Recent News:
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- The Two Castles 10k run
- Member of The Business Club, TGFP successfully completed the Two Castles 10k run on Sunday 6th June 2010. Well done TGFP raising funds for Breast Cancer Charity.
Read - The Business Club Spring Ball 2010 and Photos
- The Business Club Charity Spring Ball was a great success, raising £3000 for the Help for Heroes charity. It also provided some brilliant entertainment and very passionate singing.
Read - The Business Club Spring Ball 2010
- The Warwick Business Club Spring Ball, Friday 23rd April at the Lord Leycester Hotel. In aid of 'Help for Heroes', Support for our Wounded!
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Recent Articles:
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Leamington Apprentice Becomes Man of Letters!
Printing protégé Luke Oakes has grand designs on a colourful career after a combination of IT skills, creative flair and appetite for learning signposted the path to Apprenticeship success.
Read- Every Day
- I talk to people EVERY DAY about making a Will
Read - Rosalie
- Rosalie, after losing her job through a company liquidation, was at an all time low.
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Business Club gets a whole new look
The Business Club, which prides itself on being the friendliest in Warwickshire, is reaching out to new members by launching a new website. The site will become a valuable resource, not just for current members, but for all those involved in business in and around the Warwick area. "The internet is a fantastic way to communicate, and as The Business Club is all about making connections between businesses and people, we knew that it was the ideal way to get our message out," stated member Tom Valaitis. The new website not only sports a new look and feel, but includes information about upcoming events as well as useful guides and articles by influential and experienced members of the local business community.Yet another Accolade for The Best Of
The Best Of has gained yet another accolade coming 3 in the Sunday Times Tech Track 100. Which is an indicator as to how fast this business is growing, and that more and more businesses are benefiting from association with The Best Of in their towns. With over 360 towns with their own site, run by local people, who know the area, championing the best businesses in each town, those featured are noticing an increase in enquiries and business as a result of a feature on their home town site.
It has been a great year for The Best Of having won the Sharp Edge Award for the best e-company back in February and the Fast Growth Business Award 2007. The Best Of were finalists in The Growing Business Awards, Startups Award in 2006.
The Best Of is new to Warwick, but even so those already on site who recognised the power of association with a major player and the associated links are noticing the benefits of increased brand awareness and enquiries and customers, particularly the restaurants!
Dinner & Band for Whizz Kids
Local hotelliers and all round good guys Karl and Dave Fox will be climbing Mount Everest in aid of the Whizz Kids charity. They are aiming to raise £18,000, and are already half way towards their target. The Business Club will be holding a "Dinner & Band" evening on 25th January 2008 to help Karl and Dave towards their target. Local group, The Curious Things, have agreed to donate their time and musical genius to ensure a great night for all.Business community welcomes interest rate cut
“"British business welcomes the MPC's decision today to cut Bank Rate to 5.50%. Many authoritative analysts have advocated a cut in rates. The MPC has shown commendable flexibility and has made the correct decision. The cut in rates has helped to alleviate potential dangers facing the economy," stated David Kern, economic adviser to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Leaders from the business community have welcomed the move, saying that this will help retailers in the run-up to Christmas, as well as relieving business who are looking to borrow to invest and those with variable loans. “Today's decision will give a much-needed boost to business confidence,” added Mr Kern. The BCC also warned that further cuts may be needed in 2008.A high price for poor service
Small to medium sized businesses are often left paying high prices on their energy bills because they fail to shop around for the best deals. This also leaves them suffering from poor customer service from many providers who take advantage of the fact that they are unlikely to switch.
None of the "big six" energy companies (EDF Energy, NPower, Powergen, ScottishPower, and Scottish and Southern Energy) were even rated as "satisfactory" regarding their service for small business, in a survey of 2,400 companies in the UK by Accent for the Forum of Private Businesses.
One of the biggest issues for small businesses was their supplier's complaints process, with 58% of the survey's respondents citing it as a cause of their dissatisfaction.
In related news, British Gas Business (BGB) has been found to be the worst electricity supplier for businesses, according to research by Energywatch.
Business Club party raises £2,000 for Whizz Kids
The Business Club are delighted to announce that they raised £2,000 in Sponsorship for Karl and Dave Fox, who are climbing Mount Everest to raise money for the charity Whizz Kids.
Unlike Karl and Dave, who are working hard to raise the cash, we went for the softer option - food, fun and entertainment in the form of local band The Curious Things.
The Lord Leycester Hotel provided us with a fantastic venue and delicious food (which we certainly made the most of!), and guests took advantage of the charity raffle to win some great prizes.
All in all, a first-class time was had and £2,000 was raised for a worthy cause - a pretty successful evening!
Axa to target the problems of the credit crunch
Axa have launched a Financial Task Force to help identify the problems caused by the current financial circumstances in the UK, how they impact families in middle Britain, and to come up with strategies to deal with the situation.The financial impact of the credit crunch is set to hit households who earn a total of over £30,000 a year and forcing them to cut spending, according to research by Axa.
15% of the 6,000 people polled said that their families will need members to get second jobs, or non-working members to seek employment to help them through the economic turmoil.
One of the biggest issues "is that many seemingly well off households lack the motivation to tackle their problems. We’ve had it easy for so long and been happily spending without thinking of the consequences that now people aren’t sure what to do," according to Axa spokesperson Steve Folkard.
Repossessions up 17% on 2007
In Quarter 1 of 2008 there have been 27,530 repossession orders, a 17% rise on 2007's Quarter 1 figure and an increase of 9% on Quarter 4 last year, according to statistics from the Ministry of Justice.Repossession claims have risen by a similar proportion, up 16% on Quarter 1 in 2007 to a total of 38,688. Landlord repossessions also rose, but only by 4% compared to the same period last year.
"The rising cost of living is clearly hitting home and consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about their financial commitments," stated Mel Mitchley, director of industry relations at Callcredit.
"At Callcredit we have seen a 20% rise in the number of consumers checking their credit report in a bid to better manage their finances."
With the housing market in difficulty and the cost of living and inflation rising, people are finding it more difficult to keep up repayments on their homes and falling into financial difficulty.
Slowdown in falling property prices
Property prices fell by only 0.2% during April according to the Land Registry Office, which estimates the average house price to be £183,626.
The number of property transactions has also fallen and is now standing at 72,479 per month, this is a fall of 30,662 per month as recorded between October 2006 and January 2007.
House price inflation has also fallen by 1%, to 2.6%. Although this is the eighth consecutive fall in the annual rate of inflation, it is considered to be a sign of a slowdown in falling prices.
Other organisations, such as building society Nationwide, have estimated that the housing market has fallen by 2.5% in April, with the average house now priced at £173,583.
Business and Beer
The Business Club has launched a brand new Business and Beer event to be held every month at the White Horse pub in Leamington Spa, starting at 7PM on the 26th of June.Business and Beer meetings are relaxed and informal, giving you the opportunity to speak to club members, network or simply socialise with like-minded business people.
You'll also get the chance to experience the friendly atmosphere of the Business Club, and can make the most of the knowledge and experience of our members - and could even get a referral or two in the process.
The first Business and Beer meeting will be held at 7PM on Thursday 26th June at the White Horse pub in Leamington Spa.
Projecting the right image
The Business Club has invested in a new projector, which members can use for free to help them in presentations and meetings.The projector will be free for all members to use, and will also be available during the club's weekly breakfast meetings as a useful resource for presentations.
You can also book the projector out for use in meetings and presentations for clients, providing them with valuable visual information without the need to spend a single penny.
To book the projector, simply speak to the chair during a breakfast meeting and they will take you through the process.
Free HP Map business training
The training covers 2 key areas
- Operations & Finance: operations management, finance tools & technology management
- Marketing & Communications: communications tools, marketing & technology management
The training is free to businesses within a specific catchment area and of fewer than 10 employees
Please view this pdf for more information and to apply.
Spring Charity Ball
20th March 2009 TBC will be hosting a Spring Charity Ball in aid of Myton Hospice
Tickets £35.00 per head. The evening will be held at the Lord Leycester Hotel Warwick. Arrivals 7.30pm till late.
Bucks Fizz on arrival followed by a five course dinner, interwoven with fund raising events i.e. Auction`s & Raffle's
We are delighted the announce by popular demand music will be provided by live local Band " The Curious Things" making the event a night to be remembered.
2009 Spring Ball is a Success!
The Business Club 20th March 2009 Spring Charity Ball in Aid of Myton Hospice
On behalf of The Business Club and members, I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you for your kind donation in aid of “Myton Hospice”.The event raised a staggering £3,000.
The Business Club would also like to thank the following:-
The Lord Leycester Hotel Staff, Management and kind donation from its suppliers. We were also fortunate to acquire the outstanding live local band “Curious Things” who donated their time.
- Gastronaught Three Course Dinner party for 4 cooked at your home by Gastronauts chefs,
- Hamper Local produce supplied by Farmers Fayre Stonleigh Show Ground
- TGFP Accountant Leamington Spa - Cateram Slide Day
- Petit gourmand 101-103 Warwick Road Kenilworth Best new comer of the year by The Metro. Best restaurant of year 2008 vote by Warwickshire life - 3 course Meal For 2 plus bottle of House White
- Warwickshire Golf Club Warwickshire Golf Course, Round of golf for 4 people
- G W Jacksons & Son Ltd Office machines & equipment 15-17 Humber Road (Steve Beard MD)
- Norwich Union – Athletics tickets for summer event
- Arden Cote - Manor Hotel Warwick – Use of Leisure Facilities
- LOM BOK Leamington gift voucher
- Nuffield Health – Formally Cannons
- Health Spa: 34 Warwick St - Leamington’s Premier Health & Beauty Treatment Centre
- Bates Independent Financial adviser (Kevin Smith) Pink Champagne
- Dorje`s Wine (Alastair & Jayne MacBrayne )
- Kathy Hunt Memorabilia
- ROBIN HOOD Kars Warwick Donating Taxi Home
- Hearts & Flowers Warwick Table Flowers arrangement`s
- Morris Marina Club Regalia & free One year’s membership
- CORIO Signs & Printing Tickets, Menus & Table Plan
Once again a big thank you for making the event a great success
Kind Regards
Richard Clayton Cert PFS
On behalf of The Business Club Warwick
New Business Club Rules
Chairman
- Must be member for nine months or more. This being qualifying period
- Rotates every three months
- Vice chair following current chair (Pre Selection Rota 6 months in advance )
- Management committee to make recommendations and approach candidate (as a check and balance)
Scribe
- Rotates every three months
Visitor's
- Visitor days, every Wednesday, except last Wednesday of the month this being closed meeting
- First meeting free second £10.00 than application submitted to committee
- One member of the Management committee to follow up visitor attendance
Management Committee
- Three members having been member for more than 9 months
- Management Committee post for a period of 6 months, with 1 member replaced every 2 months
Leads
- Every member makes commitment to pass quality Business Leads
- Membership will be on the ability to give and receive genuine leads as well as commitment to the group
Testimonials
- Encourage the giving of testimonials for advice and support
- Random testimonials and referrals to be volunteered from members at meeting`s. Feed back of where there has been successful outcome or negative
- Positive follow up following of a referral`s give (successful outcome)
Qualify to become a member
- Membership is limited to one member from each trade or profession
- Trade or profession is as defined by the management committee sitting at such time
- Management committee has the right to decline membership application without reason
- Reference's, one trade, one personal
Member expulsion
- Expulsion is at the discretion of the management committee with reason to be stated
- Right of appeal - Panel of three members to be selected by membership in a general meeting
- Panel of Three members must not have been involved with original process i.e. Chair, Scribe. Panel`s decision to be final with a record of reason
Attendance
- Members commit to attend weekly and promptly
Absence
- Absences to be reviewed by management committee
- Fourteen hours notice of apologies to be submitted to chair, scribe or member
- Non member may be appointed as a substitute by prior arrangement to chair or scribe
Fees
- Membership subscription £47.50 per month paid by standing order
- All financial records of the group will be open to scrutiny by member after due notice given to Chair or Scribe i.e. Bank statements
- Membership subscription is non refundable. (In event of termination of member)
Development
- Rules may be amended, after proposal and seconded, if by 75% of membership attending, or by proxy vote in favour at a general meeting. of which all members have had 21 days minimum notice
- The club must be allowed to evolve and adapt to changes
- It is expected members should actively help, support and encourage their fellow members
Web site contacts
- Management Committee, chair & scribe to be copied in on web site traffic contacts
The Business Club Spring Ball 2010
The Warwick Business Club is holding its Spring Ball on Friday 23rd April at the Lord Leycester Hotel in Warwick. The Ball is in aid of 'Help for Heroes', Support for our Wounded!The ticket price is £35 per person, you get an aperitif on arrival, 4 course meal and is featuring 'The Curious Things' band.
The evening is Bond themed and is at 7pm for 7.30pm.
Personnel Changes for 2010
From January 2010, a number of personnel changes were agreed by the Business Club members. The key changes are as follows:- Chair: Dave Guice with Jacqui Brown as Deputy
- Scribe: Dave Kelly with David Leigh-Hunt as Deputy
- Management Committee: Ben Reynolds, Patt Stock and Nick Thomas
The Business Club Spring Ball 2010 and Photos
The Business Club held its Charity Spring Ball at the Lord Leycester Hotel on April 23rd 2010 in support of Help for Heroes.
The night was a great success, raising £3000 for the charity. It also provided some brilliant entertainment and very passionate singing, as you'll see below!
The Two Castles 10k run
Member of The Business Club, TGFP successfully completed the Two Castles 10k run on Sunday 6th June 2010. Well done TGFP raising funds for Breast Cancer Charity.
