As the summer reaches its peak, we’re excited to bring you the latest edition of Grapevine, your go-to source for all things business in Essex. This month’s issue is packed with insights, updates, and good news stories designed to keep you informed and inspired as we navigate the dynamic business landscape of our region.
Let’s take this opportunity to look back and what a great month August has been for the Chambers. So, grab a coffee, take a break from the sun, and dive into this month’s issue.
Welcome Back Emily!
Our International Trade team has expanded once more as we welcome back Emily Habermel-Pearce from maternity leave. Emily, temporarily, hung up her International Trade Officer duties last September but she’s back and raring to go after the birth of her beautiful baby girl.
Having been with the Chambers since 2016, many of you will know Emily and will join us in welcoming her back into her next chapter as a working mother.
Emily commented on her return saying “It’s great to back, in fact it feels like I’ve never left. I’m excited to be back as part of the team and get stuck into helping our customers with their international trade needs.”
Our International Trade Manager, Angela Turner, commented on Emily’s return saying “I’ve worked with Emily for 8 years and I am delighted to have her back in the department. One of her many skills is her attention to detail and her extensive documentation knowledge and experience. It’s great to have the team complete again to offer assistance and support to those trading internationally.”
Virtually Connecting the Essex Business Community
Our monthly virtual networking sessions have become a staple at the Chambers. Started due to necessity during the pandemic they have become a popular way for businesses to connect in our modern world. They also remain a fantastic benefit to our Members who can attend each session for free.
As has become tradition, we open our August Virtual Networking session to Members and Non-Members with no charge so that those who are yet to join our amazing business community can get a glimpse at just one of our great membership perks.
This year’s Free For All event proved to be our most popular one yet with over 70 attendees registered to attend. There was a great mix of Members and Non-Members from a wide range of businesses and industries all coming together for an informal morning and friendly networking.
One Non-Member who attended commented saying the event “Was a fantastic opportunity, well organised and presented and I really enjoyed meeting the businesses that we connected with on the call.”
If you are interested in experiencing on of these events, please feel free to book onto our September Virtual Networking session. You can discover more information on joining the Chambers community on our website.
Festival of Business Keynote Speaker Revealed!
Calling all Great British Bake Off fans - We are thrilled to reveal the legendary Prue Leith will be a keynote speaker at this year’s Festival of Business!
Join us at Chelmsford City Racecourse on Wednesday 13 November to hear Prue share her incredible journey from restaurateur to TV icon, and gain valuable insights into entrepreneurship, creativity, and success. This is a can’t-miss opportunity to be inspired by one of the UK’s most respected business figures. During her illustrious career Prue also became a sought-after non-executive director for major companies. Her first appointment was to the board of British Rail, followed by appointments to the boards of Safeway, Whitbread, Woolworths, Belmond (formerly Orient Express Hotels), to name a few!
As well as our exciting line up of speakers there is so much to do and take part in at this year’s Festival including the exhibition, jobs fair and first crowning of the Best in Business Award winner. Visit the dedicated Festival website to find out how you could get involved.
Joanne Giles – Celebrating her 1st Anniversary at the Chambers
Congratulations to our LSIP Project Director, Joanne Giles, who recently celebrated her 1st year at Essex Chambers of Commerce!
Jo, as many of you will know her, is the smiling face of our Essex Local Skills Improvement Plan. With over 25 years of experience working in both the public and private skills sectors, Jo is uniquely placed to understand the skills needs and gaps in our county.
Working alongside our LSIP Executive Director, Andy Sparks, the determined pair have worked tirelessly, forging strong bonds between educators and professionals, to make the Essex LSIP one of the leading initiatives in the country.
Having achieved so much already in her first year, we can’t wait to see what else Jo will do. Here’s to many more years!
Dates for your Diaries
There’s a plethora of exciting events, training and workshops coming up at Essex Chambers of Commerce. Get ready to mark your calendars, book your places and unlock unmissable opportunities to elevate your business to new heights.
🧯 Fire Safety Overview Webinar - Thursday 5 September, 10.00am - 11.00am - FREE for Members
🚗 Network with EINTAC – Tuesday 10 September 2024, 12.00pm – 2.00pm - Hurry bookings close SOON!
💻 Improving your LinkedIn Skills Workshop - Thursday 12 September, 10.00am - 12.00pm
🍂 Autumn Employment Law Update Webinar - Wednesday 2 October, 10.00am - 11.00am - FREE for Members
🚢 Freeport East Innovation Cluster Business Networking - Thursday 3 October, 11.30am - 2.00pm - FREE for All
💱 FX 1-2-1 Clinic with Moneycorp - Wednesday 16 October, 9.30am - 4.45pm - Members, book your FREE slot today.
🤝 Conflict Management Workshop with Essex Police - Thursday 17 October, 10.00am - 12.00pm - FREE for All
✈️ Network with London Southend Airport – Thursday 24 October 2024, 4.00pm – 6.00pm
🛳️ Ambassador Networking Tour – Tuesday 26 November 2024, 10.30am – 3.00pm
We hope you enjoy reading this edition of Grapevine. If you would like to contribute to future editions please view our submissions guide for further details.