Dover Business News
Business advice clinics report
The Chamber Business Advice Clinics offer guidance to companies trading in the East Kent coastal business community. Launched in response to the announcement of the closure of Pfizer by December 2012 and the ending of Business Link visits by 25th November this year, we expected to welcome companies of all sizes from start ups to established enterprises looking to increase their market share and sales. That indeed was the case when ten current or budding entrepreneurs took advantage of the service earlier this month. Turnovers ranging from nothing to £200 million were the subject of confidential discussions which concentrated on specific operational issues as well as marketing, health & safety and cash flow projections. What clearly emerged from all the meetings was a genuine affection for East Kent as a business base and a clear acceptance that proximity to London and to continental Europe are strengths that would be considerably enhanced with improved transport links. The Business Advice Clinics take place on the first Wednesday of the month in Dover and the first Friday of the month at our sister Chamber in Broadstairs. Attendance is free. Bookings can be made by telephone or email as follows: Dover tel: 01304 824955 email: mail@doverchamber.co.uk and Broadstairs tel: 01843 609289 email: mail@tekc.co.uk
Suppliers to offshore wind farm wanted - supplier event on Friday 6 May
Following extensive liaison with Vattenfall, we are pleased to remind Chamber members of the Preliminary Supplier Event for the expansion of Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm which is due to take place on Friday 6th May 2011 from 1000 hrs at Darwin College, University of Kent at Canterbury. Presentations will begin at 10.30am followed by questions and time to network. The event is due to finish around 12.45pm. The builders of the Thanet Offshore Wind Farm are looking to use East Kent companies in 2013 once the turbine manufacturer, cable supplier and electrical contractor have been selected. Of special interest to Vattenfall are suppliers of the following: accommodation and catering, building and onshore site maintenance, divers, electrical equipment suppliers, environmental response service and materials, equipment /tool hire, equipment hoists and lifting gear, facilities management, fire and security protection systems, fork lift truck suppliers and maintainers, handtool suppliers for rigging, health and safety equipment onshore & offshore, hotels, hydraulic equipment suppliers, jointing systems including specialist adhesives, lifting equipment suppliers, logistics/haulage, marine facilities harbour, bunkering, general supplies, materials and tool suppliers, safety equipment suppliers and workwear, security services, standby generator suppliers, steel suppliers, vessels workboats and barges and waste management services. To book your place for this event, contact George Oatridge at the University of Kent before 1st May 2011 by email to enterprise@kent.ac.uk or by telephone to 01227 824326.
Best in Kent, Best in the UK
Peter Howe and his team at Carol Peters Coach Travel has won two awards in one week. On Monday 4 April, Amanda Cotterill, chairman of Visit Kent, handed the company a Thanet Tourism Award at Margate's Winter Gardens. Three days later at the Belmont International UK Coach Awards in Manchester, Peter Howe heard his company's name being announced by BBC Breakfast's Carole Kirkwood as the winner of "Coach Operator of the Year (Small Fleets)". This prestigious accolade rewards "consistently excellent customer service" and is the result of customer nominations as well as visits from a mystery shopper. In a formal citation, the UK Coach Awards stated: "Established 13 years ago, this family firm runs 10 coaches (mainly Setra plus new Volvo 9700, all under 7 years old) on own day trips and charter work. All drivers have CPC and office staff are doing NVQ in office management. The company has an enthusiastic following and the numerous club/society nominations we received all mentioned good service, helpful drivers and flexibility; one sums it up as 'friendly, accommodating and value for money'. The company has clearly built a reputation as a quality operator in its locality, resulting in regular repeat business." To discuss your coach travel requirements, call Carol Peters Coach Travel now officially the best operator in Kent and the best operator in the UK, telephone 01843 591007.
Marketing tourism & Kent produce
The Dover District Chamber of Commerce was a guest of the Institute of Directors at a recent seminar hosted by Chamber member Canterbury Christ Church University at its Centre for Enterprise and Business Development at the Chatham Maritime campus. Entitled, ‘Marketing and selling our tourism, hospitality and food and drink industries internationally' it featured a talk by Julie Monkman, Manager of Produced in Kent, an organisation which champions and promotes local food and provides business support for local producers and SMEs in Kent. Discussions afterwards chaired by the I.o.D's Olga D'Silva focussed on the strengths of local produce, the need to acquaint visitors with the high quality available in Kent and the cultural messages required to attract overseas buyers. Yan Brechet of HSBC later gave an overview of how to manage cash when exporting products and services abroad. Yan Brechet declared that "Cash is the main reason for success or failure of a business venture abroad" and that "Cash determines the affordability of an International strategic plan." He identified three basic principles. ‘Know your weapons' - be prepared to support the level of risk you attempt in full knowledge of your unique selling points. ‘Negotiate'- with particular reference to credit terms, advance payments and any discount policy. ‘Use the tools' - by which he meant take advantage of the support available from UKTI, your lawyer, bank and accountant and bring them into the discussions at an early stage. The I.o.D's next International Business Forum is scheduled for Thursday 26th May 2011 in Chatham. The main speaker will be Roger Figg, International Trade Adviser with UKTI South East. For details, contact Debbie Cameron at the I.o.D. in Sittingbourne, tel: 01795 435918.
Update On Grants
We are grateful to Sue Sharp and her team at Skills South East for the latest news on the grants available to businesses through the Leadership & Management Advisory Service. The eligibility criteria have changed significantly for the financial year to 31st March 2012. There is a requirement to demonstrate high growth. Private sector firms and social enterprises with fewer than 250 workers may apply providing that they have at least one full-time employee in addition to the applicant. The grants are targeted at owner managers and senior leaders of businesses and social enterprises. In companies with more than 50 workers, a senior leader or department head who reports directly to the owner or Chief Executive may apply. One grant of up to £1,000 is available for a maximum of 50% of the cost of training which must begin within 90 days of the grant being approved. For more details and an application form, Chamber members are invited to email mail@doverchamber.co.uk the subject line: "Skills South East Grant".
Turner Contemporary
Margate's Turner Contemporary Gallery officially open on 16th April 2011. Director Victoria Pomery writes: "I'm delighted to share with you that pupils from Holy Trinity & St. John's C.E.P School will officially open Turner Contemporary. They will be joined by artist Tracey Emin and musician Jools Holland." The Turner Contemporary is expecting a large crowd for the big day. The Dover District Chamber of Commerce has been asked to assist this with comments on the Turner Contemporary's website. Please look at www.turnercontemporary.org/ and spare a few moments to complete the short survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/turner-contemporary-website.
