Chamber Chairman raising funds for Charity
Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce Chairman Iggy Quazi has teamed up again with friend Mike Pavelin to raise funds for UK charity Macmillan Cancer Support. This year they are taking part in a gruelling 48 hour off road challenge.
February Breakfast Meeting - PERFECT NETWORKING SKILLS OVER BREAKFAST
Successful networking carries high value in the heady world of business with plenty of promise and riches galore but only for those who know how. The next Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce breakfast debunks the myths that surround what works and what doesn’t.
Keynote speaker Malcolm Tullett will host a session on “Networking: Building Relationships” on Wednesday 17th February at Woolston Manor in Chigwell from 7.30am.
Chambers Breakfast Meeting "Free Publicity" a huge success
October's outstanding speaker was Alan Stevens, a PR expert, media coach and author. Alan spoke on "Free Publicity that's worth a Fortune", explaining how businesses of all sizes can bring in more customers by raising their profile across all types of media.
PR guru Alan Stevens wowed the audience with some very straight talking about how to get free PR by canny use of available media outlets. Alan demystified social networking sites and implored everyone to twitter, join facebook and get Linked in. Also to get more in touch with radio outlets and turn themselves into experts. Alan reported a significant increase in his own business simply by employing the same tactics.
Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce Christmas Dinner
The Epping Forest Chamber, together with Loch Fyne restaurant in Loughton, have come up with a delicious menu to help you celebrate Christmas on Wednesday 9th December.
A free reception drink, canapés, and glass of champagne on top of a mouth watering menu all for £26 for members and £27.50 non members.
Chamber Breakfast Meeting, Wed 11th November - "Swingeing increases in Epping Forest Business Rates are causing alarm across the district"
Many traders and small businesses are caught up in the problems surrounding the latest round of rateable value notices following correspondence from the Valuation Office about increased rates. Some rates are more than double so for some traders in particular it means life or death on their High Streets.
Various Town Centre Partnerships are organising urgent meetings to try to get a better understanding of the situation. Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce, together with the Federation of Small Business, and Epping Forest District Council want to unite these groups, their own members and any others who are affected.
This issue will be the sole subject for the November breakfast on Wednesday 11th November at Woolston Manor Golf & Country Club 7.30am prompt start.
Davenant Foundation School - Business Breakfast 27th November
Members of the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce are invited to a Business Breakfast hosted by the Davenant Business Partners at Davenant School on 27th November, starting at 7.30am.The breakfast will be hosted by the Davenant student Business Ambassadors and will be an opportunity to network with students and a variety of business people, as we will be inviting representatives from a number of business exchanges, as well as our own established Davenant Business Partners.
The breakfast will not be the full English breakfast that you may be used to, it will be a more ‘continental’ affair, there will, however be no charge for the breakfast. The format of the morning will depend to a large extent on the numbers that confirm that they are attending. Whatever the format decided upon, there will be an opportunity for the various exchanges to introduce themselves formally.
Chamber Breakfast Meeting, Wed 28th October - "Free Publicity that's worth a Fortune"
Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce Breakfast meetings are the perfect place to meet local business contacts and share information. In addition we always have a speaker of relevant interest to share their knowledge and creative mix of expertise.
The next Chamber breakfast takes place at 7.30am on Wednesday 28th October at Woolston Manor, Golf and Country Club, Abridge Road, Chigwell. There will be ample time to network, do some business over an excellent breakfast and gain knowledge and information from our speaker.
This month’s outstanding speaker is Alan Stevens, a PR expert, media coach and author. Alan will speak on "Free Publicity that's worth a Fortune", explaining how businesses of all sizes can bring in more customers by raising their profile across all types of media.
THE CHAMBER FEATURES IN THE “LIFE” SERIES MAGAZINES
Following our very successful 60th Anniversary Dinner, we are fortunate enough to have been given three pages of welcome publicity in the latest Epping “Life” series which encompasses Loughton, Chigwell, Buckhurst Hill, South Woodford and Wanstead. These magazines are now in distribution and being delivered to your area. Just take a look at the article on pages 11 – 13 !
The September edition ran an article on the history of the Chamber and there’s lots more to come as we go forward. For those of you who haven’t seen the magazine – you can download a PDF file of the article.
Don’t forget you can do business over breakfast on Wednesday 28th October (new date) at Woolston Manor, Chigwell 7.00 for 7.30am
EPPING FOREST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS
Chairman Iggy Quazi welcomed guests to a special anniversary dinner to celebrate 60 years of the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce held at the Piano Lounge in Epping on Wednesday 23rd September.
CHAMBER BREAKFAST FOR BUSINESS MATTERS
Young entrepreneur and Chigwell Councillor Richard Alvin was the keynote speaker at the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce business breakfast held at Woolston Manor on Wednesday 9th September.
CONQUERING EXPEDITION EVEREST FOR CHILDREACH INTERNATIONAL
On 9th June, local Chigwell girl, Sarah Foley, 19 years old, along with 49 other challengers, embarked on the adventure trip of a lifetime. As described on Childreach International’s website, “Expedition Everest is a two week hike through some of the Himalayas most impressive valleys and ranges to the base camp of the world’s largest mountain.”
CHAMBER BREAKFAST FOR BUSINESS MATTERS
Young entrepreneur and Chigwell Councillor Richard Alvin is the keynote speaker at the next Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce business breakfast being held at Woolston Manor on Wednesday 9th September from 7.30am.
MD & Managing Editor of Capital Business Media, Richard has been in publishing for 12 years building a portfolio of business related titles including “Business Matters” magazine which has become the leading monthly business magazine in the UK with a readership of 147,000 per month. Other titles and websites have been launched all based upon the ethos of educating, informing & entertaining. Who better to speak on today’s current economic climate and its impact on local business?
Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce is an independent, non-profit organisation run by elected business people for the benefit of commerce in the local community. Established in 1948 and celebrating its diamond anniversary year, the Chamber brings together over 100 diverse companies in Epping Forest. Breakfast costs £15.0 for guests and £12 for members.
NEW ‘BUSINESS CHAMPION’ TALKS TO EPPING FOREST CHAMBER
Cllr Chris Whitbread, Deputy Leader of EFDC and newly appointed ‘Business Champion’ addressed a packed business breakfast meeting hosted by Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday 21st July at the Bell Hotel, Epping.
The portfolio holder for Economic Development said “I want to build a strong relationship with the Chamber of Commerce. We want to hear what you have to say and how we can help. Partnership may be a buzzword but we are keen to encourage you to partner us and work together.”
Mr Whitbread knows all about being a local businessman, particularly in this poor economic climate, as he heads up Millers estate agents in Epping based in the High Road since 1974. Reference was made to the Council’s ambitious vision for the future of Debden Broadway and the consultation underway in partnership with Essex County Council in Epping.
He also set out some of what the Council is already doing to help in these difficult times. “We have taken onboard concerns about parking from local traders and we believe our decision to provide free Saturday parking in some of our car parks has been beneficial. This year we froze parking charges. We want to encourage residents to support their local shops. The Council has also acted by reducing payment terms on invoices and wants to use local suppliers wherever possible.’
“We see the Epping Forest Chamber as an important partner and we look forward to working positively together in the future. On my part I will do all I can to make it easier to contact us and get information.”
Sam Gooday, of chartered accountants Blitz Gooday, also gave a talk packed with topical tax tips providing details about recent tax developments and planning opportunities particularly relevant for small businesses.
Iggy Quazi, Chair of the Epping Forest Chamber said “It was good to see the interest in this meeting. Contrary to the present economic climate, there is a positive vibrancy in small businesses in the district and this Chamber aims to play a key role in helping to facilitate vital communication and engage with SMEs to achieve joint goals.”
BUSINESS CHAMPION FOR EPPING FOREST
BUSINESS CHAMPION FOR EPPING FORESTEpping estate agent Chris Whitbread, deputy leader of Epping Forest District Council, has been appointed the district’s Business Champion.
His role is to keep in touch with local businesses so that the local authority can react to their needs.
“It is about listening,” he told guests at a packed Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting..”We are one community, whether as a business in Epping Forest or if we live here. I am optimistic about the future – and so should you be.”
He urged employers to contact him about what they feel the local authority should do to ensure the business community is successful for the local economy.
Said Cllr Whitbread: “We have to be realistic about what we can do as a council, but we want to be a facilitator. You will be knocking on an open door. I am striving to keep parking charges frozen for another year. After all, what’s more environmentally friendly than to shop locally.
“I want to be involved. I will come to breakfast meetings or anything else I am invited to. The council is trying to be in partnership with business. But you must give value for money. I would rather deal with local businesses than faces we do not know.”
And to bolster this, greater priority is being given to competitive tenders from local firms for local authority contracts. And an Accord agreement is expected to be signed in October to help district businesses have an improved chance of gaining council work in future.
He said the council had already made a start with free Saturday parking and economic development issues had now been switched to the finance department from planning.. Debden Broadway was “being brought into the 21st century”, the future of North Weald was being looked at and new developments were planned in St John’s Road, Epping.
In answer to a question, he agreed to review the possibility of reviving the Epping Forest Business Awards with the presentations made during the annual civic awards ceremony.
Footnote: a 1% rise in council tax brings in about £70,000 to the local authority.
Free Business Open Day
Business Link East and Epping Forest Chamber held a FREE Business Open Day at Loughton Cricket Club on Friday 3rd July which attracted a range of companies and organisations to find out more about these two organisations.July Breakfast Meeting was a Double Bill
There were two top speakers at the July breakfast.
Councillor Chris Whitbread, deputy leader of Epping Forest District Council and recently appointed 'Business Champion' for the local business community, expanded on his vision for the future and the practical ways he hopes the district council can help businesses in Epping Forest. He also wants to hear your views on what you think the council has been doing wrong and what you would like to see done by the authority.
Continuing our aim to expandyour business knowledge at these meetings member Sam Gooday, of chartered accountants Blitz Gooday, gave topical Tax Tips particularly relevant for small businesses.
AGM a Lively Success
The Annual General Meeting of the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce was as always a lively affair with plenty of points being discussed.
The good news is that The Chairman and most of the Executive committee agreed to stand for office for another year and were almost unanimously re-elected.
Even better news was the nomination and successful election of SEVEN new members to the Executive Committee. These brave new souls will undoubtedly bring more fresh ideas and spirit to the Chamber and be invaluable in sharing the workload of running the Chamber enabling us to move forward faster than ever.
CONFIDENCE IS THE KEY TO BOOST BUSINESS
A joint event hosted by two Chambers of Commerce all about boosting confidence in an economic downturn took place at North Weald Golf Club in May.
Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce and Harlow & District Chamber of Commerce attracted over 100 companies to hear keynote speaker Nick Mayhew from Chartered Accountants Price Bailey
PETITION ENDS DEMOLITION PLANS
A Chamber-organised petition helped ensure local planners reject a scheme for the demolition of a Victorian shop and flats in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill. The petition said the project was an overkill, destroying a landmark shopfront and an historic building. There were also concerns about the long-term impact of demolition and building works in an important area of the shopping centre.
CHAMBER SEEK COUNCIL BUSINESS SPOKESMAN
The Chamber is seeking a councillor to be a voice for local businesses on Epping Forest District Council. The idea has been put forward to the Local Strategic Partnership, which is currently studying ways of helping residents and businesses survive the current economic climate. The Chamber argues that there is no-one specifically on the local authority overseeing the interests of commerce in the area – resulting in many opportunities available to help being missed.
CHAMBER LINKS WITH BRITISH LIBRARY
An official link has been established by the Chamber with the British Library in Kings Cross, London, which provides free membership for businesses to do research work among its many thousands of files. It is resulting in regular information newsletters being sent to members.
KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH OLYMPICS 2012
Micro and small firms could miss out on being involved with the Olympics 2012 at Stratford, East London. But a scheme has been launched called CompeteFor, which is specifically aimed at them. It provides details of contracts requiring tenders – and the Chamber is at the forefront of distributing this information each week to members.
LABOUR TROUNCED IN COUNTY ELECTIONS
Labour was left with just one councillor after losing 12 seats in the Essex county council elections on Thursday (4.06.09). New council set-up: Conservatives 60 (+10), Lib-Dems 12 (+4), Independents 2 (NC), Labour 1 (-12), Others O (-2).
SUPERMARKETS TARGETTED FOR CAR PARK SITE
Supermarkets are being targetted for a long-term lease of the derelict Church Hill car park in Loughton.
Epping Forest District Council says: “A small supermarket would provide a useful local facility, which is currently lacking in the immediate area and reinforce the valuable service of the petrol filling station.”
DISTRICT COUNCIL COMMERCIAL PROPERTY PORTFOLIO
The commercial and industrial portfolio of Epping Forest District Council includes an airfield (North Weald) and six PUBLIC HOUSES among its 297 properties, generating over £4m-a-year rental income. The property and land is valued at £91.44m
NEW SPORTS HALL PROPOSAL FOR WALTHAM ABBEY
A £1.7m new sports hall on the site of Waltham Abbey swimming pool is being considered by Epping Forest councillors. Research is being considered and if the go-ahead is given it will not be built until May, 2011.
CONFIDENT ABOUT THE FUTURE
The first joint meeting between the Harlow and Epping Forest Chambers of Commerce at North Weald Golf Club was a brilliant success, with 70 hearing a lively presentation by leading Essex business speaker Nick Mayhew, of chartered accountants Price Bailey, titled “Confidence – and why you need a dose of it”.
The event attendance was all the more remarkable as it experimentally began at 4.30pm. Similar joint ventures are being considered for the future.
£6.2bn finance deal to widen M25
A £6.2 billion private finance deal to maintain and widen Britain's busiest motorway - the M25 - has finally been agreed.
BUSINESS OVER BREAKFAST WITH EPPING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Business was combined with breakfast at the latest monthly meeting of the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce held at Epping’s Bell Hotel on Thursday 19th March.
Keynote speaker was Sue Sowerby, Managing Director, Sowerby Advertising & Communications based in Upshire. Sue’s company was established in 1992, the year of a recession, following the collapse of a London agency which went into receivership. Her statutory redundancy just about paid for a computer and she was six weeks pregnant.
Seventeen years on, with a strong background in advertising, recruitment marketing and corporate communications, Sue provided a thought provoking presentation on how to retain clients, offer new services and make the most of limited budgets.
Credit Card Scam Warning
We have been alerted to a new credit card scam.
To keep it brief, someone from the gang telephones appearing to be from the VISA or MASTERCARD security and fraud department. They ask a series of questions, including confidential information only you and the card company should know, until the cruncher: "I need to verify you are in possession of your card. Turn over your card and look for some numbers."
Happy New Year
Heather Thirtle (FRICS), President of the Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce wishes all members of the Executive commitee and Chamber Members a happy, healthy and successful New Year.
Have You Claimed Small Business Rate Relief?
If a property has a rateable value of less than £15,000 Small Business Rate Relief may be available. There are just fewer than 2,600 premises in the district that may be eligible but currently only 1,032 are claiming relief.
Van Theft Warning
Following a number of Van thefts in the area, it appears thieves are targetting local Epping Businesses in a spate of thefts.Complimentary Business Breakfast Event
Epping Forest Chamber are partnering with Epping Forest College, Epping Forest District Council and Loughton Broadway Town Centre partnership to bring you a new business breakfast event at the brand new Epping Forest Collage Campus.
MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETINGS
MONTHLY BREAKFAST MEETINGS are being launched from Wednesday, October 15th at the Quality Hotel, High Road, Bell Common, Epping. See the events page for more details and to book onlineChamber to Feature in local Gaurdian Newspaper
Managing Director Dan Mason has given members a fantastic opportunity to promote themselves. He is providing up to a page of business news and features each month in the newspaper
Save £295 at Manor Of Groves
New Members Manor of Groves are offering a discount of £295 when joining their Health Club. Facilities include 3 tier techno gym, 20m Swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam rooms as well as access to over 35 classes.Buckhurst Hill estate agent Heather Thirtle are offering a discount to Chamber Members.
Sales commision dropped to only 1% for Chamber Members when selling their property
New Chairman for Epping Forest Chamber of Commerce
Iggy Quazi, a business advice consultant from m2h Consulting has been elected as the new Chamber Chairman.
New Chamber website is launched
THE CHAMBER WEBSITE is being drastically altered and updated by Matt Grossmith of Connective Software. The emphasis will be on inter-activity between members and involving a community-interest site to attract customers generally.