FPB warns bosses of tribunal complacency
The Forum of Private Business (FPB) is warning bosses not to be lulled into a false sense of security by the reported drop in employment tribunal cases last year. The FPB said the fall in tribunal cases - latest figures suggest a 24 per cent reduction in tribunal applications by employees in 2004, down to 97,896 claims from 127,594 in 2003 - is not a signal for employers to become complacent.
The FPB's chief executive, Nick Goulding, said the threat to businesses "coming a cropper" in the minefield of employment regulations is still very real.
"The FPB urges bosses, in the strongest possible terms, not to relax, but to ensure employment law is followed to the letter," he said. Mr Goulding said employment law experts had predicted a potential fall in tribunal applications once the procedures to deal with grievances, dismissals and disciplinary proceedings were applied to all workplaces last October.
"There has been a constant flow of employment law legislation, with a noticeable rise in discrimination cases, year on year, for which compensation awards are unlimited. What's more, issues such as age discrimination are still to be dealt with in UK legislation, so the pressure is not letting up. But, with heavyweight HR firms and banks offering hugely expensive employment law services, many employers don't realise the support they need is already available without spending thousands of pounds."
 Time to take a stand against unfair trading
Independent traders make a huge contribution to the vitality of Penzance but, like a lot of town centres, there is an increasing domination by chain stores and charity shops. The odds are stacking up against small shops and there is a real danger that independent retailers will become a thing of the past in many towns - but not in Penzance if the Chamber can help it.
Small shops trade at a disadvantage compared to supermarkets with their huge buying power, and to charity shops which are given generous tax and business rate discounts. On top of this, since April this year, retailers have seen an average 15.7 per cent hike in their business rate bills - normally the second or third highest outgoing for a small business.
The Chamber is joining other business organisations in calling for:
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Charities to be subject to the same business rates as local retailers if they sell new goods.
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The current voluntary code for supermarkets to be made legally binding and to address below-cost pricing.
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Small business rate relief to be extended to all business premises with a rateable value below £25,000.
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100 per cent first year tax relief for investment in crime prevention measures.
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The abolition of upwards-only rent review clauses.
The Chamber urges all retailers that are feeling the effects of unfair trading to speak up about it.
Trafalgar weekend is promising to be a real cracker
Plans have now been finalised for the Trafalgar weekend which will take place over the weekend of October 21 to 23, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.
The weekend will see the visit of tall ships, the band of the Royal Marines, a sea re-enactment, historic talks and walks, harbourside entertainment and traders wearing traditional costume and even a press-gang working around the harbour side. All in all it promises to be a cracking weekend, it is hoped that all retailers in the town will enter into the spirit of things and dress their windows accordingly -and even allow their staff to dress up over the weekend.
Members saddened to learn of Roger's death
Members were saddened to learn of the death of Roger Trembath recently. Roger worked hard for the local community in partnership with his wife Hazel and the couple maintained an enormous amount of work over many years - especially for the Christmas lights in Penzance .
Indeed, it must be said that without their endeavours we would not have such a splendid show as we currently have. Their work was recently recognised by the presentation of the Citizen of the Year award and was very well deserved. Many chamber members attended Roger's funeral - and even then Hazel organised a collection for the Christmas lights. At our last meeting it was decided that we wished to remember Roger in perpetuity and to that end an annual award -The Roger Trembath Trophy - will be presented to the Penzance pub with the best Christmas decorations as judged by an independent panel along with the usual Shop-Window Dressing competition. The trophy will be in the form of a bronze horse, another of Roger's lifelong passions. Our thoughts are with Hazel at this time and she can call upon the whole membership for support if required.
Aim for a new service
Business Spotlight: A different type of accountants
A different type of accountancy service is now available in West Cornwall .
AIMS, one of the newest members of the Chamber, is a national association of local business accountants, all with professional accountancy qualifications, well established in your local area and operating within a framework supported by the London-based Services Team.
It specialises in the accountancy needs of business people and understands your needs as a small business. The benefits of using AIMS are:
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Your qualified AIMS Accountant will provide information clearly showing any problems, allowing prompt solutions.
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Information will be produced quickly, giving you time to implement effective solutions.
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The charging structure is unique - you will know in advance the cost and with, low monthly payments, cash flow is eased.
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You pay for work you want done, not the time they spend. No time sheets are kept
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AIMS Accountants are based firmly in the community and are approachable on any business query.
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You use the accountancy service as much or as little as you want to, always knowing that fees will be agreed in advance.
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You can receive financial reporting, VAT returns, self assessment help, taxation advice, audits, bookkeeping services, stocktaking, payroll - any area where you need the service of a qualified accountant.
AIMS has had a strong track record with over 230 professionally qualified accountants and many, many, thousands of clients across the country. You choose the services you need and pay only for those services.
Your fee will be agreed in advance - and remember they are price competitive!
AIMS believes that communication at no extra cost is important in helping you run your business. You will know in advance when you will pay and you will be able to pay in convenient installments AIMS accountants are highly qualified to put you and your business needs first.
Over the last 15 months Terry Chynoweth ACMA has established an AIMS practice in West Cornwall and has many satisfied clients.
It is planned to grow the practice in the medium term. The AIMS principle of personal service applies. If you are interested in discussing Terry will visit you at your premises - and the first meeting is free. To contact Terry Chynoweth ACMA, telephone 01736-366290 or email terry.chynoweth@aims.co.uk - website - www.aims.co.uk.
New secretary contact details
Everyone can now contact the Chamber as follows:
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By post - The Secretary, Penzance Chamber of Commerce, Sycamores, Relubbus Lane, St Hilary, TR20 9EG
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By phone/fax - 01736 793811
Your Chamber needs you
Joining up has numerous positives benefits for all businesses
Have you considered joining your Chamber of Commerce? Membership of the Penzance Chamber of Commerce has numerous positive benefits to businesses. Firstly, and most importantly, you have the opportunity to make your voice heard on any issue that affects you and your business. We have an outstanding reputation amongst local government and other organisations with whom we liaise on a myriad of subjects and are, therefore, able to represent you extremely effectively. We have been able to solve several problems for our members, including planning issues - and continue to be consulted by the County, District and Town Councils regularly.
Another very important reason for joining is the opportunity to network with other similar minded business people, thereby realising that you are not alone and that we all have the same problems. Members also have the opportunity for a spotlight on their business on our monthly Comishman page, free of charge!
We have been very actively involved in the regeneration programme for Penzance and the surrounding area. Indeed our Chairman, Mike Waters, also chairs the Penzance Regeneration Steering Group. While we have not got exactly what we wanted, what we will end up with will meet the objectives of securing current employment and creating sustainable jobs, while contributing to the financial growth of the district. In order for us to continue to campaign effectively for all local businesses we need the support of as many local businesses as possible.
Contrary to popular belief we are not an organisation of retailers, we encompass all business sectors. We need a strong membership base in order to enhance our standing as THE voice of local business. With the current programme of developments locally there has never been a more opportune time for all businesses to come together in solidarity.
If you would like a membership pack please contact the Secretary on 01736 793811. We welcome membership from businesses throughout Penwith, not just Penzance.
We have meetings on the first Tuesday of each month in the Penzance and Newlyn Rugby Football Club in Alexandra Road commencing at 7.30pm, you are most welcome to attend whether you become a member or not and whether you currently run a business or not. Chamber meetings are a useful forum for those who are interested in starting a business as well as for members of the public who are interested in local issues that have an impact upon us all. We look forward to meeting you,
We invite membership applications from individuals and
businesses large or small. For further information, visit the Membership
Enquiry or Membership Application pages
on this site.
The next monthly Chamber Meeting will be held on Tuesday,
July 5th at 7.30pm at the Pirates Rugby Club, Alexandra Road, Penzance.
All members and non-members are urged to attend. Let’s make this the year that all businesses in the district actually start working together for the benefit of everyone.
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