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Business News


Sponsored by: Trinity College London President’s Focus


Trinity College London is approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) & Transport for London (TfL) to provide Secure English Language Tests (SELTs).


By Lisa Donald Head of Business Development Trinity College London


SELTs are taken by people who need to demonstrate their required English language level for the purpose of obtaining British Citizenship, Settlement or a visa for work or study. The SELTs Trinity offer are:


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Trinity’s ISE I (B1) SELT is also approved by TfL for new and renewal private hire driver licence applications. Trinity has 10 SELT centres


across the UK in Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, London Croydon, London Hammersmith, London Holborn, Manchester and Peterborough. Further information about


the tests Trinity offer can be found at trinitycollege.com/ SELT. We have a wide range of free learning resources and preparation materials available to help candidates prepare for their test.


Our friendly advisers are available on 0333 358 3183 from Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm, and Saturday from 9am-4pm.


12 CHAMBERLINK April 2018


This month’s President’s Focus is by Burton and District Chamber of Commerce President, Simon Chapman (pictured), who goes back to the 1940s in order to reflect on contingency planning needed today. Simon also highlights that towns and their business communities need to work and support each other, in order to continue to achieve their collective goals.


In this country’s history there have been major events that each left their individual marks. I am sure you will agree that The battle of Britain was one of them. However, you may well ask what that crucial Battle has got to do with business in 2018. The scene – the Supermarine


Works at Woolston, Southampton – Thursday 26 September 1940. Another raid takes place, devastating much of the town. German bombers target and badly damage the Works, immediately halting Spitfire production. However, within six weeks, full-


scale production had recommenced. Lord Beaverbrook’s plan actioned by the teams at Supermarine, and across local businesses, including garages and small industrial units, had worked. These so-called Shadow Factories weren’t dreamt up overnight. They had been carefully considered and formed part of an initiative to disperse critical manufacturing operations to alternative, and sometimes, remote locations. Today, we would call this


contingency planning. Back then in 1940, it was a remarkable, revolutionary concept. Now, it is accepted as one of the key principles used in business. The key question to ask – do you have your own contingency plan in place? As economic indicators and


business trends continue to show moderate improvement, there is a strong tendency of focusing on the Now, rather than looking towards the future. That’s understandable with pressing deadlines, projects and contracts to successfully complete; and, the day-to-day pressures of running a business. However, short-termism can bring with it other major challenges. Some of these can be life- threatening to any business, if they occur without warning. It’s in this context that


contingency planning should be centre-stage in your business. At Yee Group, we take this extremely seriously and make time to consider different scenarios that could occur. It is all about preparation; and, not


‘As economic indicators and business trends continue to show moderate improvement, there is a strong tendency of focusing on the Now, rather than looking towards the Future.’


being taken by surprise. I believe that being caught out by a major event is simply not good enough in the 21st century. Whatever, the size of your


business, it is critical to have a full understanding and appreciation of what might happen in the most unlikely set of circumstances; and, then to plan accordingly. Some mistakes are glaringly obvious after the event. Wouldn’t it have been far better to consider and evaluate them prior to their occurrence? There is another equally


poignant side to the events that took place in Southampton in 1940. On top of the 35 back-street


businesses that took on special roles in the production of the Spitfires, the local community completely transformed itself. Under enormous pressure, the populace rallied around supporting and nurturing small businesses. Indeed, their war efforts were over- whelming; and, critically, ultimately successful. I personally see close parallels


with the current activities of our many and varied business, charity and support groups in Burton and District. These growing communities in the town continue


to play vital roles, where and whenever they are needed. One of the new breed of


fundraisers recently reminded me, ‘Our work is never completely done. There is always more to do; and, new challenges to face. We solve one problem; and another immediately springs up. But, we are getting on top of important issues. With the support of our community, we are making big inroads. We have to thank all those you contribute’. Our community has continuously


shown that it has the skills, enterprise and dedication to expand its fundraising and charitable support. The grapevines are already humming with news of major events that are being planned this year. Self-help is still very much alive


and kicking. Your town and its business community are playing key roles in supporting, encouraging, and successfully achieving significant goals for our varied communities. Long may it continue.


I welcome feedback and comment on this column and the work and activities of the Chamber. You can contact me at President@Burton- Chamber.com


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