Sheffield Chamber of Commerce - Items tagged 'events'

Variety is the spice of life

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:07:46 +0000

The best thing about this job has to be the variety of what I get up to. ‘Policy and Research Officer' may not be the most exciting of titles but I've had some great experiences already. Little did I know when I started on 1st September that two months later I'd be working at the UK's biggest documentary festival.

The Sheffield Doc/Fest is one of the most respected events in the city's yearly calendar. For those of you who don't know, it's the UK's major documentary festival and attracts delegates from across the world. It's a genuinely international event and is hosted quite brilliantly by the Showroom cinema. I used to go every year whilst at University (missing many lectures in the process!) and this year was given the chance to volunteer on behalf of the Sheffield Chamber.

Due to the rapid expansion of the event in recent years the organisers have had to find new ways to increase capacity. This year they converted the Sheffield Independent Film Studio (who, incidentally, are a Chamber member) into a screen. My volunteer role was to usher for this new screen.

The highlight had to be when I was ushering for the new Louis Theroux documentary ‘Law and Order'. I had shown the delegates to their seats and from the screen entrance could hear the film begin. I'm a huge Louis Theroux fan, so I waited fifteen minutes for any stragglers and then snuck in to watch it. I quietly stood at the side next to a man who had decided not to take a seat. I chuckled along to the film until it ended and the lights came up for the Q&A. It was only then that I realised the man standing next to me for the whole documentary was Louis himself! All I could say was, "great film, Lou!".

I got to watch some fascinating documentaries during the festival and saw some lively question and answer sessions with the characters and directors. Whilst fun for me, allowing me to volunteer for the festival was also a signal of the Chamber's support for the Creative and Digital Industries in the city. It's a rapidly expanding sector with endless possibilities. Places like Sheffield Technology Parks and the Workstation provide good foundations for future growth whilst home-grown businesses like ZOO Digital and Technophobia are flourishing. That's why Sheffield Chamber wants to continue to support them - especially if I get to go to next year's Doc/Fest!

For students

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:50:45 +0000

Sheffield Chamber offers a specific membership for students to join the Chamber of Commerce at a fraction of the standard cost. Student membership was created to help support students who have enrolled onto an accredited degree or diploma courses, to ensure that they realise their true potential and achieve the highest standards during their time at college or university and assist them with an insight to the world of employment.

Student Membership costs £25 + VAT and could be one of the best investments you make as your thoughts on your future career start to evolve.

We have also developed a range of rigorous and challenging professional training courses that have been designed to ensure that graduates can also develop the “soft skills” required once they leave university and join the world of work.

Other benefits include

12 months of membership which starts once payment is received
Membership Certificate – a unique selling point for potential future employment
Monthly First for Business magazine, Sheffield’s business magazine packed with local features and information
Monthly Chamber e-news, packed with members information, events and Chamber policy and representation activities
FREE members' evenings to make those important networking contacts
Dedicated Chamber contact to assist you with any needs that could assist you in your studies
Access to discounted business training
Assistance with CV writing and job opportunities via Chamber Recruitment Services

Will I have to pay for anything else?

A lot of the Chamber events and seminars are free of charge to members. Those that have a charge often include refreshments and have a discounted rate for members.

For individuals

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 19:51:40 +0000

Sheffield Chamber offers a specific membership for individuals wanting to join the Chamber of Commerce. Individual membership is aimed at sole traders or potential new business starts that would like to engage and access potential new clients across the City.

Other benefits include

12 months of membership which starts once payment is received
Membership Certificate - a unique selling point for potential future contracts
Monthly First for Business magazine, Sheffield's business magazine packed with local features and information
Monthly Chamber e-news, packed with members information, events and Chamber policy and representation activities
FREE members' evenings to make those important networking contacts
Dedicated Chamber contact to assist you with any needs that could assist you in developing your business ideas
Access to discounted business training
Assistance with funding opportunities and cost saving services

Will I have to pay for anything else?

A lot of the Chamber events and seminars are free of charge to members. Those that have a charge often include refreshments and have a discounted rate for members.

Women entrepreneurs

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:19:30 +0000

Sheffield Chamber is well known in the city for its continued efforts to promote equality. Our consistent emphasis on ability and hard work over gender has made us the first choice membership organisation for women in business, who see the efforts that the Chamber makes to promote their interests. The best example of this has been in the formation of our hugely successful Inspiring Women group.

Inspiring Women is made up of some of Sheffield's most successful business women. In joining Sheffield Chamber you have the opportunity to be associated with these top business people. The chair, Suzanne Liversidge, is managing partner of Kennedys and won Sheffield's ‘Business Woman of the Year' two consecutive times. In fact, a measure of the success of Inspiring Women is that from 2008 this award has been known as ‘Business Person of the Year'. Now exemplary candidates from both genders may compete for the award.

It is important for any business to remain active, especially through networking. Sheffield Chamber provides opportunities for this through the Inspiring Women group, running regular events for the benefit of entrepreneurs of both genders. These can vary from advisory workshops by experts in negotiation, to inspiring speeches by internationally recognised business people. Hundreds of people from across the region have been taking advantage of these events, and as a Chamber member you will receive discounted rates as well as exclusive updates on what is planned for the future.

Be inspired - join Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.

For further details about Inspiring Women, please contact Kate Stephenson on 0114 201 8899

International trade businesses

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:23:23 +0000

The Chamber's International department recognises the complexity of trading in international markets. Emerging economies are growing rapidly with competition being increasingly tough in the current business climate. It often appears to be much easier to expand into new markets for example, as the benefits are many, but mistakes can be time-consuming and costly.

The international trade portfolio offers solutions to the challenging conditions in this ever- changing environment. The team is dedicated to assisting companies in all aspects of international trade, thereby increasing the competitive advantage to your business and its performance.

Services include

Export documentation and trade procedures
Comprehensive export documentation processing service
Technical export and import advice
Business information
Market research
Credit checking service
Sales leads service
Language training
Interpreting services
Translation service
Training and development
Access to Letter of Credit service
Events, seminars and networking opportunities
Access to international networks
Cultural advice and training
Trade visits
Trade opportunities
Legislation updates
International eNewsletter

Will I have to pay for anything?

Any member of the South Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce is entitled to free technical import and export advice and can benefit from the ‘quick' enquiry service. Chargeable services are discounted up to 50% for members.

Promote your business

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 11:03:40 +0000

Every member receives an automatic subscription to our monthly publication, FFB (First for Business) that keeps you up to date with all latest business news in the region which is produced by our magazine partner Regional Magazine Company.

In addition, all of our members are added to the distribution list for our e-newsletters and updates, which are a great way to stay in the loop of Chamber activity. As well as all this, every member is allocated a listing in our Members e-Directory, an secure web based listing of all our members, which again is a great marketing tool.

Sponsorship opportunities

In addition, there are a great opportunities to sponsor our events which are attended by a wide range of members, many of whom could be interested in your company. We also contact our members on a regular basis through both print and digital media. We are always on the look-out for stories and articles concerning our members to include in our publications. Alternatively, members have the opportunity to advertise or include printed pieces in our mail-outs, with a circulation of up to 10,000

Sponsoring a Sheffield Chamber event offers you a powerful sales and marketing platform:

Build brand awareness and enhance your profile within the locality
Research markets, test ideas or build prospect lists
Meet new clients
Launch new products
Demonstrate a positive association with Chamber acitivities
Promote your company as a leading player in the industry
Keep in touch with existing clients

Event management

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:02:28 +0000

The Chamber Events Team organise over 40 events per year, ranging in size from small workshops through to awards dinners for over 1,000 guests. Our annual events calendar features a range of events, including:

Regular networking events for members such as our Members Evenings, SouthYorkshire Chamber Breakfasts and Evenings, and Networking After Hours events
Masterclasses with nationally recognised experts covering topics including marketing, sales, networking and referrals generation
Seminars and workshops that reflect current business issues or changes in business legislation; e.g. health & safety, environmental and employment law
Hospitality events, including the President's Shield Golf Tournament and St. Leger
A variety of events for our special focus groups including Inspiring Women, South Yorkshire Green Business Club and the BME Business Forum, Sheffield Property and Regeneration Committee, the Transport Forum
Large scale events ranging from our Annual Dinner to the Sheffield Business Awards, viewed by many as Sheffield's "Business Oscars", and the ever-growing annual Business and Economy Summit.

Our events programme is designed to service the needs of members, from networking or entertaining clients through to keeping abreast of current business thinking. Some of our events are available to any businesses, but it is through membership that you will gain preferential rates and access to the entire events programme. The value provided through the events programme alone often exceeds the annual membership fee.

Event management

Chamber Event Management can deliver dedicated tailored events, seminars, exhibitions, conferences and workshops that are truly business related. Events can be delivered on behalf of members and support agencies. Job Centre Plus, Learning Light and British Chambers of Commerce are just a sample of the clients we have recently worked with. We listen to business concerns and understand their aims and objectives. We then work with a host of partners to deliver innovative, creative and leading edge events that leave your delegates informed, engaged and inspired.

Chamber Event Management offers:

Full event management from conception to delivery
Locating, negotiating and securing venues
Catering management
Corporate and celebrity speaker finding
Event staging, A/V and management
Tailored market research and customer profiling
Marketing, advertising and PR management
Full on-line registration facilities
Post event evaluation

Finalists announced for Sheffield Business Awards

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:35:39 +0000

A record number of entries has yielded an outstanding shortlist for this year's Sheffield Business Awards. The prestigious honours, organised by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, celebrate the cream of the city's business community and promise to be the most hotly contested yet.

The shortlisted companies, of all sizes and from all sectors, will find out if they have won one of the coveted awards at a glittering celebration night on Thursday, 4 December at Ponds Forge ISC, Sheffield.

A total of 47 companies make up the finalists in 13 categories of the awards sponsored by BiG Make it Your Business and The Environment Agency

A number of companies feature in more than one award category. They include Macalloy, SEAMS Ltd, Davy Markham Limited and Williams Brothers.

Hotly contested

The two awards for individuals are set to be hotly contested. In the running for the Sheffield Hallam University Young Business Person of the Year Award are:

Jamie Cartwright, Managing Director and founder of pioneering new fitness centre Ladyzone
Bettina Yarde, Managing Director of Morgan Dias Immigration Consultants Ltd., which provides specialist immigration- related services
Tristan Cowell, Managing Director of IC Innovations, suppliers of a range of innovative products to High Street retailers.

In the Rensburg Sheppards Business Person of the Year Award three well-known individuals are competing for the coveted title. They are:

Jo Haigh from leading UK's accountancy and financial management practice Martin Greene Rayden
Susan Battersby, Managing Director of Williams Fasteners, suppliers of industrial fasteners and allied products
David Heugh, from Freeman College (part of the Ruskin Mill Educational Trust Ltd), a centre of excellence for young people with autistic spectrum disorders.

Paul Reeves, Director of Business Development at the Chamber, said: "This event is now firmly established as the city's premier showcase of business achievement. Whilst some entrants will be disappointed to have missed out, we've been informed that there was an extremely high standard of applications this year, forcing the judges to make a lot of difficult decisions. Now the finalists have a nervous wait to find out who will win on the night."

Jon Culshaw to compere

Impressionist and comedian Jon Culshaw, will compere the glitzy awards ceremony. The television star will help hand out the trophies during the evening, which will also include a four course dinner, live band and disco.

Jon is renowned for his work with Radio 1's Chris Moyles, Dead Ringers and Spitting Image where he came to fame with more than 40 voice impressions of personalities including the then Prime Minister John Major.

He hit the headlines in 1998 while working for a radio station. Impersonating Tory leader William Hague, he succeeded in contacting 10 Downing Street where he was put through to Prime Minister Tony Blair and had a conversation with him.

Chamber chief executive Nigel Tomlinson said: "Jon's impressions have delighted so many people over the years and we are excited that he is compering our prestigious event. He is a huge success in his own field and knows all about achieving so he will be in good company on the night."

* Companies shortlisted for the HSBC Outstanding Business of the Year Award will be revealed in next week's Star Business Weekly when full details will be given on how readers can vote for the organisation which demonstrates outstanding leadership and vision, successful performance against business plan, forward plans for substantial growth and be an inspiration to other businesses.

Sheffield Business Awards 2008

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:36:11 +0000

After a record number of entries, more than 40 companies and individuals made the shortlist for the 13 categories in the Awards, organised by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by BiG Make It Your Business and The Environment Agency.

Before a capacity audience at SIV's Ponds Forge, the Awards celebrated the cream of the city's business community. Impressionist and comedian Jon Culshaw who compered the event made sure the business community's voice was heard after treating the audience to a selection of his famous impressions including Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, George Bush and Russell Crowe.

Double success for MyJobGroup Ltd & DavyMarkham Ltd

MyJobGroup Ltd won the HSBC Outstanding Business of the Year title as well as the Sheffield Technology Parks Creative and Digital Industries Innovation Award.

DavyMarkham Limited also came out on top in two categories - another indication that Sheffield still has a strong manufacturing base.

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Nigel Tomlinson said:

"The night showcased that, despite the current difficult economic times, Sheffield still has at its core businesses and individuals who are real driving forces, delivering outstanding performances day after day, year after year."

To view photo's of the event please click here

RE: Skilling the City - What the city is doing for you! 14/05/09

Thu, 28 May 2009 09:52:14 +0000

The RE: Skilling the City event, which took place at The Source during May was a resounding success, with the majority of delegates rating the event as being excellent.

The audience was made up of agencies involved in training, diplomas and apprenticeships as well as various funding streams, along with employers from around the region.

Speakers joined Sir Alan Jones, National Employer Champion, Semta to provide an overview of national and regional initiatives.

Simon Baddeley, 14-19 Manager commented, "SCC is grateful to the Sheffield Chamber for undertaking the organisation of this conference and in particular for securing the attendance of Sir Alan Jones . Sir Alan's presentation and all the others underlined the importance of sustaining the investment in education and training for the workforce of the future so that Sheffield can emerge from the present downturn with a set of skills and knowledge that will enable the city to be competitive in the future".

Please click here to view the presentations.

South Yorkshire International Trade Centre

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:01:31 +0000

The SYITC is part of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and is a joint initiative of Sheffield Chamber working with Barnsley & Rotherham and Doncaster Chambers. The team is dedicated to supporting members in all aspects of international trade and is at hand to help with some of the complexities of trading internationally.

Our aim is to support businesses wanting to grow their markets overseas as well as improving competitiveness through importing goods and services, contributing to the growth of businesses in South Yorkshire and beyond.

Event Terms and Conditions

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:44:56 +0000

Events Terms and Conditions

1.    All events must be paid in full before delegates attend.
2.    Payment can be made by credit / debit card, BACS or cheque.
3.    A receipted invoice will be sent out for payments by credit / debit card by email/or post
4.    SCCI have the right to refuse entry to events to any delegate who has not made payment in full.
5.    Delegates attending events without pre-booking must pay on entry to the event.

Note: Credit / debit card details will be taken and processed the following day. A receipt will then be emailed/posted.

6. All cancellations must be made in writing to events@scci.org.uk to be eligible for a refund as per the guide below:

Networking After Hours	cancel before 5pm the day before the scheduled event to be eligible for a refund. Attendance is limited to 3 delegates per organisation. Sheffield Chamber patrons may have a maximum of 4 delegates.
South Yorkshire Chambers Breakfast	cancel 5 working days before to be eligible for a refund.
South Yorkshire Chambers Evenings	cancel 5 working days before to be eligible for a refund.
Presidents Annual Dinner	50% refund up to and including the 11th Feb 2010, no refunds after the 11th Feb 2010.
St. Leger	No refunds after a booking has been made.
Members Evenings / Meet the Neighbours	Exhibition stands - cancel 5 working days before to be eligible for a refund. Max of 3 delegates per organisation. Free for attendance of delegates but SCCI reserve the right to charge a fee of £15 + vat charged for non-attendence if notification hasn't been given in writing to events@scci.org.uk by the date of the event.
Sheffield Business Awards	to be confirmed.
Ride the recession, ready for the recovery	No refunds will be given from date of booking.
RE: Inventing Business - Business & Economy Conference	100% refund upto and including 5th May 2010. 50% refund upto and including 31st May 2010. No refund given from 1st June 2010.
Inspiring Women	Cancellations must be made in writing to events@scci.org.uk by midday the day before the event

Sheffield Business Festival

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:17:12 +0000

Sheffield launches first ever business festival

Sheffield is set to host its first ever month-long business festival - celebrating everything good about enterprise in the city.

The Sheffield Business Festival will run throughout the whole of September showcasing a variety of companies via informative seminars and events for business owners, managers and employees.

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce is leading on the month-long event, incorporating all their member activities, such as the ever popular South Yorkshire Chambers Breakfast and Networking After Hours events, this year hosted by Popolo in Leopold Square.

The Chamber's annual general meeting will also take place during the month, where members can receive the ‘Celebrating Business' certificates if they have been trading for more than 25, 50, 75 or 100 years.

On 10 September, Sheffield Chamber members can enjoy corporate hospitality at the St. Leger Festival at Doncaster Racecourse. The unique race day will offer the chance to entertain clients and employees but also network with members from Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber.

Sheffield Chamber events are all about representing our members and an important element of the Sheffield Business Festival is how member companies can become involved, not only through attending planed events but also by advertising their own on the Sheffield Chamber website.

If you are a member of Sheffield Chamber and have an event planned for September, you can place details on the events calendar part of this website. A link will be included back to your own website and the event will be included in an e-shot distributed to the Chamber's entire database. This is all for £50 plus vat.

To submit events for listing, please email full details including venue, date and cost to attend to events@scci.org.uk. Please note that events will be listed at the discretion of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and submission does not guarantee inclusion.

For any queries relating to events please contact:
Angela Wall, Events Team Leader on 0114 201 8930, angela.wall@scci.org.uk
or
Kate Stephenson, Events Co-ordinator on 0114 201 8899, kate.stephenson@scci.org.uk

South Yorkshire Chambers Networking Evening 15/04/10

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:28:51 +0000

Following feedback throughout 2009 from members we have launched this new series of events. Following exactly the same format as the SYC Breakfasts, the activity is focussed around structured networking achieved through table shuffles.

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce hosted the inaugural event and at the recently refurbished Rutland Hotel. The inaugural was a sell out and feedback received has been fantastic.

It is great that organisations are understanding the importance of networking to build brand awareness and increase business and referrals.

There is a marked difference in the cross section of organisations who attend the SY Chamber Networking events compared with the other types of networking events that we offer, such as the Networking After Hours. It is important for businesses to attend a variety of types of event to increase the scope of businesses with whom to make contact with.

Constructive feedback was offered by delegates as to how to improve these events and we look to implement these at the next SY Chamber Networking Evening, in June.

Meet the Neighbours 18/05/10

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:51:15 +0000

The first Meet the Neighbours event saw members of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce meet with members of Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire Chambers of Commerce at the Sheffield Park Hotel.

Eighteen organisations took up the opportunity of displaying their services via exhibition stands to enhance their brand recognition and increase the interest in their product or service to attending delegates.

"It was a very worthwhile event providing an opportunity to meet lots of new contacts".

"We met lots of contacts and Sheffield Chamber staff such as George and Amar were friendly and helpful and offered to introduce us to any contacts that we would like to meet."

"It was really worthwhile exhibiting as we had a lot of interest in the stand. Very impressed with the venue. We had lots of space to exhibit and table was already covered and prepared. The pre event information was spot on and the events team were fab".

Delegates went away with positive contacts on which to build to secure business.

Look out for the next members only networking event on the 5th July!

South Yorkshire Chambers Networking Evening 1/06/10

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 12:01:00 +0000

The second in this new series of events following exactly the same format as the SYC Breakfasts, the activity is focussed around structured networking achieved through table shuffles.

Hosted by Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce at Aston Hall Hotel, delegate numbers have increased following the successful launch of these events in March.

Once again, a variety of organisations attended to promote their products and services via speaking to each table and moving tables a number of times throughout the evening. A business card draw also increased the brand awareness of selected companies.

Feedback from the inital event was responded to - mainly through increasing the number of table shuffles offered and increasing the amount of networking time at the beginning and end of the event where delegates were able to speak with others who they may not have sat with as part of the table shuffles.

It is great that organisations are understanding the importance of networking to build brand awareness and increase business and referrals.

There is a marked difference in the cross section of organisations who attend the SY Chamber Networking events compared with the other types of networking events that we offer, such as the Networking After Hours. It is important for businesses to attend a variety of types of event to increase the scope of businesses with whom to make contact with.

Click here for details of the next South Yorkshire Chambers Networking Evening in October!

Members Evening 05/07/2010

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 10:35:28 +0000

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce invited you to attend this popular networking event kindly hosted by Hilton Sheffield, where the evening included an exhibition, short presentations from both SCCI and the venue, and also a lovely summer BBQ.
Attendees were able to make new contacts and business leads and promote your businesses whilst enjoying one of Sheffields finest venues.

Attendance Rate
• 100 target
• 120 attended this event
• 120 % attendance against target

High Level Statistics
• 100 % of the respondents rated the venue as good to excellent
• 100 % of the respondents rated the Chamber Events Team as good to excellent
• 86 % of the respondents rated the delegate list as good to excellent

Positive feedback
• Very good benefits
• Good - 3 contacts made. One job already!
• The event was well organised. It seemed to run very smoothly.
• Should look at a fun night, more of a social thing.

Sheffield Business Awards

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 09:22:03 +0000

Welcome to Sheffield Business Awards 2010!

Celebrating Business Excellence in Sheffield

The Sheffield Business Awards, organised by Sheffield Chamber, in association with First for Business magazine, are now in their ninth year and showcase the cream of local business.

Firmly embedded in the city's social calendar and seen as the pinnacle of the festive events season, the well-established awards form a key part in an annual celebration of business achievement in the region for individuals, SMEs and larger organisations.

The Sheffield Business Awards are part of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce's ongoing commitment to supporting businesses, whatever their size.

This year's event is themed around a ‘Night at the Movies' and promises to be an evening to remember, hosted by TV comic Jon Culshaw.

To find out how you can be a part of the prestigious Sheffield Business Awards, click here

The awards are open to any business with an ‘S' postcode - both members and non-members of Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.

Please see http://www.sheffieldbusinessawards.org.uk/