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		<title>Admin Panel | Somerset Chamber</title>
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				<title><![CDATA[Somerset Chamber News - February 2012]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=206</link>
					<description>Download and read the February edition of the Somerset Chamber News below





&amp;nbsp;
Click to launch the full edition in a new window</description>
					<pubDate>01 Feb, 2012</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[LEP Business Plan Consultation]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=205</link>
					<description>The business community are invited by the Heart of the South West LEP to particpiate in the consultation process to assist in the development of their business plan.
Sessions are free to attend, but as numbers are limited, places are first come first served. Attendance should be confirmed to hotsw@coastmarcoms.co.uk
8th February, 8-10 am, The Exchange, Bridgwater, Somerset
8th February, 5.30 - 7.30 pm, Dillington House, Ilminster, Somerset
9th February, 8-10 am, The Legacy, Plymouth International Hotel, Plymouth
9th February, 5.30 - 7.30 pm, The Thistle Rougemont Hotel, Exeter
To view the formal invitation download HERE
&amp;nbsp;</description>
					<pubDate>26 Jan, 2012</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[January 2012 newsletter]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=204</link>
					<description>Please click here for the January 2012 edition of Chamber News</description>
					<pubDate>03 Jan, 2012</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[BCC responds to Regulation Survey]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=203</link>
					<description>&amp;ldquo;Red Tape Challenged?&amp;rdquo; a new report released today (Monday 19th December) by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) shows that the government&amp;rsquo;s new regulatory architecture is inconsistent and lacks transparency. Through analysis of Impact Assessments* (IAs) by government department, and the feedback on these by the Regulatory Policy Committee, the BCC was able to examine the progress made by the government to improve regulatory policy and reduce the effects of red tape on business.
Regulation can substantially affect businesses&amp;rsquo; ability to grow, innovate and create employment. Only substantive reductions in regulatory burdens will make a genuine difference to British businesses. During 2011, the government has made a serious commitment to reduce red tape for firms, but our report finds that the systems and processes put in place to achieve this are still inconsistent and must be strengthened. .
The report found:
The burden of regulation on business remains too high
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Despite promises to reduce regulation, and the launch of the Red Tape Challenge, businesses are still expected to comply with a huge volume of regulation. 
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;The October Common Commencement Date saw the introduction of new regulation with a &amp;pound;45m price tag for business.
The regulatory process is opaque, and not open to effective scrutiny
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;The BCC found that not all government departments publish all of their regulatory Impact Assessments in the IA Library. In several cases, we had to use Freedom of Information (FOI) requests in order to gain access to these. This is at odds with the government&amp;rsquo;s aim to make the regulatory process transparent. 
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;The architecture through which regulations must pass is still flawed. The Regulatory Policy Committee is tasked with &amp;ldquo;independent scrutiny of proposed regulatory measures&amp;rdquo;. However our research found that in some cases their recommendations were not taken seriously, or implemented by government departments. See below for an example. 
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;In addition, the study shows that there is too much inconsistency between the regulatory processes of different government departments. We believe that the Better Regulation Executive should be empowered to monitor government departments&amp;rsquo; deregulatory performance, with strong Ministerial support.&amp;nbsp;
&amp;ldquo;One-in One-Out&amp;rdquo; policy not applicable to 42% of regulations
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;The Coalition&amp;rsquo;s introduction of a One-in One-Out approach is designed to force departments to scrap old laws if they want to bring in new ones, and so reduce the costs and burdens faced by businesses in complying with regulations. 
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;However, many new regulations are out of the scope of the policy because they are either European in origin, or relate to non-applicable areas such as environment or tax. 
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;The figure of 42% of regulations falling outside of the &amp;ldquo;One-in One-out&amp;rdquo; policy is disproportionately high. This means businesses on the ground still feel the effect of more, rather than less, regulation.
A working example: National Minimum Wage increase
On April 7th 2011, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) announced that the National Minimum Wage would increase by 2.5% to &amp;pound;6.08 per hour in October 2011.
However, an FOI request sent to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills by BCC found that the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC) had rated the Impact Assessment &amp;lsquo;not fit for purpose&amp;rsquo;. This means that BIS should have addressed their concerns around the regulation before proceeding with any change.
The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills chose to ignore the RPC&amp;rsquo;s opinion and increase the National Minimum Wage regardless. Moreover, BIS made the announcement of the increase on April 7th 2011. However the RPC opinion states that the IA was not submitted until April 21st 2011, with the RPC issuing an opinion on June 6th 2011. This demonstrates that the government had clearly planned to increase the NMW regardless of the RPC&amp;rsquo;s view, undermining its role in the regulatory process.
Commenting on the report, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
&amp;ldquo;Regulation affects businesses every day. While some regulation is necessary to improve markets, an excess can add unnecessary burdens and hinder growth among businesses. Needless regulation creates uncertainty, and damages productivity, distracting firms from innovation and expansion. It is crucial that the drive to reduce the regulatory burden is treated as importantly as all other aspects of economic policy.
&amp;ldquo;The scrutiny of regulation often falls down as there is no single Ministerial &amp;lsquo;guardian&amp;rsquo; to make sure it is being delivered. National Minimum Wage uplifts and the Agency Workers Directive are key examples where this was the case in 2011. &amp;lsquo;One-in, One-out&amp;rsquo; has potential to have a big effect, but the current exemptions and lack of transparency with Impact Assessments make it difficult to police. Brussels is still pumping out regulatory proposals in areas such as employment and health and safety.
&amp;ldquo;Businesses the length and breadth of the country are yet to feel the concrete or positive changes promised by the government&amp;rsquo;s deregulatory drive. Only substantive and real reductions in the regulatory burden will give companies confidence and enable them to plan for future growth with certainty and clarity.&amp;rdquo;
&amp;nbsp;</description>
					<pubDate>19 Dec, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[HOT DESKS available at the Chamber]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=202</link>
					<description>Following the success of our first 2 hot-desking clients, who in the last year have outgrown their space due to business growth, the Chamber has a vacancy for one or possibly two one-person businesses who are looking for hot-desking space at the Chamber&amp;rsquo;s offices on Blackbrook Business Park, Taunton&amp;mdash;just 30 seconds from J25 of the M5.
Fed up with working alone? Losing motivation working out of the spare room at home? Can&amp;rsquo;t escape the attention of an inquisitive young family? Present office commitment too expensive or not well situated?
The Somerset Chamber&amp;nbsp;may have the answer
Flexible tenure, dedicated space, broadband included, realistic rents and a great working environment make this an excellent opportunity for a young business to have an address to be proud of and the freedom to work in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
Give us a call or email for an informal discussion of your spatial needs and how we may be able to help &amp;mdash; 01823 444924 - manager@somerset-chamber.co.uk
&amp;ldquo;Good Luck for 2012&amp;rdquo; to Arnold &amp;amp; Julie Wills of Pilgrim Financial Management and Andy Buckley&amp;nbsp;of &amp;nbsp;A B Heritage Ltd. May 2012 be as successful as 2011 was for&amp;nbsp;them at the Chamber.
&amp;nbsp;</description>
					<pubDate>15 Dec, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[Business Breakfast Forum - 13th December]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=201</link>
					<description>We would like to thank all 60 delegate that battled through high winds and rain to attended this mornings Business Breakfast Forum at Dillington House.
As promised by Rupert Cox, please find copies of the 4 presentations below
&amp;nbsp;
Cllr David hall - Heart of the South West LEP
Michael Dunn (BT) - NEXTGEN Now: The Big Build 
Matt Ballard - Connecting Devon and Somerset 
Natalie Wainwright - Somerset Employment and Skills Board
If you need any more information please feel free to contact us on events@somerset-chamber.co.uk
&amp;nbsp;
Thank you to our kind sponsors, Ivan Rendall &amp;amp; Co
</description>
					<pubDate>13 Dec, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[Don't miss out on the news!]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=200</link>
					<description>Have you missed the Somerset Chamber's last newsletter?
Click HERE to catch up on the latest Chamber activity

    Next event
    PDF of the December newsletter
    Sample new-style newsletter to be launched in February - with great advertising opportunities
    Awards for exporters
    Christmas card from the Chamber team
</description>
					<pubDate>12 Dec, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[The Exporting for Growth Prize]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=199</link>
					<description>The Exporting for Growth Prize competition offers SME&amp;rsquo;s the chance to win over &amp;pound;5,000 worth of advice, support and professional services to help their company grow internationally. Winners will also have access to expert business mentoring from HSBC Bank plc and PwC.
Who should enter?
Entrepreneurs and businesses with a new export idea, product or service that is innovative and can be converted into an international business opportunity.
The competition is open to all SME&amp;rsquo;s in the South West of England.
&amp;nbsp;
Why should SME&amp;rsquo;s enter?
Through the combined business and UKTI support on offer SME&amp;rsquo;s will have the chance for a head start in making their export idea a reality.
Benefits:

    It&amp;rsquo;s simple to enter, just describe your big export idea in no more than 200 words 
    Expert business advice and mentoring from UKTI, HSBC Bank plc and PwC will be on offer 
    Appropriate SME&amp;rsquo;s will be invited to present their idea to a panel of business experts 
    A shortlist of those with the best ideas will have an opportunity to present to a live audience of industry experts and business investors 
    The regional winners will be invited to a prestigious celebratory event in London and UKTI will provide them with &amp;pound;5,000 worth of support through overseas teams and up to 3 grants for travel to overseas markets 

How to enter
For full details about the application process and the prize on offer visit: 
www.ukti.gov.uk/exportingforgrowthprize
&amp;nbsp;</description>
					<pubDate>08 Dec, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[December 2011 Newsletter]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=198</link>
					<description>Please click here for the December edition of Chamber News</description>
					<pubDate>06 Dec, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[Autumn Statement: more support for businesses, but uncertainty remains, says BCC]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=197</link>
					<description>Commenting on today&amp;rsquo;s Autumn Statement, announced by the Chancellor, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:
&amp;ldquo;George Osborne needed to deliver an Autumn Statement that provided a credible plan for business growth while maintaining the UK&amp;rsquo;s fiscal credibility. Under tough circumstances, he has managed to propose a number of measures that will be welcomed by business.
&amp;ldquo;In particular, companies will welcome the Chancellor&amp;rsquo;s renewed commitments to reform employment law and simplify the planning system. Businesses will support the aim of credit easing, but will be watching carefully to ensure that viable small- and medium-sized companies can access the finance they need to grow.
&amp;ldquo;Ahead of the Autumn Statement, we urged the Chancellor to invest further in infrastructure, give more support for exporters, and introduce measures to help businesses invest with confidence. He has responded in part to each of these major concerns.
&amp;ldquo;The biggest challenges to UK businesses remain global demand and economic uncertainty. Firms will give the Chancellor credit for pulling the levers under his control, but will remain concerned about the wider economic environment.&amp;rdquo;
More information and the full response from BCC&amp;nbsp;can be found HERE</description>
					<pubDate>29 Nov, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[Latest BCC Economic Forecast]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=195</link>
					<description>The British Chambers of Commerce today published its new Quarterly Economic Forecast today, downgrading its prediction for UK GDP growth in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Though growth is expected to be very weak until mid-2012, the new forecast predicts gradual improvement over time and warns against unjustified gloom about the UK&amp;rsquo;s economic prospects. 
&amp;nbsp;
UK GDP growth will be minimal until mid-2012, and then improve gradually
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;The impacts of the eurozone debt crisis have been more serious than previously predicted. On this basis, the BCC has revised down its forecasts for GDP growth.
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Growth over the next few years, both globally and in the UK, will be constrained by the on-going fallout of the financial crisis. Debt levels are still too high. The process of de-leveraging will be difficult, and will result in a relatively long period of low growth.
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Growth will be minimal in Q4 2011, and the first two quarters of 2012 (0.1 - 0.2 % per quarter). Thereafter, we expect gradual improvement, but UK growth is likely to remain weak by historical standards until the second half of 2013. 
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;The BCC expects UK GDP growth of 0.9% in 2011 (down from 1.1% in our September forecast), 0.8% in 2012 (down from 2.1%), and 1.8% in 2013 (down from 2.5%). 
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;We expect consumer spending to decline by 1.2% in 2011, followed by modest growth of 0.5% in 2012 and 1.6% in 2013. Consumer spending growth is likely to remain consistently slower than GDP growth.
Unemployment will increase to 2.77 million
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Our new forecast envisages that total UK unemployment will increase from 2.62 million (8.3% of the workforce) in July-September 2011, to 2.77 million (8.7% of the workforce) in Q4 2012, a net increase of some 150,000 in the jobless total.
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Unemployment in the 16-17 age group is forecast to total around 235,000 (a jobless rate of 42%) in Q4 2012. 
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Unemployment in the 18-24 age group is forecast to total around 840,000 (a jobless rate of 22.5%) in Q4 2012.
Interest rates will remain low, and the QE programme will be increased to &amp;pound;325 billion 
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Weaker growth prospects, both globally and in the UK, will make it necessary to keep official interest rates at very low levels for longer than previously envisaged. 
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Interest rates will remain at 0.5% until at least the fourth quarter of 2012, and then increase modestly, reaching 1.5% in Q4 2013. 
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;With UK growth likely to be very low in the next two to three quarters, and with the eurozone likely to record negative growth in the near future, we expect the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) to increase the Quantitative Easing (QE) programme to &amp;pound;325 billion, from &amp;pound;275 billion. 
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;On its own, more QE will not suffice. The MPC should reassess its reluctance to purchase private sector assets and actively support the credit easing measures that the Chancellor is expected to announce in the Autumn Statement.
Public finances and inflation
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;Our public sector borrowing forecast for 2011/12 is &amp;pound;123.9 billion. This is only &amp;pound;2 billion above the OBR&amp;rsquo;s forecast of &amp;pound;121.8 billion made in March 2011. But, as a result of weaker economic growth than previously predicted, we expect the gap between actual borrowing and the OBR forecast to widen in the following two years, with excesses of &amp;pound;10 billion in 2012/13 and &amp;pound;17 billion in 2013/14.
&amp;bull;&amp;nbsp;In average terms, we are now predicting annual CPI inflation at 4.5% in 2011, 3.3% in 2012 and 2.0% in 2013. For annual average RPI inflation, we are now predicting 5.2% in 2011, 3.5% in 2012 and 2.3% in 2013.
Commenting, John Longworth, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
&amp;ldquo;The challenges facing the UK economy have grown in recent months. Uncertainty surrounding the eurozone will delay a significant upturn in growth until late in 2012. We expect inflation to fall sharply, which is positive news for businesses and consumers, but we will be faced with rising unemployment for some time to come.&amp;rdquo;
&amp;ldquo;Despite our prediction of slow growth, there is no need for doom and gloom. The UK economy has the potential to recover and thrive. Our economic prospects will improve, but not overnight.
&amp;ldquo;A strong recovery relies on creating the right conditions for growth. Companies need the best possible environment to generate wealth and create jobs.
&amp;ldquo;Business is clear that the government must stick to its deficit reduction plans. Yet there is room for the Chancellor to change spending priorities, and focus more of our existing budgets on improving infrastructure, helping businesses to invest, and support for exporters.
&amp;ldquo;We all know that the public sector&amp;rsquo;s share of economic activity will shrink over the next few years. Bold measures that support business growth and encourage enterprise are absolutely fundamental to our prospects for recovery.&amp;quot;
David Kern, Chief Economist at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:
&amp;ldquo;The immediate outlook is challenging and, though we believe a recession will be avoided, the risks cannot be shrugged off. Due to the combined impact of the eurozone crisis and the UK&amp;rsquo;s fiscal austerity plan, we expect growth to be minimal until mid-2012, and then improve gradually. Though UK growth will stay positive, and strengthen in the medium term, our forecast indicates that GDP will only return to its pre-recession level in 2014, while consumer spending will only rise back to its pre-recession position in 2015.
&amp;ldquo;The Chancellor&amp;rsquo;s deficit reduction strategy has earned the UK credibility in the financial markets. It also gives him the flexibility to do more to support growth when he announces his plans tomorrow.
&amp;ldquo;With UK growth likely to be minimal in the next two to three quarters, and with the eurozone likely to record negative growth in the near future, we expect the MPC to increase the Quantitative Easing (QE) programme further early in 2012, from &amp;pound;275 to &amp;pound;325 billion. However, higher QE on its own will not achieve its full potential without effective measures that would to improve to the flow of credit to businesses, notably viable SMEs.
&amp;nbsp;</description>
					<pubDate>28 Nov, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[EDF's Hinkley C application ready for determination]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=193</link>
					<description>EDF Energy has had their application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission accepted for determination.
This does not mean the application has been approved, but that it can now be fully considered by the Commission during 2012 - all 90,00 pages.
Click HERE to view EDF's press release on the subject.
Any comments that Chamber members may have on this subject please email the CEO&amp;nbsp;Rupert Cox</description>
					<pubDate>25 Nov, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[Chamber's AGM great success]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=194</link>
					<description>The newly appointed Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, John Longworth, visited Somerset this week to present the Somerset Chamber of Commerce with their official accreditation certificate during the Annual General Meeting. The accreditation was the icing on the cake for the Somerset Chamber as it celebrated a particularly successful year.
John Longworth commented, &amp;ldquo;For a Chamber to be accredited there are a number of characteristics that are important and I am pleased to say that all of those characteristics are exemplified by this Chamber. They have also had the British Chambers inspection to make sure that all the governance is in place and they&amp;rsquo;re doing a fine job so I&amp;rsquo;m very pleased to present them with their accreditation certificate.&amp;rdquo;
The British Chambers of Commerce accreditation recognises the highest standards of quality and performance. Becoming part of the Accredited Network will enable the views of Somerset businesses to be heard within government; will open up new business opportunities in local, national and international markets; and will enable the Somerset Chamber of Commerce to provide improved critical business advice, services and skills development to local businesses.
Continuing with the celebratory theme, certificates were presented to those businesses that have been members of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce for ten continuous years or more. The companies awarded were AC Mole &amp;amp; Sons; Albert Goodman; Amberley Management Recruitment; Brecknell Willis &amp;amp; Co Ltd; Bridge Tyres &amp;amp; Wheels; Butlins Skyline; Clarke Willmott; Datamine International Ltd; Derek Randall Associates; Holiday Inn Taunton; Numatic International Ltd; Perrys Recycling; Richard Huish College; Royal Bath and West of England Society; and Ylem Ltd
Updates on activities throughout the year highlighted that the Somerset Chamber has had an outstanding year in terms of membership, with a current total of 377 member companies, almost reaching the end-of-2012 target of 400 members a whole year early!
Rupert Cox, Chief Executive of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, commented, &amp;ldquo;It&amp;rsquo;s been a long-term ambition of mine to make sure that Somerset Chamber gets involved with the British Chambers of Commerce and becomes an Accredited Chamber, which we are very proud to have achieved this year. This accreditation recognises that we run our own business efficiently and effectively, with a growing customer base and good business ethics. We are really proud to become part of the Accredited Network of Chambers and are also pleased to be one of only 15 or 20 Chambers in the country that have a growing membership and are profitable.&amp;rdquo;
Finally the Somerset Chamber took the opportunity to launch its Business Start-Up Programme, which has been developed following the demise of Business Link in order to help entrepreneurs set up their own businesses. Rupert Cox introduced Yvette Cole, who has been appointed to deliver the new Somerset Business Start-Up Programme. Yvette has great experience and skill in this area, having managed the programme across Somerset, Devon and the Isles of Scilly for Peninsula Enterprise for the last three years. &amp;ldquo;Helping those that are investing in a start-up career is where we feel the Somerset Chamber can offer even more value to the Somerset economy in 2012,&amp;rdquo; added Rupert.
More information about the Business Start-Up Programme can be found on the Somerset Chamber website, www.somerset-chamber.co.uk.
&amp;nbsp;</description>
					<pubDate>25 Nov, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[November 2011 Newsletter]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=191</link>
					<description>For the latest edition of the Chamber newsletter please click here</description>
					<pubDate>14 Nov, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[HELVETIC AIRWAYS LAUNCHES BRISTOL-ZURICH SERVICE]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=192</link>
					<description>The latest news from Chamber members, Bristol Airport.
&amp;nbsp;
Please click here</description>
					<pubDate>14 Nov, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[Big Hitters to attend Chamber AGM]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=190</link>
					<description>The Somerset Chamber of Commerce is delighted to welcome 3 &amp;quot;Big Hitters&amp;quot; as guest speakers to its Annual General Meeting on Monday 21st November.
Chamber President, Michael Eavis CBE will be presenting long service awards to 17 members that have achieved 10 or more years of uninterupted Somerset Chamber Membership. This is a great opportunity for Chamber members to meet one of Somerset's, if not the nation's, most iconic characters.
He will be joined by the new Director General of the Bristish Chambers of Commerce, John Longworth who will address the meeting following an afternoon of company visits including the home of &amp;quot;Henry&amp;quot; - Numatic International at Chard and Powrmatic at Ilminster.
Finally, the Chamber is delighted to announce that the Chairman of the Heart of the South West LEP, Tim Jones will be setting out his thoughts and ambitions for a succesful local enterprise partnership.
The Board of the Chamber look forward to welcoming members and supporters to attend at 7pm on Monday 21st November at The Holiday Inn, J25, Taunton.
This event is sponsored by The Clerksroom with additional support from The Holiday Inn</description>
					<pubDate>12 Nov, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[The Heart of the South West Partnership Board is now in place!]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=184</link>
					<description>&amp;nbsp;
Board appointed for Heart of the South West Partnership
&amp;nbsp;
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership has formally agreed its board of directors.
&amp;nbsp;
After an extensive recruitment exercise, eight representatives from the private sector have been appointed, joining the other members to form the Partnership Board.
&amp;nbsp;
The members of the full board are:
&amp;nbsp;

    Nicholas Ames, Managing Director, Supacat Ltd.
    Simon Barker, Director Strategy and Alliances UK Government Business,&amp;nbsp;Agusta Westland
    Frances Brennan, SW Regional Director, Working Links
    Adam Chambers, Chief Executive Officer, Peninsula Enterprise
    Jamie Christon, Managing Director Exeter and Devon Airport Ltd 
    Nick Engert, Consultant to Clarke Willmott LLP
    Tim Jones, Chartered Surveyor / Commercial Property Developer
    Vaughan Lindsay, Chief Executive, Dartington Hall Trust
    Councillor Ted Fry, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder Economic Development, Plymouth City Council
    Councillor William Mumford, Cabinet Member for Economy, Enterprise and Employment, Devon County Council
    Councillor David Hall, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Economic Development, Somerset County Council
    Gordon Oliver, Mayor and Leader of Torbay Council
    Professor Wendy Purcell, Vice-Chancellor University of Plymouth
    David Allen, Registrar and Deputy Chief Executive, University of Exeter&amp;nbsp;
    Rachel Davies, Principal, Somerset College

&amp;nbsp;
The Local Enterprise Partnership was formed in November last year under the leadership of the private sector, supported by local authorities from Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay.
&amp;nbsp;
Chair of the Steering Committee, Jeremy Filmer-Bennett said: &amp;ldquo; We had many applications from across the whole business community and we were heartened by the calibre and enthusiasm of the candidates who were willing to give their time and expertise.&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;ldquo;It is important that the private sector board members represented the diversity of business and industry across the region. I am confident that we have appointed a strong and dynamic team from the public and private sectors that will be able to take the partnership forward.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;ldquo;The depth and breadth of the knowledge and skills that the team bring to the Partnership will be invaluable in pursuing and developing the vision that we set out in the initial Heart of the South West prospectus.
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;ldquo;The Board has been drawn from people actively involved in the economy, demonstrating a real passion for the future prosperity of the area, enabling a strong and focused approach.&amp;rdquo;
&amp;nbsp;
The priorities for the partnership include job creation and business expansion, developing skills and boosting wages as well as creating the right conditions for economic growth.
&amp;nbsp;
The Board will seek to use its influence to pressure government where necessary by acting as advocates for the area and speaking out on issues that affect enterprise and economic development.
&amp;nbsp;
Amongst the Board&amp;rsquo;s first tasks, will be nominating a Chair from its membership, alongside the setting up of the Forum. This will be the formal body that feeds into the Partnership&amp;rsquo;s activities and will be open to everyone with an interest in the group.
&amp;nbsp;
More information on the forum and its formation, as well as the Heart of the South West can be found on the website at www.heartofswlep.co.uk</description>
					<pubDate>23 Jun, 2011</pubDate>      
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			<item>		
				<title><![CDATA[New services to benefit High Growth businesses in the South West]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=183</link>
					<description>Ambitious business or entrepreneurs with the potential to achieve between &amp;pound;500,000 and &amp;pound;1m+ turnover within&amp;nbsp;the first three years of trading can take advantage of free business growth coaching.
Whether you&amp;rsquo;re starting up or have an established business; if you have the right attitude or innovation &amp;ndash; a new product, service or concept, North Somerset Enterprise Agency together with Business West would &amp;nbsp;like to help your business achieve its full growth potential.
&amp;nbsp;
They are offering three high impact business growth services to drive your success &amp;ndash; and as they&amp;rsquo;re funded by the European Region Development Fund, they are fully subsidised.

    Starting a High Growth Business
    Coaching for High Growth
    Understanding Finance for Business

The services deliver one-to-one assistance through over 100 of the top independent &amp;nbsp;business coaches based in the region. You&amp;rsquo;ll benefit from their extensive boardroom experience and a carefully planned combination of advice, workshops, business strategy and finance guidance. Support is long-term and targeted to the exact requirements of your business.
For more information look on: www.growthsouthwest.co.uk, or visit the partners events page of this website.</description>
					<pubDate>16 Jun, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[£30m Investment in Broadband]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=180</link>
					<description>Somerset is celebrating this morning as we hear that our bid to BDUK has been successful.
The joint bid with Devon will now work to develop a broadband solution that will provide 85% or premises with access to 20mbps and the remaining rurally isolated 15% of&amp;nbsp;premises will&amp;nbsp;get at&amp;nbsp;least 2mbps - where now they have nothing.
&amp;quot;Thank You&amp;quot; from&amp;nbsp;the Somerset Chamber of Commerce&amp;nbsp;to the bid writing team at County Hall, our 5 MPs&amp;nbsp;and to Somerset businesses who supported the bid.
CLICK&amp;nbsp;HERE for the full story&amp;nbsp;</description>
					<pubDate>27 May, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[Somerset in Business Conference - Presentations available]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=179</link>
					<description>Somerset in Business Conference May 2011
The Energy To Achieve
Over 200 business people from across the county and the South West region attended the 5th annual Somerset in Business Conference at the Taunton Rugby Club on Tuesday 24 May to hear from experts&amp;nbsp;from&amp;nbsp;a range of disciplines and sectors about Somerset's low carbon economy.
Please see below PDF documents of the presentations from the day:
EDF Energy: Sustainability - Alan Cumming
Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership - Jeremy Filmer-Bennett
iNET - Supporting Growth in Environmental Technologies - Professor Martin Bigg
iNET Case Study: Goodridge Environmental - Chris Williams
Energy from Waste:Viridor - Tessa Taylor
The Power of Water - Roger Hutton
&amp;nbsp;
&amp;nbsp;</description>
					<pubDate>25 May, 2011</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[February Newsletter]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=113</link>
					<description>February Newsletter</description>
					<pubDate>01 Feb, 2010</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[December 2009 Newsletter]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=107</link>
					<description>December 2009 Newsletter</description>
					<pubDate>01 Dec, 2009</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[November Newsletter]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=106</link>
					<description>November Newsletter</description>
					<pubDate>01 Nov, 2009</pubDate>      
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			<item>		
				<title><![CDATA[October 2009 Newsletter]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=105</link>
					<description>October 09 Newsletter</description>
					<pubDate>01 Oct, 2009</pubDate>      
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			<item>		
				<title><![CDATA[September 09 Newsletter]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=104</link>
					<description>Newsletter&amp;nbsp; September 2009 </description>
					<pubDate>01 Sep, 2009</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[August 09 Newsletter]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=102</link>
					<description>Newsletter August 09</description>
					<pubDate>01 Aug, 2009</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[July 09 Newsletter]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=100</link>
					<description>Newsletter July </description>
					<pubDate>01 Jul, 2009</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[June 09 Newsletter]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=99</link>
					<description>Newsletter June </description>
					<pubDate>01 Jun, 2009</pubDate>      
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				<title><![CDATA[May 09 Newsletter]]></title>
					<link>http://www.somerset-chamber.co.uk//index.php?opt=news&amp;action=show&amp;id=97</link>
					<description>Newsletter May&amp;nbsp;</description>
					<pubDate>01 May, 2009</pubDate>      
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