Welcome to our latest edition of Grapevine, as we enjoy the changing seasons and all benefit from the precious extra hour in the day, let’s look back at everything the Chambers has been up to this October.
Another month full of events, training and workshops to help boost the Essex business community. If you would like any information on our upcoming events or how we can help support your business then don’t hesitate to visit our website.
Social Media Training – Linking you to new opportunities
Attendees gained a whole host of knowledge and insights in our Improving your LinkedIn Skills workshop. Our course facilitators SRX Consultancy shared their expertise on how attendees could get the most out of their personal and business LinkedIn accounts.
LinkedIn is one of the oldest social media platforms and is a fantastic tool to boost not just a company’s online profile but your own personal professional presence with like minded business connections. Our attendees learned about the specific functions of the platform and helpful tips on how to use these to their own benefit, creating engaging content and generating new followers.
SRX Consultancy are hosting a whole host of these workshops on a selection of different platforms including Instagram and X. The next session will be the Improving your Facebook Skills workshop on Tuesday 5th December. You can find the whole course list on our Events page.
Spookily Good Virtual Networking
On the 11th October we were joined by some fantastic businesses at our monthly online Virtual Networking session. Another great morning of good conversations and connections.
We were also joined by Sean Ayling of Everyone Health who spoke to all our attendees on the work the company is doing in the region to help support businesses with the well-being responsibilities.
Our Virtual Networking sessions are free to our Members and are not only a brilliant benefit but also a relaxed and convenient way to make new contacts and boost your business profile. Our next session is Wednesday 15th November, we look forward to seeing you there.
Embracing Change Webinar
Wednesday 18th October was World Menopause Day and we observed this with our own Embracing Change – Menopause Awareness for Employees webinar. Joined by Gemma Todd, Head of HR Services & Projects at Kingswood Group for the second in our series of webinars aimed to help everyone understand how Menopause affects those who are experiencing it, the impact this can have on them at work and ways they can be supported.
Whereas the first session was aimed specifically at employers and what they can do to help their staff, the second session was targeted at employees providing valuable insights and practical strategies to help them navigate this difficult period whilst at work.
This webinar was not just about sharing information but also letting attendees know that they are not alone. By having conversations and sharing knowledge around topics such as Menopause it will have a positive impact on employees and a company as whole, creating an open and positive culture at your business.
Employment Law Essentials for Mangers
Attendees learnt how to navigate the minefield of Employment Law in our helpful webinar with David Dixey an Employment Law Specialist at Holmes & Hills Solicitors. David explored the areas of Employment Law that all Managers must have a good grasp on for a business to stay compliant as well as maintaining a good reputation as being a great place to work.
Here at the Chambers, we hold a host of helpful webinars and workshops on a variety of different topics to help support your business, check out our upcoming sessions via our website.
Trade Expert Training in October
It’s been another great month in our International Trade Department as our International Trade Documentation Admin, Melanie Chaney passed her exams to become a fully-fledged ‘happy stammer’ for documentation. Now Mel cannot not only advise you on the process but is fully qualified to stamp your documentation. Congratulations to Mel on this fantastic achievement!
Many of you benefitted from attending our Trade Expert Training course, Incoterms 2020 Workshop on 25th October. This half day session explained the importance of Incoterms, the three letter acronyms used to define risks and responsibilities to buyers and sellers in international trade contracts. We hold this course regularly with the next session scheduled for Friday 15th December, book your place today to help keep your company compliant when trading internationally.
Delegates are learned all about Export Procedures & Documentation with our course facilitators Exporting Unlocked. They all now have a better understanding on the basic key areas around exporting including the requirements for documentation. This session is accredited and forms part of the British Chambers of Commerce Foundation Award in International Trade. Once the course finishes, attendees can complete a short exam to gain a credit towards this nationally recognised accreditation. Recently, Jenson Davies from the Woodland Group achieved this prestigious award, read more about his accomplishment in our International Trade Newsletter.
Our Den at No.10
Recently Denise Rossiter, CEO of Essex Chambers of Commerce, had the privilege of attending a private reception with the Secretary of State for Skills, Gillian Keegan, at No. 10 Downing Street. They discussed our ongoing work on the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Essex. Denise was joined by Anna Firth MP for Southend West and Denise Brown, CEO & Principal of South Essex College.
Denise has consistently advocated for the development of a skilled and adaptable workforce in Essex and expressed her enthusiasm for this collaborative effort. She stated, "I am truly honoured to have had the opportunity to engage with Secretary of State Gillian Keegan on this critical initiative. The Local Skills Improvement Plan is key to transforming our local economy by ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the evolving demands of businesses in our region."
An Exclusive look behind the scenes and Ipeco Holdings
This Halloween our Members definitely get a treat rather than a trick as they enjoyed an exclusive networking event and tour at Ipeco Holdings in Southend.
Attendees explored Ipeco’s new state of the art facilities and heard from their Financial Director Sarah Nash as she talked through the history of this internationally renowned company and their commitment to investing in their staff and apprentices for their future growth. Founded in 1960, Ipeco is a family-owned company that produces aircraft crew seating and executive jet passenger seating for global heavy weights such as Boeing and Gulfstream.
Thank you so much to Ipeco Holdings and to all who attended.