CHAMBER NEWS


Celebrating the latest group of ITOPS-qualified local exporters


The latest group of local exporters to successfully achieve official international trade qualifications have been presented with their certificates at the Chamber’s Chesterfield office. Laura Howard, the Chamber’s


Head of International Trade, was on hand to present the award, alongside Karen Mosley of ITOPS sponsor 512 (Sheffield) and course leader Steve Townsley. The students recently gained the


International Trade Operations and Procedures (ITOPS) qualification; all passing with Distinction or Merit. ITOPS is a recognised qualification, covering the main elements of export administration, including documentation, Customs and Excise and other legal requirements, payments and dispatch and shipping and is accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) with all qualifying delegates receiving the BCC Foundation Award in International Trade. The course was delivered by the Chamber in partnership with Fidelitas Training and sponsored by 512 (Sheffield).


‘Congratulations to the latest cohort of students on achieving the ITOPS qualification’


The successful students were Liz


McCormick (Cathelco), Renata Nicolls (Kingsmill Industries UK), Kate Farren (Microlise), Jae Norman (512 (Sheffield)), Jane Leigh (Bowmer Bond Narrow Fabrics), Paula Seaton (Omega Red Group) and Claire Wallis (Altek). Karen Mosley, Head of Business


Development at course sponsor 512 (Sheffield), said: “Congratulations to the latest cohort of students on achieving the ITOPS qualification. ‘It has equipped them all with


the skills and knowledge they need to improve their current international trade procedures, which is vital to making sure that businesses are running as efficiently as possible.” The course was designed and


delivered by Steve Townsley, of Fidelitas Training, in partnership with the Chamber.


Renata Nicolls (right), one of ITOPS’ successful delegates, receives her certificate from Laura Howard


WHAT DELEGATES ARE SAYING ABOUT THE COURSE


“ITOPS was the perfect fit to help my business understand the complex requirements of the export world. I would strongly recommend the ITOPS course not only for the qualification and expertise shared but also for the nurturing, pleasant and knowledgeable staff.”


Kris Jedynak Former delegate on the ITOPS programme


Chamber supports work wellbeing project


It is estimated that with 491,000 people in employment across Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland (LLR), up to 2.1 million working days are lost to sickness absence every year, costing the local economy up to £265.4m annually, according to Labour Force Survey statistics. With lack of time, flexibility,


funding, and knowledge being cited as the biggest barriers to leading a healthy and active lifestyle at work, employers have a responsibility to protect, support and enhance the health and wellbeing of their staff. Improved morale, higher


productivity, greater employee engagement and health benefits are just a few of the benefits of investing in employee health and wellbeing. Employers see higher staff retention rates and reduced absenteeism/associated costs.


34 business network November 2018 Workplace health is a priority


across LLR and the workplace is an ideal place to promote health and wellbeing to a large, captive audience. For the majority of people, 25% of their week is spent at work, and so it is important that employees are positively engaged in healthy practices. However, it can be hard to


understand where to prioritise investment in staff health and wellbeing, especially when moving above and beyond basic health and safety requirements. The Chamber is pleased to be


trialling Chamber member Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport’s newly-developed Wellbeing @Work package, which supports local organisations to identify areas of health and wellbeing concern - be it healthy eating, smoking, physical activity, alcohol consumption, or stress management.


Using a tested tool, known as the


Workplace Health Needs Assessment (WHNA), LRS can conduct an audit of the current health and wellbeing of employees using an online survey, analyse the results, and produce a comprehensive report with tailored recommendations. Organisations can access the WHNA free of charge (eligibility criteria applies). LRS and partners can then


support organisations to produce a health and wellbeing strategy and/or action plan to tackle health issues if necessary. Lucy Robinson, the Chamber’s


Director of Human Resources, said: “Employers have a moral obligation to ensuring their staff are well supported in terms of their health and mental wellbeing and we are delighted as a Chamber to support this worthwhile project.”


Lucy Robinson


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76