MAXIMISE THE OPPORTUNITIES OF CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP


I was going to write about the economic climate this month, but what is there is say? The economic climate is what it is - we could influence it in a small way by producing more and creating more wealth, but that's not an easy thing to do with the current 'economic climate'.


What we all need to be doing is survive in the best way we can and strive to move forward. So this month, I thought I would just take this opportunity to make sure that you are all maximising what your Chamber has to offer you… If we are to move forward we all need to maximise every opportunity available to us, whether it's to increase sales or reduce costs.


It would take more than this article to remind you of what is available to you, so this is an overview, please do look at the website or give the membership team a call.


I would summarise the services into four categories; Business


Support, Promotional Opportunities, Cost Reduction and Representation.


Business Support: You have access to a 24 hour legal advice line which is backed up by £760,000 of legal expenses insurance. Chamber HR is an online portal giving you hundreds of downloadable templates from recruitment to disciplinary. We have a dedicated Information Officer to assist with those ' I wonder what?', 'I wonder where?', 'I wonder how?' questions, backed up by a team of qualified business advisors. We also offer support with International Trade and Export Documentation.


Promotional Opportunities: A company profile in our monthly magazine Thinking Business; over 150 events to attend in a year, all offering networking opportunities; entry on the Chamber website directory and hard copy directory/diary of members. Access to details of your fellow members to look for


mutual benefit opportunities, and various advertising opportunities. All these and more are available to you through Chamber membership.


Cost Reduction: Many benefits ranging from 55% off of AA breakdown cover through to primary health care from just £1.10 per week. If you haven't been able to give a pay rise to staff, then why not look at introducing some of the cost saving benefits to your staff.


Representation: Whether you have a planning issue or something within your locality that is stopping you from getting on with your day to day business, why not speak with your local Economic Development Group to see if they can help.


As I said at the start, I could go on, and this is just a flavour. I urge you all to start looking at how you can take full advantage of the benefits available to you.


THE ECONOMY AND US by Nick Rowell


Nearly 50 years ago a teacher fretted to my parents:


"Advertising tells young people today that they can, and should, get whatever they want. I think we're better off expecting not to get everything we want - or at least not all at once - and that we must work for it".


Later a warm Jewish couple who had spent the War as refugees in Britain told me of a philanthropist who, on listening to their experiences, remarked: "Gosh, I can't believe you've had it so hard. My life has been easy, I've pretty well had whatever I've wanted". They recalled: "We were silent. We felt so sorry for her, never having experienced the longing


for something she really wanted but couldn't yet enjoy, with all the hope and fear and anticipation".


These people, like my teacher, my parents, and indeed all previous humanity grew up in a cash-poor, pre-antibiotic world where illness and bugs might soon carry off anybody.


Instead, today, the consequences of "You can have what you want" (including, apparently, the face & figure of eternal youth) confront us all.


Obesity is the most visible sign of our failed relationship not just with bankers, but with other organisations pressing us to over-consume, and perhaps


with ourselves. Similar patterns are manifest in Asia and Latin America. How shall we adapt?


History offers a pointer. In Catch-22 an Italian civilian, unfazed by a rampant military- industrial empire and proud of his post-Roman heritage, asks the hero: "How long do you think your civilisation will last?"


Today, over 25% of Italian families have $100,000 net worth and the ratio of private wealth to public debt is higher than the USA, where more than 50% of families' net worth is nil or negative. Seems Italians are already ahead of the game.


What about us? Shall it be the Italian model: private


Over the next month, we will be carrying out a full survey of the membership to find out what you would like to see your Chamber offer. Please do take the time to complete it. It's your Chamber, here to support you, so please let us know what you would like, and how we can maximise our efforts to help you maximise the opportunities we can offer.


resourcefulness despite leaders' posturing? Or is Britain already trailblazing, evolving into a post-industrial society with renewed traditions that justify confidence and trust?


Nick Rowell


Director of Policy, Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce


Direct line 01622 753 568. Email nick@tpbs.co.uk


(PEFC/16-33-344)


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