As we approach the end of May it feels like 2025 is flying by at an incredible pace! We are on the brink of being halfway through the year, but they do say time flies when you’re having fun. However, it’s also important to take time to pause, reflect and celebrate the positive news and achievements from our vibrant member community.
This May edition of Grapevine is packed with brilliant insights, stories, and successes from businesses across Essex. As always, it’s been a busy month for the Chambers, and we’re excited to share a round-up of the latest events, updates, and highlights from the past month.
Den at No.10
We were proud to see our CEO, Denise Rossiter, invited to a special reception at No.10 Downing Street alongside Patron, Chris Newenham, Joint Managing Director of Wilkin & Sons, Tiptree.
The event provided an opportunity to hear directly from the Prime Minister and EU leaders about the recent agreement reached at the UK-EU Leaders’ Summit. The news was encouraging for UK exporters, particularly those in the food and drink sector, with a permanent deal to remove checks, helping to cut costs, reduce waste, and boost sales.
We hope the success of the Summit marks a new chapter and lays the foundation for stronger, long-term relationships with our European partners.
Networking with a Giant of Global Logistics
Attendees were warmly welcomed to Ziegler UK’s bright, modern premises, located on the DP World Logistics Park at our recent networking event. They enjoyed delicious food & great networking opportunities in the organisation’s purpose built breakout space, whilst learning more about the background of the company from Managing Director, Lee Marshall.
The behind-the-scenes tour of the warehouse enabled our Members to experience the incredible scale of Ziegler’s operation. As architects of transport and logistics, Ziegler have a worldwide network to move goods easily and reliably.
A highlight of the tour was seeing the company’s newest “team member”, Ziggy. Ziggy is a stock taking robot, capable of scanning every item in the warehouse every evening. Providing the team and customers with precise stock takes daily.
Thank you to Lee and the whole team at Ziegler UK Ltd for a fantastic evening.
Celebrating Angela’s 10 Year Work Anniversary!
Congratulations to our International Trade Manager, Angela Turner, on her 10-year work anniversary!
Starting as an International Trade Officer, Angela has climbed the ladder to lead the entire international trade team. Her guidance, support, and in-depth knowledge have been instrumental to the team's growth and success.
We truly don’t know what we’d do without her expertise and dedication. Here’s to 10 fantastic years — and many more to come.
Essex LSIP recognised at the Kings Garden Party
On Wednesday 14 May our LSIP Executive Director, Joanne Giles, and her husband attended the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. This incredibly special occasion was to celebrate and recognise those working in Education and Skills and was a momentous day for Joanne and the Essex Chambers.
The work our LSIP team undertake leading the Essex Local Skills Improvement Plan has received national recognition and is an exemplary example of bringing together education providers and businesses to address the skills gaps and concerns in the county. Our business led approach helps local industries to have direct input into curriculum development and steer the skills needs of the future.
Not only did they have the honour of meeting the King and Queen but also had the privilege of meeting Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons.
Skills and Sophistication at Wivenhoe House Hotel
It’s been a busy month for Joanne Giles. Not long after her royal escapade she spoke at our recent networking event at the elegant Wivenhoe House Hotel. It was an amazing evening of networking and skills discussions. Whilst addressing attendees Jo explained how the Local Skills Improvement Plan is helping to shape the skills requirements in our county.
It was very apt for Jo to be giving this talk at Wivenhoe House Hotel, as they are a perfect example of a business working with education providers to address industry skills gaps. Wivenhoe House work with the University of Essex on The Edge Hotel School, the first of its kind in the UK. Offering students a degree as well as practical experience in a real-world environment.
There was a fantastic atmosphere as guests enjoyed connecting with fellow attendees in the wonderful historical surroundings of the hotel. We were happy to be joined by Lisa Grantham, Events Manager, at the 4-star hotel, who spoke to attendees about the history and hidden gems of Wivenhoe House. From a painting of the house by world renowned artist, John Constable, to a purpose-built balcony for Prince Albert to wave soldiers off to war. After the talks, Lisa was also on hand to give guided tours of the fantastic hotel facilities. Thank you to everyone who attended a truly great evening of networking.
Dates for your Diaries
🛣️ Networking at the Park Inn with Lower Thames Crossing - Wednesday 4 June
🗣️ How Professional Translations Unlock Global Markets – Thursday 12 June
💻 June Virtual Networking – Tuesday 17 June
💡 Understanding the CPTTP Webinar – Tuesday 17 June
📱 Improving your Content & Planning for Social Media Workshop – Wednesday 18 June
🧮 Understanding Principles of VAT – Thursday 19 June
⛳ Chambers Annual Golf Day - Wednesday 25 June
🛍️ Networking with Fenwick Colchester – Wednesday 2 July
💵 US Trade Tariffs Webinar – Monday 7 July
📆 A Guide to Developing your Strategy for Social Media Workshop – Tuesday 8 July
🤝 FREE Member Networking & AGM – Thursday 17 July
🎪 Festival of Business - Wednesday 5 November