Latest updates and stories from Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and its Members

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce said goodbye to one chairman and hello to another at their annual AGM and Members’ Showcase. Chairman Brian Hibbert CBE, who has been chairman of the business support organisation since 2007, came to the Chamber from Lockheed Martin where he was Managing Director.

Robinson & Hall’s Building Surveying Department are pleased to have been involved in the redevelopment of 20-22 Silver Street which has completely transformed the original shop by separating the unit into two and extending 22 Silver Street to double the retail floor space.

Leaders from diverse walks of life will be sharing their personal and professional tales en-route to success, in a series of lectures as part of an initiative to get practice-led learning into the University of Bedfordshire.

As the local newspaper industry launches its highly acclaimed Local Business Accelerators campaign led by Deborah Meaden of Dragon’s Den, new research shows that Britain’s young businesses are positive about prospects for growth despite tough economic times but they still need advice and support.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is kicking off its Real Time Information (RTI) awareness campaign this month. This includes writing to employers running the 278,767 Pay As You Earn (PAYE) schemes in the East of England.

Bedfordshire Chamber member Hayward Tyler is featured on the front page of a new website set up by the British Chambers of Commerce.  The website is part of the BCC's Business is Good for Britain campaign.

Zest Solutions has secured contracts to bring the digital age to the elderly within Avery, Orchard and Twin Globe care homes throughout the UK.

Wenta, the local enterprise agency for Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, were last week awarded the National Award for ‘Future of Enterprise Support’ at the National Enterprise Network’s (NEN) annual awards ceremony. 

After four years of studying for a Rural Resource Management degree and MsC in Rural Land and Business Management at Reading University, Amelia joins Robinson & Hall as Assistant Rural Surveyor.

Innovative use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and entrepreneurship are a “matter of survival” for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who want to succeed online.

The Department of Health is keen to hear from any SMEs that have experience of providing goods or services to the Department on how easy it was to do business with the Department and from  any SMEs that wish to explore opportunities of working with the Department of Health.

Taxpayers who failed to submit tax returns have only one week left to take up a special opportunity being offered by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo is trumpeting all things Elephant and all things Asian with a mammoth celebration of Elephant Appreciation Weekend to help raise vital funds for elephant conservation and research projects.  The event takes place on both Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd September 2012 from 10am to 5.30pm.

East Anglian Air Ambulance have a helicopter landing at Rufus Centre Saturday 6 October 2012  between 10am and 11:30am.  There will be other attractions while the helicopter is at the centre included  a WWII jeep, a miniature working steam engine and displays by various supporter companies (indoor and out) – including current confirmations by Pro Direct Beauty, the Womens Institute and Vauxhall.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is currently recruiting for at least one Committee Member to join the Committee for the East of England.

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity for individuals with a strong commitment to and enthusiasm for the UK’s diverse heritage and in particular that of the East of England.

Over the past couple of months Central Bedfordshire College has built up a strong relationship with Morrisons PLC and the Job Centre Plus.  This has resulted in a worthwhile initiative to train and recruit local people to the new Morrisons store which will open shortly in Houghton Regis.

Calling all business owners? Do you have children over the age of 18? Would you like your children to learn the ropes of the family business? Are you keen to kick-start their career?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is currently consulting on two proposed changes:

University of Bedfordshire student Natalie Sibley has been crowned Student Employee of the Year.  Natalie, aged 22, from Melksham, Wilts, is studying for an MSc in Tourism and Events Manager at the University and is also a part-time Recruitment Services Advisor.

Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce member Zest Solutions are celebrating success and business growth after winning contracts with two of the country’s largest care home operators, Orchard Care Homes and Twinglobe Care Homes Ltd.

Commenting on today’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision, David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said:

Streets Chartered Accountants is delighted to announce that Neil Gray has joined the practice as a Partner.  With previous senior roles including Head of Corporate Finance and Head of Property and Construction for top 10 accountancy firms Neil’s appointment is seen as a key strategic move for Streets.

The new system of Real Time Information (RTI) is mandatory for all employers and is to be implemented from April 2013.  Significant changes are due to come into effect with regard to the way payroll information will need to be submitted to HMRC.

• Manufacturing output for December 2012: +1.6% on the month, -1.5% on the year
• Total industrial production in December 2012: +1.1% on the month, -1.7% on the year