There’s a lot that has happened since the Chamber last met face-to-face in March 2020 and it was lovely to hear the hubbub of noise as Members were catching up, comparing notes and creating contacts today. Not for a moment forgetting what a terrible year it has been for some, it did feel today that we were getting back to some semblance of normality and I extend a warm welcome to Members old, new and to our guests. Over fifty Members and guests attended which made for a lively morning.
My thanks to Andrew Eyre and his team at The Stag for ensuring COVID safety compliance with plenty of fresh air in the newly re-vamped Plaza Suite and for organizing the refreshments. To hire any of the facilities at The Stag please contact Lisa Whitbread on 07541 962648 or lisa.whitbread@stagsevenoaks.co.uk
A huge thank you to our meeting’s sponsors Manak Solicitors who chose to support the charity Breast Cancer Now. Members were very generous in their donations, particularly as we have moved so quickly to becoming a cashless society – don’t forget to replace that emergency fiver that you put in the pot! Equally generously, Manaks have matched the £80 donated by Members so we have a sizeable amount to pay into the bank today.
Both Samir Moftah and Nosheen Bukari today’s speakers from Manaks gave very topical presentations on two entirely different aspects of life events and the services they offer. Samir discussed the importance of businesses ensuring their employment contracts and handbooks are well constructed and up to current standards- something which is coming into acute focus as furlough winds down and businesses face unchartered questions on how to deal with the issue of vaccination statuses of staff.
Nosheen detailed how crucial it is for every Business Owner, Partner, Director and Shareholder with voting rights to have a Business Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in place. This ensures business wishes and instructions are followed during the person’s lifetime if they lose physical or mental capacity.
Please look at the website for all upcoming events, we have a very busy September mapped out for you with a selection of virtual and face to face events and is likely that for the short-term future we will be continuing with this hybrid model. Some members have not received their second jab and some are self-isolating and we do wish to be accessible to all our Members.
As ever, we rely on our existing Members to point us towards potential recruits who you feel would benefit from the Chamber opportunities and would have something to contribute to the mix already in place. We have a wide-spread demographic of different trades, professions, personalities and experience and are always seeking to develop that mix for the good of all Members. Please book complimentary event tickets for your guests or advise the Chamber Office in advance.
Part of the Chamber role is the supporting of new businesses and we are hoping to develop that symbiotic relationship with the Office being located in the newly opened Business Hub, next to Sevenoaks Town Council in Bradbourne Vale Road. Please promote the hot desk rentals and office pods opportunities to as many people as you can. Download the Passport by Nexudus app to make online bookings from your phone.
September 22nd is the Sevenoaks Business Show held this year in the Ball & Ball Centre and we will be holding a breakfast meeting sponsored by Warners Solicitors at the Ball & Ball Station. There are still stands available for the Show itself, please contact Mike Reid of Sevenoaks Town Council.
Many thanks to Russell Harper from Russell Harper Photography for providing the photography for the event. You can view the images on our gallery HERE.
Congratulations to Alan Whitlock from Red Mason Creative Design who won a bottle of sparkling wine in the business card draw – a lesson to us all in business card design!