Below are some of the more common questions business people ask the Chamber. It may be useful to have a look and see whether your query is listed.
Q.Will I get a positive return on my membership fee each year?
A. Yes, if you use and take advantage of some of the many benefits available to you.
For example, Chambers preferred suppliers can save you £££'s, for a list of some of these suppliers look under "Services" for organisations who can either give you discounts on items such as travel, telephony, AA membership, finance & healthcare.
Massive savings can also be made if Utility Auditing Ltd [See: Chamber Energy] come into your company and reassess your utility providers, saving at least 10% on your bills.
Reduced rates for database information for your business if you want to do targeted marketing, and much, much more.
Q. What are the public and Leicestershire school holidays for the next few years?
A. Look at our list of holiday dates.
Q. Who can I talk to about discussing the benefits of Chamber
membership available to me, as there seems so much to read?
A. There are a lot of benefits to go through, we understand that - but if you can give the Chamber a call on 0116 2471800, one of our team will be happy to go through the benefits of being a members either over the phone, or by a visit to your company. In the meantime, here is a list of some of the benefits of membership to read through in your own time
Q. I am looking to raise my companies profile locally, advertising generally doesn't seem to have worked. As a Chamber member, how can it assist me?
A. As a Chamber member, you can raise your profile in many ways - by attending and exhibiting at one of the monthly Chamber networking events, by attending one of the many social events, and bringing along your business cards to hand out when chatting to other businesses.
We would also recommend contacting the Chamber to see if you can offer a discount or other special benefit to other members of the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce. A list of those who have already taken advantage of this opportunity can be found under Member-to-Member Services.
You can advertise your services to other members by inserting a flyer in "Chamber News", our monthly newsletter, and write to us with articles about your company for insertion in the 'Business Issues' which goes out bi-monthly to over 6,000 Leicestershire companies, and don't forget that your business is already advertised to many others by being in both the Leicestershire and East Midlands business directories.
There are many ways to raise both your own profile, and that of your company. Give the Chamber a call on 0116 2471800, for more ideas and information on how to make the most of your membership.
Q. What type of events do the Chamber run?
A. The Chamber run events to help business of all sizes and sectors, an opportunity to enjoy an evening and network at the same time.
To find out what type of events the Chamber runs see the Events Diary for further details, just click on the event that you are interested in.
Q. I am starting up a new business and would like to know what help and support I could get ?
A. Your local Business Link has a range of services and support designed specifically to help people setting up a business.
Q. Do you have any advice for importers?
A. No, we can recommend HM Revenue & Customs or Business Link, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office or the British International Freight Association who might be able to help you. The Chamber does run courses on Import Documentation & Procedures from time to time. Please see our list of forthcoming events for more details.
Q. I'm told I need to have contracts for my employees. How do I go about this?
A. We now offer our members a free legal advice line through QDOS Consulting, whose consultants will be able to help you and give guidance on how to go about drawing up a contract of employment. Chamber members also have access to a range of human resource documents including specimen Employee Contracts and the latest legal advice on a range of issues. You will need your dedicated username & Password to access these documents on the Chamber HR website - but you will need to contact the Chamber on 0116 2471800 for these.
Q. One of my employees has just told me he should be getting four weeks paid holiday. Is this correct?
A. Yes it is part of the Working Time Regulations which came into force on 1 October 1998. All employees are entitled to four weeks paid leave per year (part-time pro rata).
The DTI site [See: www.dti.gov.uk] will give you more information on Working Time Regulations.
Q. Can someone give me some advice on a Health and Safety issue?
A. Contact the Health and Safety Executive free helpline on 08701-545500.
Q. What is the Chamber's position on the UK joining the Euro?
A. The Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce is an independent organisation who reflect the wide range of views which exist within its membership. However the following documents may be of interest.
Firstly, click here for a list of the five criteria specified by the Chancellor for entry into the Euro, or click here for a list of the Pros and Cons of joining the Euro as put together by David Kern, BCC Economic Adviser.
We commend it as a balanced and impartial commentary on this controversial subject.
Q. How do I make someone redundant?
A. Ask ACAS [See: www.acas.org.uk] or our legal advice helpline available through QDOS Consulting. More information on this service to our members is available on our Business Support Helpine page.
Q. I've had a letter from Nigeria / South Africa / other troubled place asking for my bank details so that they can get millions of dollars out of the country - is it a scam / how do I stop it?
A. Send it to the fraud squad at Hamilton Police Station, Keyham Lane, Leicester, LE5 1FY; to send on to NCIS's West African Crime Unit.
Q. How could I be included on your list to receive information on your Integra Events?
A. We have an integra database where we could include your details to receive the information on the events and kept you up to date. Check out Integra - our Association of Women in Business for more details.
If you have any questions you want to ask us at the Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce then call 0116 2471800 or fill in the feedback form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Q.I need a Certificate of Origin for an export shipment , where do I go?
A. European Community Certificate is required for shipments to:Asia, Far East, Africa, Western Europe,South America
Arab-British Certificate required for ALL Arab States.
Basic advice on completion is available here.
Further advice is readily available from our International Trade – contact directly
Bridget Hankers 0116 2587 321 or e-mail:hankers.b@chamberofcommerce.co.uk
Q. What is an EUR 1 and how do we complete it?
A.Leicestershire Chamber have acquired customs authority to verify EUR 1 for shipments of goods under Preferential Trade.
Blank documents can be obtained from International Trade
As these are customs documents, information for completion and rules are available on the customs websitewww.hmce.gov.ukand Customs notices 827/828/829.
