Newsletter ~ September 2003
Leatherhead Town Centre & District
Mole Valley’s Local Transportation Service Weekly Bulletin confirms that cladding, lighting and remedial works are still to be carried out, although no date is given for full and final completion. Tony Casey will provide us with an update for our November Newsletter.
Bookings are now being taken for Christmas Trees ~ the delivery, decoration and display of which is once again being organised by David & Sylvia Sharland on behalf of the Leatherhead Chamber. The Town Centre is enhanced throughout the Yuletide Season by these Christmas trees … which are wall-mounted throughout the High Street, Bridge Street, North Street and Church Street. Our warm thanks, as always, go to David & Sylvia for all their hard work in helping to create a bright and cheerful Leatherhead each Christmastime. The cost of a tree, dressed with its lights, and placed in an existing wall bracket towards the end of November, is a very reasonable £32 … and this charge also covers the maintenance of the lights throughout the festive period, as well as the dismantling/removal of the tree after Christmas. All profit, having covered the cost of replacement lights, goes towards the Town’s Christmas Festival.
If you have not already ordered your tree and would like to display one or more outside your premises, do please contact David & Sylvia on: 01372 274795.
Inaugural Leatherhead Drama Festival
David Ingle, of Chamber Member Eyes Wide Digital Ltd, has provided us with the news that Leatherhead is to have its own Drama Festival of one-act plays in The Theatre next year. Sir Michael Caine has agreed to give his name to the winner’s trophy and has also said that, if his schedule permits, he will present the prizes on Saturday 8th May. Eyes Wide have been contracted to undertake the design, photography and printing work for the Festival.
Already, a number of Surrey amateur groups have been approached and the target of ten senior drama societies and five junior drama groups from various parts of the country should be reached. The Festival, which is to be professionally adjudicated by former actor, Bill Newman, a member of the Guild of Drama Adjudicators, is scheduled to take place during the week of May 3rd to May 8th 2004.
The organising committee comprises a team of local residents under the Chairmanship of local resident Richard Houghton. Rules have been drafted and a mailing has been sent out to most local dramatic societies, whose initial response has been very favourable. The committee is receiving the help and co-operation of Chamber Members Pioneer People Theatre Ltd and, particularly, that of Sir Michael Forestier-Walker, the Theatre’s Development Manager ~ Sir Michael recently arranged a meeting between Richard Houghton and the Theatre’s Directors, who confirmed their support for the event.
A ‘Friends of the Festival’ scheme is in the course of construction ~ this will provide Friends with tickets at a special discount rate plus other benefits such as discounts with a number of local traders and restaurants. Please watch the local press for full details.
The Chamber extends a warm welcome to our new Members ~ we hope they enjoy the benefits of Membership, and we look forward to meeting them at future Chamber events.
Dragonridge Limited …
Based at 10 Norbury Way, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT23 4RY, Dragonridge aim to help you with your computing needs and to provide the very best computer services at an affordable rate to small and medium sized companies. For further information, please contact Angela Bigwood, Director, by telephone: 0845 053 1604 or via Email at: angela.bigwood@dragonridge.co.uk. You can also visit the website at: www.dragonridge.co.uk.
Indian Ocean …
Is a garden furniture retailer and showroom offering all that you need to enhance your garden, including a large range of superior quality teak outdoor furniture, lighting and accessories ~ with free delivery and assembly included on all orders. Visit the showroom at Patsom Cottage, Randalls Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0BA or the website at: www.indian-ocean.co.uk. For more information, please contact Carys Fowle, Director, via telephone: 01372 849830 or Email: leatherhead@indian-ocean.co.uk.
Jones’ Creative Services …
Is based at 26A Bridge Street, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8BZ and provides a comprehensive range of creative services including graphic design, corporate and product identity, contract publishing, signwriting and web design. Jones’ Creative Services work as an external team and take pride in their ability to work closely with clients, as well as accurately to brief, deadline and budget. If you would like further information, please telephone Richard Jones, Director of Creative Projects, on: 01372 379951, facsimile via: 01372 374931 or send an Email to: jones.creative@virgin.net.
Aphrodite Bridal Designs Limited …
A made-to-measure designer wedding dress and accessories shop, located at 1 The Cobbles, High Street, Bletchingley, Surrey, RH1 4PB. Karen Thornicroft, Proprietor, can be contacted by telephone: 01883 743293, facsimile: 0870 751 7570 or Email: karen@aphrodite-brides.co.uk. You can also view Aphrodite’s website at: www.aphrodite-brides.co.uk.
Iron Works …
Grace Kelland, Proprietor, offers an ironing service including collection and delivery at your place of work, during working hours. Iron Works is located at Silverwood, Oxshott Road, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 0EN ~ and Grace can be contacted via telephone: 01372 810101 or Email: grace.kelland@ntlworld.com.
Soulinnis …
A Delicatessen, Restaurant and Wine Bar, Soulinnis is to be found at 5 Bridge Street, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8BL. For more information, please contact Susan Ephgrave, Managing Director, via telephone and facsimile on: 01372 386108 or Email: susan@soulinnis.com. The website can be visited at: www.soulinnis.com.
Corbetts Bookshop …
… is THE place to go to find a wide range of interesting books. The staff are very friendly and helpful and have an extensive knowledge of the world of literature. The shop itself … located at 7 The Swan Centre, Leatherhead, Surrey, KT22 8AH … has a lovely atmosphere, and customers can make a quick purchase in a break from work, or can browse at their leisure – fortified by free coffee and a comfy sofa. Peter Snell, Manager, can be contacted via telephone: 01372 362988, facsimile: 01372 263308 or Email: corbettslhead@btconnect.com.
… in the “Mole Valley Ashes” ~ and the Leatherhead Chamber must hang its head in shame !! Hosted this year by the Leatherhead Chamber … and scheduled to take place (by the kind permission of fellow Leatherhead Chamber Member Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation, on the pitch at their premises situated in Leatherhead) on the 8th of September … Dorking pipped Leatherhead via a walkover, the match having been cancelled at the last minute due to a virtual non-response by Leatherhead Chamber Members. Having worked hard to garner a full team, Dorking were dismayed at being robbed of the opportunity to display their skills on the pitch … as well as missing out on an occasion for their players and supporters to meet and network with their near-neighbours in the Leatherhead Chamber. We offer our sincere apologies to Dorking for our miserable response to their challenge … our congratulations to them for their victory this year ~ and our thanks to the couple of Leatherhead Members who had offered either players or supporters this year … your good intentions were, sadly, not quite enough to carry us to triumph this time around. We must do better next year, Leatherhead !!
Taking place in the Shell Room at Fetcham Park House on the 25th of September, prior to the Autumn Reception, the AGM was both a lively and interesting meeting, incorporating a number of changes to the Board of Directors. Our long-serving President, Bruce Andrews, stood down, to be replaced by John Howarth (QVD Associates).
Special thanks and appreciation must go to Bruce, who has spent three years at the helm, during which time he has contributed hundreds of hours and expended great effort for the good of the Leatherhead Chamber and its Members.
Linda Bromley (Englishman’s Castle) became our new Vice President, taking over the role from Maurice Johnson (Hurst Warne). David Harrington retired from the Board following a long service … our thanks to David for the time and effort he has spent on the Chamber’s behalf during his tenure. Two new Directors … Nick Hoskins(Corporate Office Supplies Ltd) and Peter Snell (Corbett’s Bookshop) … were nominated and duly elected. The Chamber’s Accounts were read by Paul McWhirter, who was elected Secretary and also remains as Chamber Treasurer. The Minutes of the 2003 AGM will be despatched to Members along with the November Newsletter.
The Chamber’s Board of Directors for the coming year is:
Director & President John Howarth
Director & Vice President Linda Bromley
Director & Immediate Past President Bruce Andrews
Directors: Patrick Crips-Villiers
Warren Dachtler
Nick Hoskins
Maurice Johnson
Mike Menni
Peter Snell
(Non-Director) Secretary & Treasurer Paul McWhirter
Our thanks to all those who have agreed to serve as Chamber Officers ~ whose willingness to give their time freely in support of the Leatherhead Chamber and its Members is very much appreciated.
The Autumn Reception & Social, held in the stunning Chandelier Room following the AGM, was well attended by a gathering which included Chamber Members and representatives of local and central government, as well as other local organisations. The buffet provided by Harringtons Bakery was, as always, consumed with relish ! ~ our thanks to David Harrington. Thanks also to Mike Menni, Proprietor of Wing Cleaners, who provided the wine. We hope those Members who attended these events enjoyed them ~ thank you all for your valued support.
Each of the above functions was sponsored by Parallel Business Centres ~ and the Chamber would like to thank Parallel for their generosity in offering such a wonderful venue … and also the Management Team at Fetcham Park House, particularly Matthew and Stephanie, for their hard work towards ensuring the very successful evening enjoyed by the Leatherhead Chamber and its guests.
DTI Service to improve Business Performance
Is
your business excellent or just average ? Is it a Leader or a Lagger ?
For businesses to survive and grow it is essential for them to be continually appraising and improving their performance levels. But what are those key indicators that drive their performance ? How does their own performance compare year upon year and, most importantly, how do they compare with businesses in the same market sector as themselves ?
The Benchmark Index, a service provided by the SBS (a branch of the DTI) is set up to do just this. With over 8,500 bench marked companies on its data base it provides comprehensive information in a facilitated and confidential environment.
Small and medium sized firms that have used this service have, on average, seen their profits rise by £70,000. The service also helps firms boost their productivity by identifying and addressing problems they may not have been aware of.
The Benchmark Index is an excellent and cost effective way of providing a “health check” on your Company’s performance.
The benchmarking
process is quick, straightforward and logical, but its impact is measurable and
long-lasting.
For more information contact the Chamber on
Tel: 01372 371009 or via Email: info@leatherheadchamber.co.uk.
(Have your say ! How can the Chamber help you and your
business ? We would welcome your
feedback. Or maybe you’d like to share
some other news or thoughts with your fellow Members. Pick up your pen in time for the November 2003 Newsletter.)
Neither Roses nor Raspberries have been received for inclusion in this edition of your Newsletter !
(An opportunity to publicise
your organisation to the Membership. Two
profiles will be presented in each Newsletter, copy approximately 250
words. Contributions are published in
order of receipt. Your next Newsletter
will be printed in November 2003.)
Net fix uk
For those new to Net Fix UK, we design, implement and support computer networks for SME businesses located in London and the South East. These systems are primarily based upon: Microsoft technologies, specifically the Back Office set of business applications; Citrix technologies including its Metaframe product range; and Cisco entry level products.
We started our company because we felt that small and medium sized businesses, in particular, would benefit from our customer-facing IT services.
Our aims are to provide SME businesses with the high quality, professional IT services they need and to be competitive in the market … along with prices that are very affordable. We believe the best way to achieve this goal is to listen to each customer’s needs and to adapt the technology to their advantage.
Ø Installation Ø Training Ø Ongoing Management Ø Support
The Net Fix UK team can configure and install computer equipment to suit your business requirements and provide the necessary training for your staff. In addition, we provide ongoing telephone and onsite support, leaving you free to concentrate on running your business.
Ø IT Consultancy Identifying the business issues
Ø Network Design Creating a solution that meets the business need
Ø Deploy Implementation of the solution
Ø Support Ongoing support of the solution
Ø Web Design Tailor-made web sites for any business
Ø Backup & Date Recovery Backup and data recovery software solutions
Ø Internet & Network Security Reviews Network security audit
For more information, or to schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact:
Angelo Tsela, Systems
Consultant
Telephone/Facsimile:
01483 504700
Email: contact@net-fix.co.uk
Interlock
Computer Systems Limited
Is a
reseller of
ADEST Document Management Software
Key Features
·
The Adest system virtually eliminates photocopying / filing
·
No mislaid or lost documents
·
Reduce time to distribute information
·
Answer customer queries immediately
·
Save office space
·
Simple to use
·
Flexible (can be used with other programs)
·
Integrates directly with Word and Excel
·
Stores emails with attachments
·
Networks with or without servers
·
Over 200 file types recognised
·
Store hand written notes
·
Index and sort everything for easy retrieval
Contact David Finnigan on 01372 361186
or Keith
Vale on 01276 476733
Visit our web site at: www.mossgrove-wells.co.uk