FIRSTWORD FIRSTWORD


THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DEVON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


CONTACT DETAILS


Devon Chamber of Commerce 22 Lockyer Street, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2QW T: 01752 220471 E: chamber@devonchamber.co.uk W: www.devonchamber.co.uk


News and articles should be sent to: E: Marketing@devonchamber.co.uk


All material is used at the editor’s discretion.


Cover Photo by: Rob Hutchinson T: 01647 221326 W: www.dartmoorphotos.co.uk


Published by Kemps Publishing Ltd 11 The Swan Courtyard, Charles Edward Road, Yardley, Birmingham B26 1BU T: 0121 765 4144 W: www.kempspublishing.co.uk


Managing Editor Laura Blake Designer Lloyd Hollingworth


Advertising Jon Jones E: jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk


Printed by Buxton Press Buxton, Derbyshire W: www.buxtonpress.com


Chamber Profile is produced on behalf of Devon Chamber of Commerce by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed without charge to more than 1,500 key businesses and all Chamber members in Devon. The publisher is committed to achieving the highest quality


standards. However, views expressed in the magazine are independent and while every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without the prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.


The Chamber’s focus for the year ahead


The start of the year is a time to make new resolutions to do things better and smarter and set goals for the year. The Chamber has been working on a new improved website which it is launching shortly.


This website is designed to provide a wealth of knowledge and opportunities for members and the wider business community. In a fast moving business environment it is essential that all businesses keep up to date. Much of the focus in 2018 is going to be productivity. How do we make business more


productive? For many this means investing more. Where is this investment to come from? Where is the equipment and expertise needed going to be found? How are employees to be upskilled to take on new challenges? For all of these and many other issues businesses need to interact with and communicate with others. The Chamber in 2018 will do all the work it can to help businesses do this both locally and across the county. There are many other developments occurring that will affect every business. Key Brexit


SOCIAL MEDIA


Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/@chamber_devon


Like us on Facebook Devon Chamber of Commerce


Join us on Linkedin Devon Chamber of Commerce


trade negotiations will be bumpy this year and will have effects on the value of the pound and interest rates. New initiatives like General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), changes to employment law and pensions all mean that every business need to keep on top of their game. Devon Chamber is here to help. Never be afraid to give the Chamber a ring – there will always be a friendly voice to help and offer advice. Together, we will have a great year. Don’t be lonely.


GEORGE COWCHER CHIEF EXECUTIVE, DEVON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


CHAMBER PATRONS


4 Chamber Profile January/February 2018


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