INBUSINESS VIEWPOINT
When I wrote my last Viewpoint no one could have imagined how much the world would change within a few short weeks. May I begin by saying all of us here at the Chamber send their
very best to every one of our members and your families at this incredibly difficult time. We’re devastated that our Chamber family is facing such widespread challenges and want to reassure you that, as we too continue to adjust to new ways of living and working, we’re doing everything in our power to support you. For some members cash flow has become a major issue but we
refused to see you unwillingly forced to leave the Chamber due to lack of funds when you need our support more than ever. This is the reason why, with the backing of our Board, we launched our Membership Relief Fund to enable members in need to get a rebate on their Chamber membership fees. At the onset of the pandemic we also launched a dedicated Coronavirus Helpline and our
team has been taking calls daily from businesses in need of support, advice or help to deal with isolation. Through our daily conference calls with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Chambers across the accredited network we’ve been able to highlight the immediate needs of our business community with the highest levels of Government. I’d encourage all members to take advantage of the BCC’s online Coronavirus Hub which is updated daily. A link to this Hub can be found on our homepage at
www.chambermk.co.uk I’d also urge members to remember they have access to the Chamber’s Protection Service
which covers HR, Legal, Health & Safety and Tax matters. Finally, I’ve been heartened to see businesses using social media to continue to reach out to
their fellow Chamber members and support them in any way they can. It’s been encouraging to see members using our new #MKChamberChat to share their business initiatives, requests, stories and great deals with one another through daily digital business networking. We’ll continue to issue the latest guidance but
in the interim, please do keep in touch with us – we’re here to help. With best regards – and take good care.
CONTENTS BUSINESS REPORT
4 5
6 8 9
10 11
12 QES reveals the concerns of businesses
Policy Matters: The latest views from Policy Manager Christopher Jones
Sci-fi restaurant is set to open
East West Rail – route announcement Cawleys closes the loop on compostables Top tips for working from home
Principal forges links between education and business
Training firm organises remote session GOING GLOBAL 13 Extending product lifecycle TALKING BUSINESS
PAUL GRIFFITHS
Chief Executive Milton Keynes Chamber
paul.griffiths@
chambermk.co.uk
CONTACT DETAILS
EDITOR: Tori Al-Shaikhly E:
tori.al-shaikhly@
chambermk.co.uk
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
CHAMBER BUSINESS PARTNERS
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The August/September 2020 issue of inbusiness will include features on: Business Crime & Protection and Creative Industries. The deadline is 8th June
FRONT COVER: Jacqui Wilkins and Jon Newham of Visual Identity See page 14-15
14
Jacqui Wilkins, founder and director of Visual Identity Creative
IN THE SPOTLIGHT 16 18
Science & Technology Starship robots expand into Milton Keynes
Legal Services Dealing with financial distress during Covid-19
MEMBER ZONE
20 Accessible and enabled meeting room opened
21 Member Profile: Adey Peterkin, Drum United
22 Next Generation and New Members TRAINING & EVENTS
23 A comprehensive overview of training courses and Chamber events
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.
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