Chamber News

Displaying the latest 10 stories posted to Chamber News.

02 Feb - Growth in UK Exports slows: • Export orders increase, although growth has slowed • Exporters less confident about 2012 but muted expansion is expected • Rise of export documentation processing in the Thames Valley The third DHL/BCC Trade Confidence Index, a measure of the UK’s exporting health, reveals that growth among UK exporters slowed during the last quarter of 2011. The index, which draws upon a survey of over a thousand exporters and an analysis of export documentation (required of all UK companies exporting goods outside the EU), shows a muted outlook for domestic and international trade activity in 2012. Trade documentation data for UK goods exports in Q4 2011 shows a 3.7 percent increase on the same quarter last year, demonstrating that growth in export goods continued. Additionally, a third of (34%) respondents stated that their export orders increased in Q4, comparable to 35% in Q2 and Q3 respectively. Manufacturing Despite worsening confidence about the general business situation amid concerns over the slowdown in the world economy, the balance of UK manufacturing firms reporting an increase in their domestic orders saw a marginal swing from -2% in Q3 to +2% in Q4. Furthermore, the balance of manufacturing firms reporting an increase of profitability confidence rose from +32% to +36%. Export orders However, overall the survey results also show that firms recorded weaker export orders than export sales, suggesting a slowing of export growth towards the end of the year. A quarter of exporters (25%) have seen a decrease in export orders over the last quarter, compared to 24% in Q3, 22% in Q2, and 12% in Q1. With slowing export orders and sales, many exporters feel less confident in increasing revenue and profitability, and are therefore delaying decisions to invest and take on more staff. • Confidence: The percentage of exporters confident of increasing their profitability has steadily fallen during 2011. In Q2 2011, 50% of firms felt confident of increasing profitability, but this falls to 48% in Q3, and 43% in Q4. • Investment: Investment: More than a quarter of exporters (28%) are looking to increase their investment in plant and machinery. The balance of firms looking to increase investment in training rose from +8% to +12% - largely due to the intentions of large firms with over 250 employees to invest in training for staff. • Job creation: British exporters’ plans to take on more staff in the next quarter are subdued. Only a fifth (20%) of firms expect to take on new staff in the next three months. However, the balance of micro SMEs (businesses of 0-9 staff) planning to increase employment has risen slightly from +9% to +10%. Inflation remains a huge concern for exporting businesses, but there are signs that some of these pressures are easing. The cost of energy, fuel, and raw materials has contributed to financial pressures on businesses and consumers alike. For manufacturers, the proportion of firms reporting inflation as a concern fell from 42% to 40% (and was a lesser concern than both taxation and exchange rates). However, in the service sector, the proportion of firms reporting inflation as a concern was at its highest since Q1 2010. Additionally, exchange rate concerns have risen to their highest level since Q4 2010, with 37% of respondents reporting that they are more of a concern than the last quarter. Commenting on the results of the index, Anne White, Head of International Trade, Thames Valley Chambers of Commerce, said: “The latest DHL/BCC Trade Confidence Index shows that the increase in export orders seen after the recession continues, but the pace of this growth has slowed for the fourth quarter in a row. As problems in the eurozone rumble on, and sterling remains strong, our exporters are facing a challenging trading environment. Falling confidence means many exporters are delaying decisions to invest and take on staff, affecting the UK’s economic prospects and the move towards the ‘rebalancing’ we need to see.” “However, in the Thames Valley, we have seen a rise of 12% in export documentation during the latter part of 2011" “Companies across the region are exporting innovative, best of British products and services, but we want to see thousands more take the plunge and start selling overseas. Trading with new markets can be a daunting prospect, and that’s why businesses need more support from the government. The Chamber helps hundreds of businesses take the first steps to exporting, but many tell us they need more help from government in areas like trade promotion and finance. “We need to create an exporting culture by helping our businesses take to new markets on trade missions, and other promotional activity. But it starts earlier than this, we need exporting to be in our business DNA - that means teaching business students and entrepreneurs the basics. The recovery will be longer and more hard fought than many first realised, but Britain has the talent, the energy, and the enterprise to make its way in the world. All we need is an environment that puts business first.” Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express UK and Ireland said: “With the latest figures in the report showing a weakening in export orders and indeed overall business confidence, the reluctance from exporters to invest is a concern. However, factors such as a flat base rate and government making the UK a leading offshore trading centre for the Renminbi could give UK businesses a competitive advantage. “There are plenty of success stories out there of fledgling companies beginning to export into foreign markets. An increasing number of UK exporters are seeing flourishing e-commerce sales to the continent and further afield, specifically Australia – as disposable income and favourable exchange rates across the Pacific create inroads for British goods. “Success though is dependent on support. A lack of business confidence indicates that companies don’t see growth opportunities on the horizon. More needs to be done to change this state of mind amongst businesses. “With our pre-existing markets struggling, it’s essential that exporters set their sights on new faster-growing trade partners. And now is the time to begin.” Enquiries to Chamber Press Office 01753 870552
27 Jan - UK will miss out on investment because of poor air connections: • 67% of business leaders in Brazil, China, India, South Korea, and Mexico say that better air connections from their home country to France, Germany and Holland mean they are more likely to do business with those countries rather than the UK • 92% say direct flights are important to inward investment decisions • 62% say they will only invest in the UK if flight connections are improved • The British Chambers of Commerce calls for government to urgently set out a clear aviation strategy that includes measures to keep Heathrow competitive as a global hub and build new routes to emerging markets over the next ten years New research shows that business leaders in high growth or emerging economies see direct air links as vital to maintaining the UK’s prospects in global markets. Nine out of ten (92%) of these business leaders say direct flights influence their inward investment decisions; while eight in ten (80%) say they would trade more with the UK if flight connections were improved to their home markets. These are the views of 350 business travellers who are directors of companies in Brazil, India, China, Mexico and South Korea in a survey commissioned by the British Chambers of Commerce and Heathrow Airport.[i] In a worrying development, while 82% of the overseas business respondents see Heathrow, the UK’s hub airport, as being a major contributor to the UK economy, 64% believe the UK will miss out on economic growth because of London’s declining flight connections to growth markets. A similar proportion (67%) feel that better air connections with France, Germany and Holland mean they are more likely to do more business with those countries rather than the UK; and 62% will only consider trading with the UK in future if flight connections to their home markets are strengthened. Heathrow is already full, operating at 99.2% of its annual flight capacity, creating a ‘connectivity crunch’ that is preventing the UK from linking with the trading partners of the 21st century. John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “There is an aviation-shaped hole in the government’s growth strategy. While businesses very much welcome ambitious infrastructure projects like high speed rail, they can’t catch a train to China or Brazil. The UK will miss out on investment and jobs if the government does not act now to improve capacity at our airports, strengthen links between regional airports, and develop more connections to emerging markets. Growth cannot wait. While Britain dithers, our international competitors are forging ahead.” “Encouraging more trade between UK firms and overseas markets is crucial to the rebalancing of our economy. But while firms are being urged to trade with new partners in emerging markets, they are hindered by the lack of connections to these countries - in turn hurting both inward investment and Britain’s export potential.” The UK’s aviation connectivity crunch already means that: • Airlines are prevented from developing new routes from the UK’s global hub to emerging market destinations such as Manila, Guangzhou, Mexico City and Jakarta; • Twenty-one emerging market destinations now have daily flights from Continental European hubs but not from Heathrow - this lack of connectivity is already costing the UK economy £1.2bn a year in lost trade.[ii] • UK businesses trade 20 times as much with those countries that have daily direct flights to compared to those countries that have less frequent or no direct services.[iii] • There was only a small increase in passenger figures to and from China through Heathrow, up by just 57,509 (3%) in 2011 - less than the overall increase in passenger numbers at the airport. • Paris and Frankfurt already have 1,000 more flights each year to the three biggest Chinese cities than London and almost double the number of flights from Heathrow. Colin Matthews, Chief Executive of BAA, said: “The view from business leaders in emerging markets is alarming. If anyone doubted that Heathrow’s capacity crunch is harming UK growth then here is the evidence: business leaders in the world’s fastest growing economies say they are being put off from investing in the UK because of a lack of direct flights. Capacity constraints are damaging the UK economy today when the country can least afford it. “A new hub airport has been proposed in the South East, but this has a projected cost of £50billion and may take decades to build. In the intervening period we would be handing over on a plate the UK's historic trade advantages to our European competitors.” Ends
13 Jan - Chinese New Year Breakfast in Slough - South China Market Outlook 2012: A South China market special organised by BCC LinkToChina and UK Trade & Investment with TVCC on Monday 30 January 2012 at Regus, Slough • With special presentations by UKTI team leaders in Guangdong and Hong Kong • China market review of 2011 and outlook for 2012 With the uncertainty of the European market heightened by the Euro crisis in 2011, the question about China’s ability to continue its role as the main engine for growth globally in 2012 has been raised. • Is the cooling of Chinese property market in 2011 a sign for the success of anti-inflation policies or a pre-curser for a property slump? • Will the Chinese stock market bounce back in 2012 from its downward trend in 2011? • What may be the new changes on the cards for Chinese market and how should British companies prepare for them? Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group, together with UKTI and BCC LinkToChina, will co-host this breakfast seminar with Slough Borough Council, one of the national strategic partners of the LinkToChina programme. Chief Executive of the Council, Ruth Bagley, will open the seminar. The seminar will feature presentations by a panel of experts, followed by a Q&A session on the China market, including: - ‘Developing business opportunities in Southern China’ - Bob Manning, Head of UK Trade and Investment, Southern China, British Consulate General Guangzhou - ‘Developing business opportunities in Hong Kong’ - John Woodruffe, Assistant Trade Commissioner, British Consulate General Hong Kong - ‘China Market Outlook in 2012’ - Dr. Kegang Wu, Chief China Adviser for the BCC and Executive Director of LinkToChina Programme There will be networking time over breakfast. The BCC LinkToChina programme is entering its second year of operation, with a number of projects already successfully matched. Further announcements will be made at the seminar about the programme of activities which are designed to help more UK businesses and locations to work with China. To book your place please call our customer services team on 01753 870 500 or visit www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/events
11 Jan - Stronger exports remain critical to Britain's recovery: Commenting on the trade figures for November 2011, published today by the ONS, Anne White, Head of International Trade, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce said: “The trade figures for November show a widening in the trade deficit. While the figures are largely as expected given the strong improvement seen in October, they are disappointing. Longer-term comparisons show that the rebalancing of the economy towards exports is going ahead, but the pace is inadequate and must be strengthened. “The difficult challenges facing the global economy, particularly in the eurozone, mean that exporters will have to work hard to maintain their position in world markets. While the government rightly continues to reduce the deficit, there will be a knock-on effect on domestic demand – making a strong export performance critical to Britain’s future. The situation, however, in the Thames Valley is improving with documentation services for exporters having an excellent month in December.” “Over the next few years, net exports should be the main engine of the recovery. The government must support a national export drive, with more support for firms in key areas such as trade finance, insurance and promotion. Though a competitive pound and low interest rates can help our exporters, further efforts are needed to ensure that British businesses can compete equitably with foreign exporters. On their part, British exporters must reinforce their efforts to diversify sales to fast-growing economies, particularly in Asia.” Ends Notes to editors: ONS trade figures: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/uktrade/uk-trade/november-2011/index.html
10 Jan - BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey points to evidence of stalling economy and challenges for business: • QES results point to a further deterioration in the economic situation • Rises in domestic and export sales in the services sector in the Thames Valley The British Chambers of Commerce’s new Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) released today shows concerning results for Q4 2011, and points to a stalling economy. The new survey, comprising some 7,850 responses from businesses across the UK, shows declines in most indicators across both manufacturing and services in the last quarter. While measures for the previous three months indicate minimal growth, expectations for the coming three months have significantly weakened. The results do not indicate a recession, and are still better than those seen in the worst phase of the last downturn. However, they are a cause for concern, and show that the improvements in 2010 and early 2011 have largely been cancelled out. The worsening international situation and the growing risks facing the eurozone, present challenges for UK exporters and business confidence as a whole. Commenting on the results, Clair Prosser, policy executive, Thames Valley Chamber, said: "The results for the South East and Thames Valley indicate that although manufacturing sales are considerably weaker (-26%) than the national picture, domestic and export sales in the service sector have risen by 10% and 14% respectively. This is higher than the national figure, indicating the continued strength of the services industry in this region. Export sales is an area where future growth will emerge and the Government must do everything to support exporters." Other statistics from the national report: Employment • Figures for the last three months showed a fall in the balance of manufacturers and service sector firms expanding their workforce. • Firms in both sectors do not seem optimistic about future recruitment. In manufacturing the employment expectations balance plummeted 18 points to -8%, and in services falling four points to +2%. Business confidence & investment • Confidence among businesses fell in the last quarter. The balance measuring manufacturers’ confidence in turnover fell by 19 points (to +14%), and in profitability the balance was down seven points to +9%. • In the service sector, the turnover confidence balance fell five points to 19%, and profitability confidence fell eight points to +2%, the worst level since Q2 2009. • The balances measuring manufacturers’ investment also fell in the last quarter. Plans by manufacturers to invest in both plant & machinery and training fell. In the service sector there was a slight increase in planned investment in plant & machinery, though the level is still weak at +2%, but a fall in plans to invest in training. Cashflow & price pressures • Pressures on firms to raise prices are moderate in both sectors. The balance of manufacturing firms reporting pressure to increase prices fell 2 points, to +29%. The balance of service firms expecting to raise prices rose 2 points, to +24%. • Managing cashflow (the movement of cash in and out of the business) still remains a problem for many businesses. The cashflow balances improved for manufacturing (rising 10 points to +2%) though remain at a weak level. The services cashflow balance remains in negative territory, falling two points, to -8%. Clair continued: “A slowdown across the eurozone is inevitable, but Britain need not suffer a similar fate. We simply cannot afford to compromise on economic performance. The UK does have the potential to recover and make its way in the world. We have the talent, the energy, and the enterprise. All we need is an environment that puts business first. We must recognise that business is good for Britain. Boosting growth in our businesses will boost the economy and let Britain lead on the international stage. “Ministers need to move faster on promises made in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement. Measures to improve the flow of credit to businesses, reforms of our complex planning system, and investment in infrastructure projects are all needed now. If the implementation of the credit easing programme takes much longer, the economy would be better served by the creation of a full blown SME bank. On infrastructure, the government must bite the bullet and move ahead on high speed rail, airport expansion, toll roads and liberalisation of the planning system. Britain's economy is at a critical stage - and now is not the time to shy away from the radical decisions needed to inspire confidence and increased investment for years to come.” Ends Notes to editors: Balance figures, referred to throughout this report, are determined by subtracting the percentage of companies reporting decreases in a factor from the percentage of companies reporting increases. The British Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Economic Survey is the largest and most representative independent business survey of its kind in the UK. Each quarter, over 6,000 businesses – belonging to Chambers of Commerce in every region of the country – participate in the QES. Businesses are questioned on a wide range of issues, including: home sales and orders, export sales and orders, employment prospects, investment, recruitment difficulties, cashflow, confidence and price pressures. The QES is the first economic indicator of the quarter, published in advance of official figures and other private surveys, and it consistently mirrors trends in the national economy. For this reason the survey is closely watched by policymakers such as the Treasury, the Bank of England and the new Office of Budget Responsibility. Full report available on request Chamber Press Office 01753 870552
10 Jan - Reaction from Buckinghamshire Chamber of Commerce on the decision to go ahead with the construction of HS2: Statement from Buckinghamshire Chamber of Commerce on the decision to go ahead with the construction of HS2 The announcement made today by the Secretary of State for Transport, Justine Greening, that the proposed High Speed 2 route to Birmingham had received Government approval has met with disappointment and anger by Buckinghamshire Chamber of Commerce (part of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group) and other business groups in the county. During a Debate held at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre in March 2011 about the proposed High Speed 2 route from London to Birmingham, a majority of 87% of delegates were against HS2. Also 92% voted against the proposed route plan. Alastair Pike, President, Buckinghamshire Chamber of Commerce gave his reaction to the announcement: “This is disappointing but not surprising given the apparent reluctance to focus on the key cost and environmental issues. Residents and businesses within Buckinghamshire must now focus on damage limitation and where possible ensure that benefits can be derived to offset the negative impact on both local rail services and commuter costs.” Clair Prosser, Policy Executive, Thames Valley Chamber, said: “We believe that the national priority should be improved digital infrastructure and from a Thames Valley perspective, western access to Heathrow. Our reasons for lobbying against HS2 and the reaction of our members and associates remain as they did last year. The announcement and confirmation of tunnelling throughout sections of the Chiltern Hills still left our members unconvinced of the scheme in its entirety. Buckinghamshire Chamber of Commerce will take time to consider its full reaction to this decision.” “Thames Valley Chamber believes that investment in High Speed Rail must not come at the expense of other transport projects, such the electrification of the Great Western and Midland Main Lines, western access to Heathrow, increased aviation capacity and new roads.” Summary of the key reasons for objection to HS2: • HS2 is unaffordable and the wrong priority for the UK • Business or environmental case is not justified • There are better, more affordable alternatives to improving our railways • Construction would cause a high level of disruption • HS2 would have no significant impact on closing the regional divide • Travel is reducing due to technology (e.g. video conferencing & internet use) • The transport network will eventually reach capacity, lead times are so long for construction, planning needs to take place now • Investment should be made in high-return projects, not just rail • HS2 would cause damage to the environment and tourism • 75% of new jobs created would be in London • High speed travel is not really necessary, the proposed 250mph means no immediate stops, no tunnels and no curves, 20 minutes faster to Birmingham is not necessary • The station would be outside the centre of Birmingham, adding to perceived travel time • The UK’s east/west connectivity needs to be put first • Likely cost (based on previous infrastructure projects such as Channel Tunnel) will be more than £100bn which this country cannot afford. • The blight to the Chilterns and Buckinghamshire is an important issue particularly for those with houses near or over the tunnels Press enquiries to 01753 870552
22 Dec - Seasons Greetings from the Chamber: The Chamber President, Ian Smith and Chief Executive, Paul Briggs, would like to wish all businesses in the Thames Valley whether members or non-members, a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year. The following is a message from Paul (which will also be published in the Jan/Feb issue of Business Voice). As we are about to enter a year of exciting national events, it is natural to take stock and to look forward. In 2011, we welcomed 8,000 delegates to events and 200 new exporters became International Trade Services customers. Our policy priorities mainly emerge from Windsor Debates and the first event in April will focus on opportunities created by the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Thames Valley is a prosperous region but we cannot work in isolation and we will continue to collaborate with and influence organisations involved in exports and inward investment. Other key areas are infrastructure investment: Western Rail Access to Heathrow and super-fast broadband. Early last year we established the national and local office of the LinkToChina project which has made excellent progress, attracting several sponsors and beginning the process of business match-making in the country. Closer to home, we intend to relocate our HQ during 2012 as our long lease comes to an end. Our aspirations are to create a Thames Valley showcase, technology zone and continue to host the LinkToChina office. We will also be launching a new corporate business offer. On that topic, I was delighted to welcome so many of our longstanding corporate members at a celebration lunch earlier this month and, later that day, a dinner for Business Alliance members, both at Vicars’ Hall, at Windsor Castle. Please visit the website in the New Year for details of our exciting range of events taking place in each county throughout 2012.
14 Dec - Larger firms are hampered by regulation and lack of skills, says BCC report: A report published today by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), reveals that firms with more than 50 employees have ambitions to grow, but are held back by a lack of skilled workers and burdensome regulation. The BCC’s latest Workforce Survey shows that 52 percent of firms want to take on more employees before 2015, with only eight percent looking to reduce staff numbers. With unemployment expected to peak at 2.77 million in 2012*, business is expected to play its part in creating growth and jobs. The research shows, however, that the ambitions held by larger firms to expand and grow their workforce are frustrated by a lack of skilled labour in the UK, and burdensome regulation. Larger companies rely on migrant workers • Many firms are unable to find the skilled workers they need in the UK. Less than a third of businesses (28%) believe that the UK workforce is more skilled than other EU countries. • Firms must be able to access the right skills as and when they need them, or risk not being able to fill vacancies which will in turn hamper their business growth. • The majority (57%) of firms in the UK with more than fifty staff employ some migrant workers. For almost half (47%) of these businesses, the majority of their migrant workforce is from outside the EU. Therefore, the government’s ambition to reduce net migration is of particular concern. • Business needs a stable visa system which allows firms to recruit from outside the UK if they cannot source the skills they need from the domestic labour market. Employment legislation hampers growth • The majority of firms (82%) said they found regulations around sickness absence burdensome. • Asked just before the removal of the Default Retirement Age in April, nearly three quarters of firms (73%) said this change would be detrimental to their business • More than half of companies (54%) said they found dismissal rules either extremely or fairly burdensome. Firms looking to grow their staffing levels by more than 50 percent are more likely to see dismissal rules as extremely burdensome, than those looking to stay the same or downsize. • Dismissal rules are a consideration for businesses when they hire staff. Relaxing rules around dismissal would encourage companies to create jobs. • Almost half of larger firms (48%) have been threatened with a tribunal claim in the past three years. This rises to 69% for businesses with more than 250 employees. • Nearly one in four employment tribunal claims were not pursued (23%), wasting the employer’s time and money which could have been better directed at supporting business growth. On the Working Time Directive: • One in two (50 percent) of the UK’s larger firms use the Working Time Directive opt out, which allows staff to consent to working more than 48 hours a week. • The removal of the Working Time Directive opt out is under constant threat from Europe. The BCC believes that retaining it is key to allowing large firms the flexibility they rely on when running their business and looking to expand. Commenting on the report, Clair Prosser, Policy Executive, Thames Valley Chamber, said: “Larger sized firms in the UK could be the multinationals of tomorrow. The government must think business first and give larger companies the confidence they need to create jobs, particularly when unemployment is at a high. Many firms are unable to find the skilled workers they need in the UK, and lack confidence in the ability of the education system to deliver the right people for the job. For some, hiring workers from overseas allows them to access the skills they need. “Business needs a migration policy for growth that allows UK firms to hire workers with the skills they need. This doesn’t have to be at odds with promises to reduce net migration, but a stable visa system with consistent rules would reassure and attract the best talent looking to find work. Businesses can’t always find the skills they need in the UK, and so the government must make it easier to recruit them from overseas. “Regulations, particularly around sickness absence and dismissal rules, are a huge burden on larger firms, at a time when we should be encouraging businesses to expand. These findings bust the myth that large firms can cope with constant changes to employment law and the associated costs, particularly around the tribunal system. Tribunal reforms must be implemented in full and without delay, and the consultation on introducing a new dismissal route for micro firms must be expanded to include all firm sizes. “Larger companies have told us they are ready and willing to grow. The government must act quickly to ensure that businesses can concentrate on generating the growth vital to a successful recovery.” Ends The BCC’s report, Skills for Business: more to learn can downloaded below For press enquiries please contact Chamber Press Office 01753 870552
02 Dec - Longstanding Members honoured at a Special Lunch: Over 40 members of Thames Valley Chamber were present at a lunch held at Vicars’ Hall, at Windsor Castle, which celebrated and thanked businesses that had been members for 15 years and beyond. Following a reception, guests enjoyed lunch before hearing from the guest speaker Gerald Ratner and receiving an award to mark the occasion from Chamber Chief Executive Paul Briggs. Paul said: “We were delighted to welcome our loyal members at this event and thank them for their contribution in supporting the Chamber, the Thames Valley and wider UK economy.” Some of the companies present have been members for over 40 years and these include Barclays Bank, Bishop Sports & Leisure, Geodis Wilson, Haines Watts, Instron and SEGRO. Some spoke about their commitment to membership: “Boehringer Ingelheim is proud to have supported the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce for 35 years. The organisation provides a valuable service to local businesses by encouraging networking and business partnership opportunities. We are pleased to work together with the Chamber to help make a difference to the local community”. Tom Ryan, Head of General Services, Boehringer Ingelheim (Bracknell) “Clarkslegal LLP has been a member of Thames Valley Chamber for many years. We find its events of particular benefit to our firm, not only because of the excellent networking opportunities they present, but the range of speakers at specialty group meetings always provides practical and focused insight. The range of locations also makes attendance convenient for our staff. Throughout the recent economic downturn, many companies have cut-back on membership payments but our involvement with the Chamber has always proved of great benefit and most valuable. We’re delighted to be associated with the Chamber.” David Rintoul, Deputy Managing Partner, Clarkslegal (Reading) “Owen Mumford is delighted to be members of the Thames Valley Chamber and proud of the long-standing relationship that has developed over the last 15 years. As a thriving UK medical devices company celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2012, Owen Mumford has doubled in size over the last five years to £70m turnover with ambitions to become a £250m company by the year 2020. We have always valued the support and advice of Chamber members and hopefully have reciprocated with helpful guidance to other businesses. As we expand beyond the UK, France, Germany and the United States to emerging markets in Asia and South America, I have no doubt that the Chamber will continue to support us all the way.” Jarl Severn, Managing Director, Owen Mumford (Oxfordshire) “Since we joined the Chamber in 1951 as a new family business, we have enjoyed meeting and discussing current topics with fellow members on a regular basis. Our former Chairman, Jack Bishop, was a former President of Slough Chamber who did much to promote its work. Guidance has always been available on import and export procedures to back up new contracts. For 60 years, we have enjoyed the support and encouragement of the Chamber. Long may our association continue.” Alan R Bishop, Joint Managing Director, Bishop Sports & Leisure (Slough) “Newbury College is proud to be a member of the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce and is equally proud to receive a long standing member award. The College regularly uses the expertise and networking opportunities provided by the Chamber to help keep up to date in our specialism, which is providing high quality business solutions for Thames Valley Companies. Newbury College holds the Training Quality Standard and is recognised for its outstanding work with local employers.” Martin Russell, Business Development Manager, Newbury College “The strength of Haines Watts derives from being a national firm with offices which remain at the heart of their local business communities. The Chamber of Commerce provides an important, independent business voice in the region and our enduring membership of the Chamber has been an integral part of our aim to develop local links. It has enabled Haines Watts to maintain our visibility as an established business in the local community and contribute to local business issues. Our thanks go to Paul Briggs and his team for organising an enjoyable lunch in recognition of the Chamber’s long-standing members.” Jonathan Moughton, Partner, Haines Watts (Slough) Gerald Ratner entertained the members with an entertaining talk that charted his business life since the infamous speech he made at the Royal Albert Hall 20 years ago. The fallout from that led to Gerald losing millions, suffering depression, not working for 7 years and becoming a ‘tabloid punchbag’. He eventually made a comeback and launched what is now the largest online jewellery website in the UK which has £75m annual sales. Gerald said “Success is sweeter the second time around.” Gerald told an incredible story, which illustrated triumph over adversity, entrepreneurial spirit and the courage to take risks. Photographs available on request Press enquiries to: Chamber Press Office 01753 870500
30 Nov - Green light for £30m Thames Valley energy project secured by consortia including the Chamber: Southern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD) has received approval and funding from GB energy regulator Ofgem for its £30m innovative low carbon network project in the Thames Valley. This innovative project will revolutionise the electricity distribution system, and help prepare the energy industry for the move towards a low carbon economy. Known as ‘New Thames Valley Vision’ (NTVV), the project, which involves Bracknell Forest Council and several prominent local companies including Thames Valley Chamber which played a significant part in the bid, aims to prepare the local low voltage network for the future. Local business Honeywell is one of SEPD’s partners in the project, and will be working with other local firms to install new hi-tech building management systems which will closely control how much power a premises uses, and at what times, to deliver energy and cost savings for the customer and help manage the way in which energy flows through the low voltage network. As part of the project SEPD will be opening a retail unit in Bracknell High Street in conjunction with the Council to help educate customers about the project. The Chamber will be hosting a series of Low Carbon Forums in 2012 to give local businesses the opportunity to share best practice. Paul Britton, Head of Inward Investment & Reinvestment, Thames Valley Chamber said: “The Chamber is delighted to have had the opportunity to support SEPD and Thames Valley partners over the past 24 months in securing the New Thames Valley Vision. This notable win will provide a valuable opportunity to share learning about how businesses can reduce their energy through a combination of the latest technologies, best practice and current government incentives.” GE, another prominent Bracknell company, is also playing a part in New Thames Valley Vision. It will provide the network management systems which will be central to the project. NTVV’s academic partner is the University of Reading with its Smart Analytics department analysing energy flow data to build up a clear picture of how energy moves around the system, so that the network can be developed to support future growth. Other projects partners include Kema Consulting and EA Technology. Thames Valley businesses contributing to NTVV include Bracknell and Wokingham College, Dell, Cable and Wireless, BT, 3M and Capital among others. Enquiries to: Chamber Press Office 01753 870552 SEPD Press Office 0845 0760 530 Sharron Miller McKenzie and Sam O’Connor