.

“This grade is down to all the staff here who have worked extremelyhard to achieve this wonderful grade. It has been very much a teameffort and we want to ensure that we continue to go from strength-to-strength in the future and build on this excellent inspection.”

Starting Point is based in an impressive purpose built facility at thefront of the College’s Crewe campus and features indoor andoutdoor play areas, a baby/sensory room with under-floor heatingand a fantastic forest area.

The nursery provides funded early education for two, three and fouryear olds along with private places. It supports disabled children,those with special education and those who speak English as anadditional language.

In summary, the Ofsted report also concluded that children’sbehaviour is ‘exceptional’ and that ‘children thrive at this welcomingand supportive provision.’

For more information about Starting Point Child CareCentre, and for opening hours and events, call 01270654655 or visit www.scc.ac.uk

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SOUTH CHESHIRE COLLEGEChild care centre celebrates first class Ofsted report

WULVERN


Local affordable housing provider, Wulvern isagain celebrating excellence after being re-accredited with the Investors in Excellence (IiE)Standard - an internationally recognisedexternal form of assurance that demonstratesthe business is being run appropriately.

Wulvern, who manages over 5,600 homesacross Cheshire and Staffordshire, has beenrecognised for a third time as an Investor inExcellence, demonstrating continuousimprovement and adaptation to change acrossa range of key business areas including leading,resourcing, delivering and achieving.

The award is important now more than evergiven the challenging times the affordablehousing sector is facing.

Wulvern had to be assessed against theprinciples of excellence that provide theframework for the IiE Standard; the UK’s onlynationally recognised framework formeasuring and achieving excellence. Afterproducing a comprehensive submissiondocument, Crewe-based Wulvern were visitedduring October 2015, where an assessorcarried out a schedule of interviews with across section of employees.

The assessor, Jo Dowdall, reported thatWulvern’s leaders acted as role models forexcellence in the organisation, demonstratingtheir commitment to the vision, mission andbehaviours, and found that there is clearevidence of ‘data driven decision making’ at alllevels of the organisation with ‘customercentricity’ also a key factor.

Wulvern’s Chief Executive, Sue Lock describesthe benefits of the Investors in ExcellenceStandard: ‘It’s the golden thread runningthrough our organisation and working towardsthe Standard – now for the third time – hasbeen a great source of inspiration andmotivation throughout Wulvern.

“We recognise the importance aninternationally recognised accreditation inInvestors in Excellence brings. It providesconfidence to our customers, stakeholders,colleagues and Board that we are operatingthe business efficiently and effectively. Wealways find value in the feedback from theassessment as it helps us to identify areas forimprovement, which as an organisation thatvalues continuous improvement, means wecontinue to raise the bar for ourselvesdelivering excellence in everything we do andachieving our vision of delivering Brilliant SocialHousing. It is crucial that to ‘weather thestorm' we are continually challenged toimprove ourselves.”

Mrs Lock adds: “Right now, given the housingsector’s need to mitigate risk more and more effectively, it is very important forhousing associations to authenticate theirbusiness excellence credentials by means ofindependent validation. In this respect,undertaking recertification to the Investors inExcellence Standard has undoubtedly been avery worthwhile exercise for Wulvern.”

For more information visit www.wulvern.org.uk

Affordable homes provider Wulverninvest in Excellence

Judy Hart and Jo Dowdall from Investors in Excellence with Wulvern’s Chief Executive

Sue Lock (centre)

Starting Point staff and children celebrate their Outstanding Ofsted grade.


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BENTLEY

Bentley won 18 awards around the world in 2015, stretching from itshome market, the UK, to Germany, Russia, China and the USA.

The most celebrated model for Bentley in 2015 was the Flying Spur,which in total claimed six prizes.

In the UK, for example, readers of the Daily Telegraph voted it the ‘BestLuxury Car’. Judges praised the Flying Spur for being “as enjoyable todrive as it is to be chauffeured in”.

The world’s fastest road-going luxury sedan was also well received inRussia, with awards including Auto Goda’s ‘Car of the Year’ and Klaxonmagazine’s Golden Klaxon both emphasising the Flying Spur’sunparalleled luxury and refinement.

Bentley’s pinnacle flagship Mulsanne Speed, meanwhile, was crowned‘Best of the Best – Luxury Sedan’ by Robb Report. The world’s fastest,ultra-luxury driving experience was praised for its “superiorperformance and limitless customisation possibilities”.

The success continued with Bentley’s iconic Grand Touring Continentalrange. The Continental GT Speed Convertible, for example, received apair of high-profile accolades including ‘Best of the Best – Convertible’from Robb Report and Digital Trends’ ‘Luxury Car of the Year’. The race-bred Continental GT3-R, meanwhile, was named ‘Car of the Year’ byCar magazine in China.

Bentley’s EXP 10 Speed 6 concept car was awarded Gold in theTransportation category of the German Design Awards – one of themost highly respected design competitions in the world. The conceptwas named overall winner as a result of its “timeless, iconic Bentleydesign, clever use of new materials and aesthetic dynamism”.

In the USA, Car and Driver magazine recognised the EXP 10 Speed 6,naming the concept its ‘Most Beautiful Automobile’.

Bentley’s commitment to excellence in the automotive industry wasfurther underlined when the company was crowned European IndustrialExcellence Champion – a first for a British brand.

For more information on Bentley visitwww.bentleymotors.com

Bentley claims record number of awards


The award-winning Flying Spur

Mornflake has launched a major campaignto put rail passengers on track to goodhealth.

The famous oat milling business has placedposter advertisements encouragingtravellers to make 2016 the year they starteach day with a good breakfast.

A total of 450 sites are covered at stationsup and down the country as well as primeroadside spots, airports and exhibitioncentres.

In developing the campaign, Mornflake hasworked with big name rail companies suchas Arriva, ScotRail, Merseyrail, Northern andthe Great Western Railway.

The message, An Oatstanding Way to Startthe New Year, is being carried as far northas Inverness in Scotland to Penzance in theSouth.

Marketing spokeswoman Catherine Sadlersaid: “We’ve set out to make Mornflake thename for a healthy start to the day in 2016.

“Based in Crewe we have a strongconnection with the rail industry and thiscampaign presented a great way of reachingliterally millions of people passing throughthese stations all day and everyday.”

Mornflake works with HEART UK to raiseawareness of leading a healthy lifestyle andmaking the right food choices to lowercholesterol.

The ‘Love Your Heart’ logo, as approved bythe cholesterol charity, appears on the firm’soat and oatbran products sold insupermarkets up and down the country.

Last year Mornflake placed massive bannersin London tube stations which worked wellto raise awareness of its award-winningbreakfast products with city commuters.

Catherine added: “Nowadays we know oatsand oatbran help reduce cholesterol. Byeating well, and including oats in our diet,we do a lot to support our heart health.

“This campaign is part of an overall strategyby a family company that has fed the nationfor over 300 years and cares about itshealth.”

For more information on Mornflakeproducts and recipes visitwww.mornflake.com

MORNFLAKEMornflake launches ‘Oatstanding' campaign


26

SG WORLDSG World bids to join Top 100 UKCompanies ListAt the end of 2015 SG World invited employees to participate in theBest Companies ‘’b-heard’’ survey, the largest employee survey of itskind in the UK.

This independent survey is administered by Best Companies Limited,the research organisation that compiles the “Best Companies toWork For” lists published by The Sunday Times.

The Best Companies survey methodology is widely recognised asthe most academically rigorous measure of workplace engagementutilising data collected from over 1.5 million employees - andgrowing.

SG World already has an enviable record when it comes to staffretention - over 20% of employees have over 20 years of serviceunder their belts and the company has cracked a 1000 yearmilestone by achieving a combined 1142 years total service.

With this firm foundation to build on, the b-heard survey is viewedas the first step in being recognised as one of the UK’s top 100 BestCompanies to Work For.

Over 45 years, generations of families have chosen to come andwork for SG World. The stability and longevity this creates in thebusiness is celebrated by milestone anniversaries ranging from fiveyears all the way up to 35, as well as the Centurion Club - thehonorary society for employees who have worked with thecompany for 20 years or longer.

Mark Haase, SG World CEO, said: “We believe that SG World has afantastic and committed team, we want to nurture an ethos andculture that will steer us through the months and years to come.Participating in the survey is part of this commitment. Getting ourstaff’s thoughts has been key, we are currently waiting for thefeedback, but whatever it says, we will listen. The Board is committedto success for each and every one because by doing that SG Worldthrives and everyone benefits.”

For more information visit www.sgworld.com

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REASEHEATH

Ways in which farming andfood producers and publicsector procurers couldwork together to secure ahealthy future forCheshire’s communitiesand rural industries werediscussed at an enlighteningconference at ReaseheathCollege, Cheshire.

Local farmers, foodproducers, public sectorprocurers, health providersand policy makers gatheredto gain an insight into theGovernment’s Plan for Public Procurement. The initiative, which is partof the 25 Year Plan for Food and Farming, encourages buyers forgovernment funded public services like schools and hospitals to sourcefood locally.

The conference, held jointly by Reaseheath College and Cheshire andWarrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) in the college’s newCentre for Horticulture, the Environment and Sustainable Technology,gave a packed audience the opportunity to listen to key speakers, askquestions and form plans for working together to secure a moreprofitable future.

Opening the conference, Reaseheath Principal Meredydd Davidemphasised that the UK public sector spends over £1.2 billion on foodand drink annually, that agriculture and food was the UK’s biggestmanufacturing industry and that there were over 20,000 food and drink

businesses in the north west alone. He felt that a combined approachby regional farmers and food producers could drive £millions ofadditional income into the rural economy of Cheshire and Warrington.

He said Cheshire and Warrington LEP had responded positively to thegovernment initiative by recognising the importance of food, farmingand agricultural technology in their Strategic Economic Plan and hadsecured further funding which was ring fenced for rural investment. Thisyear, for the first time, funding was available for rural businesses acrossall of Cheshire and Warrington.

Additionally Cheshire East Council, in partnership with Reaseheath, hadled a successful bid to become a pilot Food Enterprise Zone whichwould stimulate economic growth locally in the food supply chain andcreate new skills and jobs.

Concluded Meredydd: “Farmers and food producers have alwaysneeded to be responsive and resilient but never more so than now.Reaseheath College will continue to work with the industries we serveby providing them with business support, knowledge exchange andtransfer through demonstrations and conferences such as today’s event.We are committed to providing the skills and training which ruralbusinesses will need to be competitive in a world market.”

Reaseheath College has invested £50 million on specialised technologyand training facilities so was fully prepared to deliver cutting edge skillstraining to rural industries. A further £25 million investment is plannedwhich will include an agricultural engineering centre delivering trainingon precision land management.

For more information on Reaseheath College courses visitwww.reaseheath.ac.uk

Food procurement could secure future forCheshire’s rural industries

Speakers at the Public Procurementconference at Reaseheath College: GordonFriend, Greg Parsons, Cllr Rachel Bailey,

Meredydd David, Francis Lee and Ian Stenton

The Long Service Award Gallery in SG World’s reception area

Mark Haase, SG World CEO (right)congratulates employees Graham Jones,Warehouse Supervisor and Karen Whitney,

Factory Team Leader on their long service awards



27

Live music fans will be able to listen to recordings of concertsthrough the ears of the experts on the sound desk, thanks to newtechnology developed by a PhD researcher at ManchesterMetropolitan University.

Bill Evans, who also lectures in the Department of ContemporaryArts at the University, has created two virtual listening positions forthe video version of prog-rock supergroup Flying Colours’ newSecond Flight: Live at Z7.

The first allows fans to listen to the concert as if they were in thefront row, while the second replicates the sound from the front-of-house mixing console, where the sound engineers sit during the

show. Assistant engineer and Creative MusicProduction student Tom Price, along with mixengineer Rich Mouser used Evans’psychoacoustic and sonic modelling techniquesto create the two virtual listening positions.

“The experience of hearing a concert in a specific time and placeis as much a result of psychoacoustic and physiological factors asauditory ones,” said Evans. “Most surround mixes give you at bestan artificial sense of location unrelated to a real venue. With SecondFlight, you hear the concert as you would have heard it sitting inspecific locations in the venue where the show was recorded. Thistakes the listener a big step closer to experiencing the show live.”

Evans points out that while fans often stealthily record shows andpost them, it is highly unlikely that they could create this sort ofimmersive experience. As a result, artists and record labels whouse his technology could deliver a unique product that is integratedinto the Blu-ray or DVD so you can’t get it by simply downloadingthe mix. “These location-specific mixes can be add-ons to anexisting title, integrated into a main release, or made into a specialaddition,” said Evans.

Mascot Label Group, Flying Colors’ record label, is also excited aboutthe new technologies. “I’ve usually been disappointed by attemptsto capture the live concert experience in recorded music,” saidDirector of A&R Jim Pitulski, “but Bill Evans has taken an exciting stepforward. We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to partner withBill and Flying Colors on the concept’s maiden voyage.”

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

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITYNew technology puts concerts in your pocket

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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

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


28 MEMBERS NEWS


Brand agency helps promote fundraising inLondon hospitals

JG Creative, a Nantwich-based design andbranding agency, has just completed a logore-design to promote fundraising for SouthLondon hospitals Guy’s and St Thomas',Evelina London Children's Hospital, King’sCollege Hospital and South London andMaudsley.

Jo Grubb and her team worked with thefundraising team for the hospitals. They had

their own brand which was very differentfrom the NHS branding but it wasn't clearwhat they were asking people to do.

She explained: “We started by re-designing aset of logos which focus on the mostimportant message, they need your‘Support’. We then updated andstrengthened the brand guidelines to makethe colours as strong and arresting aspossible and added a handwritten font to give us more flexibility when designingmaterials.

“We’ve started to roll it out to all of theircollateral as and when they need replacing.So far we’ve designed running vests, T-shirts,pens, badges, fundraising packs, sponsorshipforms, collecting tins, letterheads and leaflets.We’re looking forward to producing morematerials to display in the hospitals later inthe year.”

Claire Wills, Senior Marketing andCommunications Manager for the hospitals’fundraising team, said, “I've worked with Jofrom JG Creative for nearly 10 years now.When I moved over to this fundraising teamand we were looking to rebrand I thought ofJG creative as being the best place to go.

“We launched our new identity at a publicmeeting at Guy’s and St Thomas' Hospitaland took along our new badges. The staffthought that they were lovely and startedwearing them straight away. Plenty ofsupporters have been getting in touch too,to find out how they can get hold of theirown badge and make a donation. We'rereally pleased with how colourful andengaging the logos are and that they say whatwe want people to do, which is to supportthe hospitals.”

Need to communicate the rightmessage? Call Jo on 01270 626 624

Baywater Healthcare has secured animportant contract to supply emergencyoxygen cylinders to The LMC Buying GroupsFederation, which provides products andservices to 6,800 GP surgeries and dentalpractices across the UK.

The new contract will create further jobs atBaywater’s Crewe headquarters, where itcurrently employs 85 staff.

The emergency oxygen packages have beencreated to help GPs and dentists deliverimmediate assistance in case of anemergency and give them peace of mind thatthey are prepared for emergency scenarios.Comprising a portable medical oxygencylinder, a mask and tubing, they are designedto provide a high flow of oxygen for use inresuscitation. The packages show users howto quickly and easily administer lifesavingoxygen until further help arrives.

Practices can also rent a larger cylinder thatlasts five times longer than the smallerportable device, while reducing the numberof refills.

Adam Sullivan, Chief Executive of BaywaterHealthcare, said: “This is a strategicallyimportant contract for us, helping us buildlinks with thousands of GP and dentalpractices across the country. It also firmlyassociates us with the safe, reliable supply ofoxygen and helps build the profile of ourcore homecare business. We’re alsodelighted to be able to expand our teamwith new positions to support the contractin Crewe.”

Baywater Healthcare provides oxygentherapy, support for sleep disorders,nebuliser therapy, home ventilation andremote monitoring solutions to more than27,000 patients across the UK.

For more information visitwww.baywater.co.uk

Contract triggers new jobs at Baywater Healthcare

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS FoundationTrust’s Chairman, Dennis Dunn MBE, hasbeen appointed as a Deputy Lieutenant ofCheshire.

Dennis, who was a Governor and then Non-Executive Director of the Trust beforebecoming Chairman in 2014, was formallypresented with his Commission ofAppointment on 18 January by David BriggsMBE, the county’s Lord-Lieutenant.

Commenting on his recruitment to theposition, Dennis said: “I am honoured to havebeen appointed a Deputy Lieutenant ofCheshire.

“My commission will be put to good use in supporting the diverse Cheshirecommunities and organisations.”

Deputy Lieutenants are appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant (HM The Queen’s

Representative in the County) to supporthim with a range of duties, and in particularto deputise for him when he is not available,and tend to be people who have served thelocal community or who have a history ofpublic service.

Dennis is former Pro Vice ChancellorInternational of Manchester MetropolitanUniversity and, as well as his work for theTrust, is currently Cheshire President of theBritish Red Cross and Visiting Professor atHuizhou University, China.

For more information on courses atthe MMU campus in Crewe visitwww.cheshire.mmu.ac.uk

County accolade for hospital trust chairman


29MEMBERS NEWS


Long-serving Arthur Preston was honoured with a special dinner tomark nearly 60 years with animal feed specialist HJ Lea Oakes.

Friends, family and board members of the historic milling businessgathered at Crewe Hall to pay tribute to the company stalwart whobegan as a trainee at 17 and rose to Managing Director.

Back in the spring of 1957, he was at Sandbach School when a jobwent on the school notice board advertising jobs at Barclays Bankand the Wheelock mill then run by Herbert Lea. He choose the millover the bank and after an interview with Herbert Lea was set towork in the mill.

He progressed to work in the office before becoming a buyer,travelling up and down the country to corn exchanges to deal withmerchants selling and buying grain.

Down the decades he has played a leading role in the growth andreputation of HJ Lea Oakes as one of the country’s largestmanufacturers of feeds for professional farmers and smallholders.

The family firm now also has bases at Aston, Wheelock, Congleton,Malpas and Prees as well as a string of Pet Food Superstores acrossSouth Cheshire.

He said: “Over the years it has been my pleasure to work with threegenerations of the Lea family, all wonderful employers. The businesshas grown to include new mills, shops and products but thededication to quality and strong connection with the farmingcommunity remains.”

Mr Preston, who became Managing Director in 1973, has handedover the reins to Edward Lea but still plays a very active role in thebusiness as Executive Vice-Chairman.

HJ Lea Oakes Chairman John Lea said: “Although Arthur is really onlychanging chairs from one job title to another, we couldn’t let his longservice and commitment go unnoticed. The changes andprogression of HJ Lea Oakes is a huge testament to his personalefforts.”

Father-of-two Mr Preston, of Scholar Green, was presented with asilver salver as a token of appreciation from the company whichdates back to 1675 when the Lea family founded its first mill atSwettenham.

For more information on the company visit www.hjlea.com

Friends, family and board members of HJ Lea Oakes at a celebration in Crewe Hall to mark Arthur Preston’s long service

Company honours a lifetime of service


30 MEMBERS NEWS / BUSINESS NEWS


County Financial Services is celebrating the launch of a new base inNantwich.

Town Mayor Andrew Martin performed the official opening of theBeam Street office which specialises in financial services productssuch as mortgages, life insurance and sickness cover.

Products such as car insurance, house insurance and commercialinsurance such as public liability and employers’ liability are alsoavailable and the team promise a personal service.

Paul Gilchrist, Director of County Financial Services, said: “CountyInsurance is very well known for general insurance but our brand offinancial services is less well known. Some people are not aware

that we can do mortgages, life insurance, private health, pensionsand the like. We can source the best deals for our customers.”

County Financial Services is part of The County Insurance Group, aTop 50 UK broker, and is well known in Nantwich as a first teamshirt sponsors for five years of Nantwich Town FC.

Paul added: “Our branch in Beam Street will allow more people torealise we can assist and save them money on their car, home orbusiness insurance policies. Due to the need for continuedexpansion and the desire to further enhance the brand in Nantwich,the new branch is the perfect location to serve clients face to face,by phone or via internet/email.”

The County Group last year provided in excess of £50m worth ofboth personal and business insurance policies for customers across13 branches in the North West and Midlands. This includes 27,500customers and 200 staff.

Cllr Martin said: “It’s great to see a local thriving business open upin the heart of Nantwich providing greater choice to local peoplein regards to their mortgage and insurance requirements.”

For more information visit www.countyfs.co.uk

New one-stop shop for financial services

Nantwich mayor Andrew Martin with branch manager Adam Kirkham andcolleagues Tim Crighton, Paul Gilchrist, Kelly Brown and Sophie Hudson at the

opening of the County Financial Services branch on Beam Street

Charity gallops to successwith race night

A full house for the SCB race night at Crewe Golf Club

Crewe-based charity, Supported Community Business (SpecialNeeds) Limited, held a Race Night to raise much needed fundsfor the facility. SCB offers a therapeutic workshop facility forpeople in the local area with special needs/learning disabilities,where they can experience the world of work and gainconfidence in a controlled environment.

A near sell-out crowd gathered at Crewe Golf Club to enjoyan entertaining evening and were treated to eight close foughtraces, some involving photo finishes, keeping everyonecheering to the post.

Race six invited bids from those present to own one of thepre-named horses. After some hard fought bidding the winningowner was David Eldridge, who had successfully bid on thewinning horse, Handy Mandy.

Race eight gave the opportunity to win a £100, by predictingthe first three past the post. Sheila Edwards was the luckyrecipient, with her winnings being collected by her son, an SCBservice user.

SCB Director Colin Mills said: “In total £1,563.70 was raised fromthe evening, a truly magnificent effort. Keep your eyes peeledfor the next Race Night and come along for an evening of fun.”

For more information on the charity visitwww.scbspecialneeds.co.uk


31ADVERTORIAL



32 ADVERTORIAL


KPI Recruiting the region’s leading supplier of Office, Industrialand Driving personnel, first opened its doors 7 years ago andcontinues to expand across the North West.

“We pride ourselves on being a real part of the community,working with local employers and job seekers to give genuinesupport, advice and opportunities to match skills andexperience. In July 2015 the team discussed being able tosupport and give back to the community that has helpedestablish us as a leading recruitment partner and from such timewe have committed to giving a minimum of £1000 each monthto charities and worthy causes from the geographical areas weoperate.”

This year we have donated to the following charities:

• Misha’s wish fund

• Mid Cheshire Hospital’s Scanner Appeal

• The Donna Louise Children’s Hospital

• Kids Physiotherapy

• Christies Hospice

• Cancer Research

Our staff members also completed the Extreme Warriors 10Kchallenge and 5K Pretty muddy obstacle course to raise moneyfor The Christie Charity and Cancer Research UK.

To follow our donations or to donate yourself, please visit ournews page on our website: www.kpir.co.uk

If you have a cause, event or charity that you believe would benefit from our support please let us [email protected]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Extreme Warrior 10K Challenge

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Pretty Muddy 5K Obstacle Course


33INTERNATIONAL TRADE


Supporting your business to grow overseasUK Trade and Investment (UKTI) staff provide expert internationaltrade advice and practical support to UK-based companies who wantto grow their business overseas.Paul Wilcox an International Trade Adviser with UKTI has beenworking with the South Cheshire chamber for over 10 years, havingworked in the nuclear industry for nearly 30 tears prior to that. Paulis part of a team of Advisers covering the NW of England who havevarying sector specialisms and who have access to local consultantscovering various geographical regions of the World.

UKTI provide tailored support packages for companies who are:• first time exporters (FTEs)• small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)• mid-sized businesses (MSBs)

We also provide other services, including digital and online supportthat can help all types of business.

In addition to our services you can, from our websitewww.gov.uk/ukti:

• search for free international export sales leads• find UKTI events, trade fairs, missions and webinars• use Open to Export - a free online advice service for exporters• get finance support from UK Export Finance• sell your British products or services overseas via the

GreatBritishStore an e commerce platform which allows UKregistered businesses to reach new global markets

If you are keen to start yourexport journey or want to targeta new overseas market, simplycontact Paul either through theChamber, by mobile on 0781 667 3217, or [email protected]

Award triumph for leading light in the safety industry

A business specialising in high-visibility products is celebrating a majorbreakthrough into the American market hot on the heels of aninternational innovation award.

Viz Reflectives, based on Marshfield Bank in Crewe, has won a600,000$ order to supply its ‘glow-in-the-dark’ jackets, waistcoatsand trousers to a new customer in Boston after earning globalrecognition for its products.

Just before Christmas the family firm was honoured in an awardscheme recognising cutting-edge development in the textile industry.Owners, Nick and Kim Rowbottom, travelled to Milan to bepresented with the ‘Best Innovation in Textiles’ prize at the FutureMaterials Awards staged by the World Textile Information Network.

The company was honoured for developing a reflective tape calledVizLite Dual Technology which contains a rare earth pigment thatcharges up in daylight and can be seen from a long distance.

The product, which can be attached to any type of clothing, hasrevolutionised safety wear by increasing visibility for people workingday and night such as construction workers and emergency servicepersonnel.

Marketing spokeswoman Mandy Hitchinson said: “Traditionally high-visibility clothing was achieved by fluorescent yellow, orange or redfabrics that make them stand out in the daytime or bands of tapereflecting the headlights of vehicles.

“VizLite Dual Technology offers an advanced safety element,phosphorescence, popularly known as ‘glow in the dark.’ This has anactive ingredient, Strontium Aluminate, which has the ability toabsorb energy from daylight or artificial light. These rare earthpigments provide an extremely bright glow which can be seen fromover 200 metres away, plus an afterglow that lasts up to eight hours.

“It’s highly advanced technology that took more than two years toperfect so we were thrilled with our success in Milan, especiallyagainst competition from much larger companies. Winning the awardhas shown that our product is recognised as truly innovative by theworld’s industry experts.”

Viz Reflectives, founded in 2002, operates from a 10,000 sq ft facilityon Marshfield Bank where it also makes reflective road signs.

There’s a packed order book for 2016, including customers in China,South Africa and Italy. Mandy, Kim’s sister, added: “As a local family, itmakes us proud to fly the flag for Crewe in so many far flung places.”

For more information on products visitwww.vizreflectives.com

The team at Viz Reflectives arecelebrating a major industry award

Glow-in-the-dark products have revolutionised safety wear


34 BUSINESS NEWS


Abbey in the running for prestigious award

Hudson’s Heritage Awards celebrate thecrème de la crème of national heritage visitorattractions - and Combermere Abbey isdelighted to be short-listed for the ‘BestWedding Venue’ in the forthcoming 2016Awards.

One of four wedding venues on the list, they are joined by Waddesdon Manor,Buckinghamshire; Wentworth Conservatory,Barnsley and Chiddingstone Castle, Kent. Theawards will be announced in London inMarch.

The awards are decided by an independentpanel of five judges, chaired by NormanHudson OBE, and the line-up of heritageexperts includes the acclaimed televisionpresenter and author, Lucinda Lambton.

Sarah Callander Beckett, owner ofCombermere Abbey, said: “We are delightedto be on the short list for these prestigiousawards. Hudson’s do an excellent job tosupport our national treasures and it’s ourpleasure to be recognised by them, along

with high profile venues in other parts of thecountry.”

The beauty and allure of historicCombermere Abbey attracts brides andgrooms from near and far, seekingsomewhere romantic to tie the knot. Mostmarriage ceremonies take place in theGlasshouse with views of the world’s onlyfruit tree maze in the Abbey’s WalledGardens.

New this year is The Library, a recently-restored and magnificent room, on the firstfloor of the Abbey itself.

For more information visitwww.combermereabbey.co.uk

Money-saving specialists at Smith Bellerbyare celebrating after scooping an awardfrom waste management and recyclinggiants Biffa. The cost reduction consultancytriumphed in a new awards scheme stagedby Biffa to recognise its most committedsuppliers.

The Business Update and Recognition ofExcellence Awards was staged at the Hilton

Northampton where Biffa honouredsupporters of its core values and strategicbusiness plans.

Smith Bellerby carried off the ‘Easy to DoBusiness With’ award after slashing energyusage and running costs at various Biffalandfill sites, waste processing plants andoffices across the country.

A Biffa spokesman said: “Through drivingunnecessary costs out of the operation, Biffahas more to invest in the bottom line andcontinue to grow the business. SmithBellerby has brought process excellence tothe operation and during 2015 expandedtraditional validation operations into newand challenging areas, helping to deliver six-figure benefits.”

Founded in 1999, Smith Bellerby works toreduce the operating costs of big namescompanies such as Biffa and EasyJet as well

as a raft of local authorities across thecountry. Through a validation process, whichinvolves scrutinising every pound spent onenergy and water, it has saved clients morethan £7m over the years.

The Biffa award follows Smith Bellerby beingnamed the country’s top ‘Cost ReductionSpecialist’ by corporate finance magazine,Acquisition International, for a second yearrunning. Steve Bellerby, who runs theconsultancy with Jenny Smith, said: “To winan award for the work you do not once butthree times is such an honour andtestament to our painstaking efforts toensure companies, large and small, savemoney on their operation costs. Over theyears that saving has run into hundreds ofthousands and we’re still counting!”

For more information visitwww.smithbellerby.co.uk

Steve Bellerby and Jenny Smith celebrate theirlatest industry award

Major award for cost reduction consultancy

Crewe-based Alextra Accountants arecelebrating their 10th anniversary with theappointment of their fourth Director.

Founded by Keith Knight in 2005, the businesshas grown into a 20 strong team which is atthe centre of the local business community.Keith is joined by Matthew Price and ShawnGallimore and the firm’s latest appointmentMathew Weaver.

Mathew Weaver joined the business as aSenior Manager in July 2014, bringing with himexpertise on working with audits, financialreporting, taxation and forensic accounting.Mat has since supported the continuedgrowth of the practice. The last 12 monthshave seen Alextra’s turnover continue togrow and Mat has been a key part in the

development of the team, supporting newand existing clients with a range of services.

Director, Keith Knight, said: “In ten years thefirm has established its presence at the heartof the local business community and we arelooking forward to the continued growth and

development to meet the needs of localbusinesses and individuals.”

“The appointment of Mathew Weaver asDirector will help to strengthen the Alextrateam. He brings with him invaluablecommitment, expertise and energy toensure our clients get the very best service.We have grown significantly over the pastfew years and with Mathew’s help, we aim tocontinue that growth over the coming years.”

Alextra have also appointed an AccountsSenior in Robyn O’Reilly. Robyn is workingtowards her ACCA qualification after havingstudied accountancy at A Level.

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

Milestone celebrated with new appointments

Keith Knight and fellow directors Matthew Price andShawn Gallimore welcome Mathew Weaver to

Alextra Accountants


35BUSINESS NEWS


May 8 will see another cycling marathonorganised by the Up and Under Foundation.

Now businesses are invited to prepare forthis year’s Foundation Rides and reap therewards of cycling.

Charity trustee Lorna Fewtrell said: “Byencouraging employees to cycle to work,local businesses are doing their bit for theenvironment. It’s good for green credentialsof course but there are added benefits suchas a healthy workforce and reducedpressure on parking.

“Studies have shown that those who cycleto work suffer less absenteeism than non-cycling employees and workers arrive fresh,relaxed and motivated.

“With today’s restrictions on parking,encouraging employees to cycle can reducepressure on those limited parking resources– bikes take up a lot less room than cars.

“Also there is a good chance that yourcyclists will be at work earlier as theyhaven’t had to queue in traffic and spendages looking for a parking space.”

The Up and Under Foundation’s annualevent offers rides of 25, 50 and 100km. Lastyear the event raised over £7,000 to givedisadvantaged youngsters the chance totake part in outdoor activities andadventures.

Many Chamber member businesses putforward teams including Construction Linx,ctchealthcare, Jones Sheridan and Return onInvestment Ltd.

Lorna added: “Preparation can be fun. Forexample organise a weekly bike to workbreakfast and reward cyclists with baconbutties or plan a cycling treasure hunt. Greatfor team spirit.

“If you want to show support in anotherways, we welcome donations towardsstaging the event, medal sponsorship orcontributions to the post-ride refreshments.We would love to have you involved.”

For more information on theGovernment’s Cycle to Work schemewhich enables employees to save upto 40% on the total cost of a new bikevisit www.cycletoworkalliance.org.uk

To learn more on how to get involvedwith May 8’s Foundation Rides visitwww.foundationrides.co.uk

Saddle up and reap the rewards


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

A healthcare company is celebrating its 21stanniversary in South Cheshire with thelaunch of a new service to help businessescut down on absenteeism by fast trackingemployees into treatment.

Wellbeing specialist ctchealthcare is offeringstaff in corporate settings across the regiondirect access to a triage nurse andtreatment as part of its mission to promotehealth and happiness in the workplace.

The firm, founded in Crewe by formerfootball physio Rick Carter, has grown tobecome a UK leader in the field ofworkplace health, supporting some of theregion’s biggest employers with sicknessmanagement and prevention services.

Rick said: “It’s been 21 years since weopened our doors with the aim of treatingthe whole person, not just the injurypresenting itself.

“Often the problem stems from theworkplace and can be compounded bystress-related symptoms. For the employerthis leads to low staff morale and costlydays lost. We found a niche where we canwork alongside companies to increaseproductivity by promoting good healthamongst employees.”

Newly introduced for 2016 is an onlineportal system where employees, using theircompany intranet, can self-refer and bookan appointment at the first sign of aproblem.

Its targeted at large businesses and localauthorities – ctchealthcare already providesservices to Cheshire East Council andStaffordshire County Council.

Business Manager Helen Lowe said:“Through the Day 1 package employeesbenefit from a fast telephone triageappointment followed by an extendedassessment and treatment.

“The aim is to help companies cut down onadministration as well as their sicknessabsence costs. They also benefit from beingable to collect vital data on possible riskareas and common trends in theirworkplace.

“Always we believe prevention is betterthan cure but when there is a problem it’sbetter for the employee and the employerif we can get to it sooner rather than later.”

For more information visitwww.ctchealthcare.co.uk

Employees invited to log onto good health

Staff at ctchealthcare in Crewe celebrate a 21st birthday milestone for the health

and wellbeing provider


38 BUSINESS NEWS


Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding businesses thatwhen a disaster strikes, a business continuity plan could be key toa company sinking or swimming.

Almost one in five businesses suffer some sort of disruption everyyear, be it fire, flood or other emergency. Following a disaster 25%of businesses never re-open and 80% of companies who don’trecover within a month are likely to go out of business.

This is particularly appropriate at the moment as there has beenlarge scale flooding in many parts of the United Kingdom whichhas affected many businesses that have not been prepared.

A business continuity plan helps ensure a business can continueto operate and function in the event of a disruption. It providesthe strategic framework for improving resilience and can bebeneficial to any size of organisation operating in any sector.

By proactively identifying the impacts of an operational disruption,companies will be able to effectively minimising the impact onbusiness. It is estimated that 75% of businesses without properbusiness continuity plans fail within three years.

Simon Gibbins, Head of Protection at Cheshire Fire and RescueService, said: “No one expects to be affected by a major incidentor disaster. If we are, we hope that someone, somewhere, willknow what to do. Don’t leave it to chance and have a look at someof the new tools available on our website www.cheshirefire.gov.uk.These will help you to understand and protect your business fromunexpected and unplanned interferences such as fire and flooding.

“Planning ahead rather than responding reactively could save yourbusiness money in the long term and keep disruption to customersand employees to a minimum. Simply put, business continuity is about anticipating the crises that could affect you and planningfor them.”

Plan to protect your business

Introducing the area’s new BeatManagement Inspector Kate Woods.

I left Crewe just over three years ago toembark upon what was the mostchallenging role yet most rewarding role Ihave held in my 25 years of police serviceto date, that of the Force’s mental healthco-ordinator.

During my two and a half years within thisrole I implemented Street Triage across theCounty - a service which provides acombined response team of a MentalHealth nurse and a uniformed police officerto individuals at point of crisis. This closeworking partnership between mental healthservices and the Force has brought hugebenefits to all parties involved and hasreceived unanimous support, whilstreceiving both national recognition andreward, something which I am extremelyproud of.

Returning to Crewe through choice last month to take up the role of Beat

Management Inspector, is to ensure thecommunities we police receive the higheststandard of community policing - that, asresident myself within the area, would wishto receive!

The team consists of 27 PCSOs, 20 policeconstables, all supported by a huge team ofSpecial constables and volunteers. The 999response officers complement my team’swork and we work hand in hand to resolvethe long term issues which blight residentialand business communities alike.

The Forces website is an ideal platform tosee first hand what the team are doing orequally follow us on Facebook, Twitter andthrough www.cheshirepolicealert.co.uk fordaily update, pertinent to the area in whichyou reside or work which will help keep youand your businesses safe.

To get in touch with Kate [email protected]

On the beat with Cheshire police

Kate Woods - Beat Management Inspector

It pays to be prepared

To use these tools please visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/businesssafety or for any help or advice please contact BusinessSafety Manager Kristian Clowes by email [email protected] or by phone on 01606 868761


4FRONT Magazine (Winter 2015-16 Edition)

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Transcript of 4FRONT Magazine (Winter 2015-16 Edition)