Sheffield Chamber of Commerce - Items tagged 'business'

How healthy is your business?

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:23:19 +0000

Businesses play a vital role in the whole community. They provide jobs, goods and services that are essential to daily life. Unfortunately, obesity is a becoming the single biggest health problem facing the UK. It is estimated that 24% of the adult population is currently classed as obese. More worryingly, the prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing quickly. In 2004/05, 16% of Sheffield children in reception year were obese or overweight. In 2008/09 this had risen to 22%. The trend is similar for higher age groups.

Sheffield Let's Change4Life is an innovative programme that is aiming to tackle obesity and as part of this they are seeking the support and expertise of the business community. Here at Sheffield Chamber of Commerce we are raising the profile of the initiative through our extensive networks. Not only are we trying to get support for the family side but we are also showing the benefits of a healthier workplace. Not many know that obesity causes an estimated 19,000,000 sick days a year and costs the UK economy billions in lost productivity.

Make sure that your business and the people you employ are fit and health and see productivity and morale increase. For further details on how we can work with you contact iain.smith@scci.org.uk

ITQ? F.O.C!

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 23:12:38 +0000

It is not often you get something for free without it being too good to be true. Well this is an offer you cannot refuse to turn down.

What is ITQ?

ITQ is the National Vocational Qualification for IT Users which demonstrates staff competence in the use of IT in the workplace. It is offered at levels 1, 2 and 3. In Scotland, the qualification is called the Scottish Vocational Qualification in Using IT.

ITQ is primarily aimed at IT users and not professional IT staff such as engineers and developers. ITQ was developed by employers for use in the workplace and has the full backing of a number of awarding bodies. It has been in use in all sectors of business and industry for 3 years.

F.O.C?

Sheffield Chamber of Commerce in association with the South Yorkshire Chambers of Commerce and the South Yokshire colleges have secured funding to be able to deliver the qualification free of charge* (*subject to criteria) to employers across South Yorkshire.

In times of business recovery, new skills in IT, for free? If that is not worth a call to the Chamber, nothing will be.

The Male Ostrich Syndrome

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 23:34:27 +0000

Thursday 29th January, saw the launch of the Business Recovery Service (BRS). The message was clear from Nick Bates, Partner at Irwin Mitchell "face up to the reality of where your business is at and do not suffer the male ostrich syndrome".

Fact - "An ostrich's first response to fear is to run. Not only do they not stay to protect the eggs, they attempt to detract a predator to follow them".

This could translate to "If your business is suffering, let it go bust, leave all of your staff in the mire and then re-start with a new business name with your old suppliers!.

Help is on hand through the BRS, from finance advise, to HR guidance through to marketing support. By working together and learning from some of the sound advice that was given this morning, members can take the necessary steps to ensure that they are giving their business the necessary overhaul to fight through the turbulent times ahead.

No-one has a crystal ball or a magic wand, but one thing we can certainly be sure of, the Chamber and its base of members are up for the challenge and ready to support Sheffield business.

The words of Hermann Beck "It is easier to recover from a bruised ego than insolvency".

For assistance there is a dedicated e-mail that is available to all Sheffield businesses brs@scci.org.uk

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

Business Environment Centre

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:31:07 +0000

Documents on behalf of BEC.

South Yorkshire Green Business Club - Real World Solutions

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 10:57:50 +0000

In the second of two subtle changes this was also our first meeting in Barnsley reflecting this years move to becoming a truly sub regional green business club.

Following on from our first two SYGBC presentations of the year and our delegate feedback, the March presentation moved on from highlighting the business possibilities that the environmental sector provides. The popular breakfast meeting demonstrated some real world solutions and success stories.

Pagets Building Merchants Ltd's Chief Executive, Lorcan Anglin gave a presentation demonstrating some of these new commercial products but also discussed the difficulties in establishing and making them real ‘solutions' rather than simply hypothetical ‘opportunities'.

Based in Sheffield, Pagets are an excellent example of a business seizing the opportunity and developing new products and services. Based in a sector classically perceived as inefficient and wasteful Pagets Ltd are fully aware of the potential and demand for new products and techniques.

Diploma champion joins city skills event

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 11:56:25 +0000

The Diploma Champion will outline the important role the qualification could play in helping businesses bounce back from the recession when he joins guest speakers at an education and skills conference in Sheffield.

Diploma Champion for Employers Sir Alan Jones will use his speech at the RE:Skilling the City event to reinforce why employers and young people equally value the diplomas.

The one-day event will be hosted by Sheffield Chamber of Commerce and Sheffield City Council and cover other key employment and education issues such as Apprenticeships, as well as officially launch the City Skills Strategy.

Currently senior executive advisor to Toyota Motor Europe and Chairman Emeritus of Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Limited, Sir Alan took responsibility for the Chairmanship of Semta (Science, Engineering, Manufacturing, Technologies Alliance) in 2006.

He said: "Maintaining and building a business's competitive edge is critical during a recession and so too is supporting Diplomas. When we come out of this recession, it is today's young people that will help shape the country's economic fortunes tomorrow.

"The 14-19 reforms are a welcome development. They offer young people clear and flexible routes into the working world, responding to their own interests and abilities while reflecting the different needs of employers.

"Employers benefit, too. They can raise aspirations and awareness of what kind of job opportunities are open to young people and recruit young people that are more informed, more enthusiastic and better prepared for work. And they can build a positive local reputation or simply support their community by making a difference to the lives of young people."

Sir Alan has previously written passionately in the national media about how the practical skills of the Diplomas are exactly what is required to help businesses emerge from the recession.

According to semta, a recent Diploma Employer Champions Network poll of Year 11 students found that 70 per cent said they would work harder if studies were linked to employment, 78 per cent believed work-related study could help them to secure their ideal job and 60 per cent agreed that undertaking work experience had given them a better understanding of what future employers would expect of them.

RE:Skilling the City will be held at The Source at Meadowhall on May 14 and follows a raft of initiatives by the Chamber on the subject of training and skills development over the last few years.

Paul Reeves, director of business development at the Chamber added: "We are delighted to have secured Sir Alan as a keynote speaker at this important city event.

"The Diploma will play a huge part in assisting employers with their future workforce needs by combining core subjects with nurturing problem-solving skills and creative thinking.

"Ultimately, it offers an introduction to the world of employment through applying what is learned in the classroom to real-life work."

Red tape costs on rise again for regional business

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 08:54:59 +0000

The regional business community in Yorkshire and the Humber has been burdened more heavily by red tape and regulations over the last 11 years than individual countries such as Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The shocking statistic was published by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) in their Burdens Barometer report 2009 which also revealed that the total cost of major regulations to UK businesses since 1998 now stands at £76.81 billion.

The 2009 Barometer shows that in Yorkshire and Humber businesses have paid £5.7bn since 1998 - a rise of £900million on last year.

Meanwhile, in countries such as Scotland, the burden total is significantly less - £4.8bn since 1998, while Wales has paid out £3.2bn in contrast to the Yorkshire and Humber region.

On a more positive note, 18 regulations since 1998 are now producing a total saving for UK business worth £1.4 billion - evidence, say both the British and Sheffield Chambers of Commerce, that the government's better regulation agenda is beginning to have an impact.

Sheffield Chamber policy and representation manager Helen Rana said: "It is shocking to think that in just over a decade businesses across the counties of Yorkshire and the Humber have paid out more in red tape than whole countries like Scotland and Wales.

"Our region's businesses - like those across the UK - are currently facing the toughest economic environment for a generation. Company cash-flow is being squeezed and the last thing any organisation needs is to be choked by more red tape.

"Despite three Acts of Parliament designed to reduce the regulatory impact, the steady increase continues in our region.

"However, we welcome the savings that some regulations have brought with them and also agree with BCC director general David Frost when he says the government's moratorium on new regulations - set to come in this year - should help to introduce inexpensive help to British firms."

According to the BCC, the two most burdensome regulations in the Barometer for UK businesses are Working Time Regulations 1999 which, to date, has cost £17.8bn with a recurring annual cost of £1.8bn.

The second is the Vehicle Excise Duty (Reduced Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 2000 (EU Pollution Directive 98/69/EC) which has incurred costs of £10.4bn with a recurring cost of £1.2bn.

The Burdens Barometer is an independently produced calculation of the cumulative cost to business of new regulation, compiled by the Manchester and London Business Schools and calculated using the Government's own figures.

Business Yorkshire 2008

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:51:15 +0000

A resounding success...

The inaugural Business Yorkshire event was hailed a huge success as over 2,800 visitors descended on Doncaster Racecourse for two days of inspiration, education and networking.

The event featured over 30 informative workshops and motivational seminars in the How To theatre and Business Link Innovation Lounge including keynote speeches from world famous business names such as Michelle Mone of Ultimo Lingerie, the ‘first woman in football' Karen Brady, HSBC's Chief Economist Dennis Turner and The Apprentice stars Kristina Grimes and Jennifer Celerier. Speed networking proved to be a popular feature and the Angles Den investment theatre provided valuable information and funding to budding entrepreneurs.

100 companies exhibited from a diverse array of business sectors taking full advantage of being put in front thousands of regional decision makers. The large complimentary drinks evening further provided a relaxed environment for exhibitors to network and build lasting relationships with visitors and exhibitors alike.

Business Yorkshire had a tremendous foundation of support from both Sheffield and Doncaster Chambers of Commerce, Business Link Yorkshire, Train to Gain, The Chartered Institute of Marketing, and the Institute of Directors. Our Media Partner, The Yorkshire Post provided fantastic coverage in promoting the event.

This report summarises Business Yorkshire's success and is based on findings from an independent research company, FocusZenith and pre-registration data.

RE: Inventing Business 18/06/09

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:40:16 +0000

Business leaders from across Yorkshire descended on Sheffield for the city's most important business summit ever.

‘RE:Inventing Business - The International Business and Economy Summit' returned to Sheffield City Hall for a third year, with organisers Sheffield Chamber of Commerce hailing it as the most significant yet thanks to keynote contributions from the world of enterprise, banking and business.

Economic figureheads from across Europe, Asia and the USA as well as Yorkshire attended the summit, which for the first time featured afternoon workshops on sports, innovation, international trade and restructuring.

Top speakers included Kavita Oberoi, star of popular Channel 4 series The Secret Millionaire, who impressed on more than 350 delegates the importance of enterprise in city economies such as Sheffield's.

Feedback from delegates showed that 85% of the respondents rated the event as good to excellent and the most popular speakers were Idoia Postigo (Bilbao), Dewitt Peart (Pittsburgh) and Sabine Noll (Dusseldorf).

Comments from delegates included;

"There is good reason to be optimistic, though 'reinvention' may not be the key. Rather, enthusiasm, skills and finance will permit this regions recovery".
"The event opened my eyes to a more global view of today's recession whilst at the same time giving inspiration to SME's".
"I came back with a renewed energy to invest in people more".
"I learnt something at all of the presentations - key message - have to keep moving the business forward, do not be timid- be bold!"
"We have been re-inventing our business for sometime. The presentation confirmed our approach".
"Must innovate!"

Read the full report here - click on Conference Guide (this is a large file and may take a few minutes to download)

Inspiring Women 20/05/09 Shooting Stars!

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:26:28 +0000

An inspiring woman has spoken about how businesses should embrace the recession - and bin their SMART objectives!
Liz Jackson, managing director of Great Guns Marketing,was the key speaker at the latest Women in Business Annual Joint Chambers event, organised by the three South Yorkshire Chambers and hosted by Sheffield Chamber.
Liz left school with three O-levels and, with little funding, decided to launch Great Guns Marketing. But the year she started to develop the business, she lost her sight completely as a result of the eye disorder Retinitis Pigmentosa. She ignored medical advice to shut down the business and today Great Guns turns over more than £3million and is continuing to grow, despite the recession.
Liz said: "The media will tell you can't build a business in a recession, but the downturn has built innovation and creativity in the workplace and we've all had to think outside the box. It has made business fun. There is more competitiveness and we should embrace and work with it. "That's why I'm not enthused by SMART objectives. Smart, Measureable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely take the fun out of business - you need the fun stuff to achieve goals. My motto in business is if you think you can, or you think you can't, you're absolutely right!"
Also speaking on the day was ‘Young Gun', Ruth Amos, a 19-year-old entrepreneur who designed the StairSteady in response to a teacher challenge at school when she was 16.
Inspiring Women is a forum of Sheffield Chamber and has been created to help the region's business community recognise the benefits we gain from the passion, power and dynamism of women in business.
The Inspiring Women event, ‘Young GunsMeet Great Guns', was held at the Lyceum and sponsored by Natwest Bank, Business & Education South Yorkshire and BiG.

This event recieved fantastic feedback and was a huge success. We hope you will continue to support the Inspiring Women group, and look forward to holding more fantastic business events with great speakers.

Business Growth Clubs

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:17:16 +0000

Business Growth Clubs help your business reach the next level

They're a series of informal, hands-on business workshops that introduce you to a group of likeminded people and where you can learn from experts in the field to help develop a winning growth strategy for your business.

Regular sessions cover a whole range of topics vital to helping your business grow in the right direction and fight off all the competition.

You'll work with some of the biggest hitters in business on everything from banking and finance, IT and communications to sales and marketing, motivating people and using innovation and design to enable your business to stand out from the crowd.

Learn essential information and advice from experts and peer to find ways to help your business grow and flourish.

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

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 for full details of the 2010 event to be at!