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INBUSINESS VIEWPOINT


Over the past few weeks you may have noticed that we have been heavily promoting our new Quarterly Economic Survey (QES). Since the survey for Quarter 4 of 2019 went live at the beginning of November it has been the subject of social media activity, e-shots to members, press releases and it features heavily on our website. Our team has also been promoting the QES during their meetings with members and at our networking events. The reason we put so much effort into encouraging businesses to fill in the QES is it reveals the performance, concerns and views of businesses across our city. At a national level our data feeds into the British Chambers of


Commerce’s QES results which often reveal big changes in the economy long before other surveys or official statistics. The QES is used by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee as one of its key benchmarks when setting interest rates and by HM Treasury and the Office for Budget Responsibility for their forecasts for the UK’s economic performance. Locally, we use this data when we meet with MPs, council leaders and other policy makers to develop economic strategies and policies to promote and enhance growth and enterprise. Members regularly speak to us about their views on the future of our city’s economy –


the QES gives us the statistics we need to back up what we are saying when we’re fighting your corner. It strengthens the Chamber’s ability to lobby for the improvements businesses are calling for in skills and education, infrastructure and digital connectivity. It helps us to push for legislation that makes doing business easier and to challenge legislation that holds you back. One of the reasons our Chamber is so well


respected locally and nationally is because so many businesses engage with us and because they take the two minutes needed to fill in the QES. Help us to help you – fill in the QES on the Quarterly Economic Survey page of the Representation section of the Chamber’s website before the survey closes on 25 November. Even better, do it now and make your voice count!


CONTACT DETAILS


EDITOR: Catherine Bontoft T: 01908 547820


MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 500 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 2BE W: www.chambermk.co.uk


NEWS AND ARTICLES SHOULD BE SENT TO: inbusiness@chambermk.co.uk


FOLLOW MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER AT:


www.facebook.com/miltonkeyneschamber @ChamberMK @ChamberMKExport www.linkedin.com/pub/milton-keynes-chamber-of-commerce www.youtube.com/MiltonKeynesChamber


BUSINESS ALLIANCE GROUP PARTNERS 2019/20


PUBLISHED BY: Kemps Publishing Ltd 11 The Swan Courtyard, Charles Edward Road, Birmingham B26 1BU


T: 0121 765 4144 W: www.kempspublishing.co.uk


MANAGING EDITOR: Laura Blake T: 0121 765 4144 E: laura.blake@kempspublishing.co.uk


DESIGNER: Lloyd Hollingworth


ADVERTISING MANAGER: Jon Jones T: 0121 765 4144 E: jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk


PRINTERS: Stephens & George Print Group


The February/March 2020 issue of inbusinesswill include features on: Education, Training &


Apprenticeships and Communications & Marketing The deadline for copy & images is: 19 December


CONTENTS BUSINESS REPORT


4 5 6


8


10 12


Firms remain resilient, says latest QES New division offers custom software


AV specialists look back on successful summer


More awards success for Visual Identity Growth for recruitment firm


Leasing firm adopts electric vehicles


13 Accreditation for bid consultants 14


GOING GLOBAL


17 How to reach an overseas audience TALKING BUSINESS


Special visitor for Age UK Milton Keynes


PAUL GRIFFITHS


Chief Executive Milton Keynes Chamber paul.griffiths@chambermk.co.uk


18


FRONT COVER: Beckie Staincliffe and Paul Winter MBE, European Health & Safety Consultants Ltd See page 18-19 COVER/INTERVIEW PHOTOS: Jane Russell Photography


Beckie Staincliffe, company director at European Health and Safety Consultants


IN THE SPOTLIGHT


20 Health & Safety Domino’s holds second safety week


22 Recruitment & HR How to use benefits to hire the best staff


TRAINING & EVENTS


24 The latest comprehensive list of training courses and Chamber events


MEMBER ZONE 26 Charity boosts fundraising team


29 Member Profile: Kelly Israel, Volunteering Matters


30 Next Generation and New Members


ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE: inbusiness is a bi-monthly publication and digital magazine distributed to over 3,000 Chamber members and key businesses in Milton Keynes. The publication focuses on news and information about local companies and the initiatives and advice available to increase the prosperity of firms in the Milton Keynes area. Milton Keynes Chamber welcomes newsworthy articles of business interest, giving preference to Chamber members. As editorial space is limited, inclusion cannot be guaranteed and the editor may amend or reject articles submitted.


inbusiness is produced on behalf of Milton Keynes Chamber by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed without charge to all Chamber members and other leading businesses in the Milton Keynes area. The Chamber and the publisher are 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, neither Milton Keynes Chamber nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise.


For further information on Milton Keynes Chamber, call: 01908 547820 or visit: www.chambermk.co.uk


PRIVACY NOTICE: Kemps Publishing Ltd process personal information for certain legitimate interest purposes, which includes the following: • To provide postal copies of this publication to Chamber members and Kemps’ customers; and


• To offer marketing and promotional opportunities within this publication to Chamber members and prospects.


Whenever we process data for these purposes, we always ensure we treat your Personal Data rights in high regard. If you wish to, you can visit www.kempspublishing.co.uk to view our full Privacy Notice and to learn more about our legitimate interests and your rights in this regard.


DECEMBER 2019/JANUARY 2020 inbusiness 3


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