As we prepare to enter March, the last month of winter, lighter evenings and early cherry blossoms signal that Spring will soon be here. In this edition we bid farewell to February and take a moment to reflect on the incredible month we’ve had together. It maybe the shortest month of the year, even with the extra day, but we’ve certainly managed to fit a lot in.
The past few weeks have been filled with exciting events, meaningful activities and noteworthy achievements that have shaped our community. It’s a pleasure to include so many fantastic articles from our Members sharing their good news and expert advice, highlighting the superb standard of business in Essex.
We hope you enjoy this edition with all it’s brilliant content. Would you like to be featured in Grapevine? Then get in touch today.
Building Relationships this ‘Love’ month through Virtual Networking
At Essex Chambers we’re all about helping you build relationships that last and February has been a great opportunity to ‘spread the love’ whilst helping to grow networks.
An early Valentine’s treat was our monthly Virtual Networking event. It’s been a delight to see a renewed interest in these sessions since the start of 2024. We did think that perhaps Virtual Networking would become another relic of the covid area business landscape however, opportunities like this are still proving invaluable to professionals looking to expand their networks.
These approachable and friendly events are not just convenient to fit into a busy work schedule, with the difficulties surrounding the cost of doing business crisis they are completely free for our Members to attend. If you would like to strengthen your network then join us on Wednesday 27th March for our next event.
Brilliant Breakfast Networking at Bartech Marine Engineering
What may have been a very early morning start for the Essex Chambers team was totally worth it after the tremendous success of our recent Networking Event at Bartech Marine Engineering Ltd’s Colchester premises. We were joined by a great collection of businesses who arrived ready and raring to go, making introductions and connections that could benefit them for years to come.
There was a wonderful buzz in the room and once everyone had refuelled with caffeine and scrumptious breakfast rolls our attendees gathered round to hear from the company’s Managing Director Paul Bleck. Paul gave a brief history of the company and the plans that have been implemented to see that Bartech remains a titan of engineering well into the future.
Since the event Paul commented saying “Being open about our challenges and actions from the past 37 years can feel daunting, but I really enjoyed sharing our past experiences and forward vision.
“Thanks to Essex Chambers of Commerce for giving us the opportunity to host this event and helping us make some aligned connections as we work towards our 2030 vision.”
The feedback from our attendees has been overwhelming. It’s a joy to see so many of you benefiting from our events. If it means a little less sleep and a little more coffee then it’s well worth it. Check out our look ahead article to see what other exciting opportunities are coming up at the Chambers.
Training Workshops – Supporting you and your business
We’ve had a number of great training and workshop sessions this month.
Our Trade Expert Training kicked off with our Understanding Rules of Origin course where attendees examined the vital role rules of origin play in FTA agreements and how complying with them can increase a company’s competitiveness in export markets.
Next up in the world of Trade Expert Training was our Customs Procedures & Documentation Training where participants learnt about the procedures required when dealing with customs authorities and how to correctly complete a customs declaration.
If your company would benefit from expanding their presence in the global market but you’re uncertain of tackling the complexities of the processes on your own, then our Trade Expert Training can help. We run both of these topic sessions as well a many others regularly throughout the year. Check out our website to see what’s coming up.
Attendees benefitted greatly from attending our recent Facebook Top Tips & Advertising workshop with course facilitators SRX Consultancy. The workshop explored the incredible reach and potential untapped audiences that can be targeted through Facebook, the world’s biggest social media platform.
SRX Consultancy is a boutique PR, social media and communications agency specialising in areas including charity and small business. With over 10 years experience in the world of journalism, PR and running social media accounts for multiple well-established companies, they are well equipped to share their considerable expertise on this subject. SRX offered a plethora of practical advice on the day-to-day management of a Facebook business page, including a walkthrough on how to advertise on the platform.
We are running a series of workshops with SRX on how to utilise social media for your business, including on other individual platforms such as Instagram and X.
LSIP Round Table Events
February saw the launch of our employer engagement events for Phase 2 of the Local Skills Improvement Plan. Our LSIP Executive Director Andy Sparks and LSIP Director Joanne Giles have been out and about in the county facilitating industry specific round tables held at different Essex colleges. 
This month’s engagement events included;
- Engineering Sector – Chelmsford College – A group of industry leaders in the world of engineering met to discuss skills gaps in their sector.
- Aviation Sector – Stansted Airport College – Part of the Harlow College Group, Stansted Airport College is the first of its kind in the country and offers unique opportunities within the aviation industry. Industry leaders who attended this round table had the opportunity to explore the ground breaking facilities.
Continually reviewing curriculum and teaching methods in consultation with employers and stakeholders is an imperative part of developing the skills that businesses require for the future. To develop the workforce of the future and ensures that we are addressing the skill shortage can only be achieved by working closely with industry experts.
There are several of these engagement events scheduled in the coming months. Head to the LSIP area of our website to see how you can get involved.
Quarterly Economic Survey Closes Soon!
The British Chambers of Commerce’s flagship Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) gives us unparalleled insight into the state of UK business and the health of the UK economy.
As the largest and most representative independent business survey of its kind in the UK, the QES is closely watched by policymakers such as the Treasury, the Bank of England and the Office of Budget Responsibility, while also attracting significant media attention.
The QES is a clear example of how being part of the Essex Chambers of Commerce means you’re part of something bigger.
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to have your voice heard. You only have until Monday 11th March to complete the survey!
In Other News
Congratulations to our International Trade Manager, Angela Turner, who recently celebrated 9 years with the department! Angela is responsible for overseeing our international trade services and training. Starting her life at Essex Chambers as an International Trade Officer she has risen through the ranks to now manage the whole team. Always on hand and happy to share her extensive expertise with office pooch Alfie close to her side, we don’t know what we’d do without her steering the department.