The Ultimate Business Network

The Ultimate Business Network

www.agcc.co.uk1

BE PART OF THE ULTIMATE BUSINESS NETWORK

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce

2

Our members at the heart of the Chamber; Our Chamber at the heart of a strong and

sustainable economy in the City and Shire; Our region at the heart of a prospero

NOTHING EVER STAYS THE SAME

Imagine if inventions were never developed any further. Our new Chamber Primary Health Plan, available exclusively to members, is our most valuable yet. Supporting you and your business where it matters.

We’ve added new features such as dental trauma and cognitive behavioural therapy to the Chamber Primary Health Plan whilst retaining the low price tag. Cover still starts at just £1.10 per employee, per week.

THAT’S wHY wE’VE REcREATEd OuR cHAMbER PRIMARY HEAlTH PlAN

Make your business better today, Call:

0845 602 1629 OR EMAIl [email protected] Please quote reference number CH1110


www.agcc.co.uk3

Our members at the heart of the Chamber; Our Chamber at the heart of a strong and

sustainable economy in the City and Shire; Our region at the heart of a prospero

Contents

The Ultimate Business Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Benefits of Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Premier Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Vocational Qualifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Business Mentoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

International Trade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Membership Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Our members at the heart of the Chamber. Our Chamber at the heart of a strong and

sustainable economy in the City and Shire. Our region at the heart of a prosperous country.

NOTHING EVER STAYS THE SAME

Imagine if inventions were never developed any further. Our new Chamber Primary Health Plan, available exclusively to members, is our most valuable yet. Supporting you and your business where it matters.

We’ve added new features such as dental trauma and cognitive behavioural therapy to the Chamber Primary Health Plan whilst retaining the low price tag. Cover still starts at just £1.10 per employee, per week.

THAT’S wHY wE’VE REcREATEd OuR cHAMbER PRIMARY HEAlTH PlAN

Make your business better today, Call:

0845 602 1629 OR EMAIl [email protected] Please quote reference number CH1110


www.agcc.co.uk4


Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) is North-east Scotland’s leading private sector, member – focused organisation. The Chamber represents around 1,250 businesses with 90,000 employees in the private sector, ranging in size from sole traders to multi-national corporations. The Chamber works at local, national and international levels to provide a comprehensive portfolio of business services, support and advocacy.

We recognise that companies from different sectors have varying needs from their Chamber of Commerce and we have therefore developed a constantly evolving range of benefits and services.


www.agcc.co.uk5

The Ultimate Business Network Benefits of Membership

As a member of AGCC, we will provide you with a range of ever-expanding benefits to help you develop your business, including;

•�� Discounted rates on over 157 innovative and practical commercial training courses, designed to help your staff improve and develop their skills

•� Exclusive marketing, sponsorship and advertising opportunities

•� Expert legal advice providing a free 24 hour confidential service on a comprehensive range of legal and accountancy matters including; health and safety, VAT and tax, debt recovery and much more

•��Access to our members directory•� Legal expenses insurance providing over £670,000 worth of

cover to help with employment disputes, licence protection, jury service allowance and more

•��News releases published on the Chamber’s website, eNews and, where appropriate, in our Business Bulletin magazine, with a readership of around 15,000

•� Campaigning through our policy groups, in which all members are encouraged to contribute


www.agcc.co.uk6

“For many years, our recruiters have used the Chamber’s networking events to establish new

and rewarding business relationships and through the Business Bulletin and Northern Star Business Awards Thorpe Molloy Recruitment continues to

reap the benefits of positive publicity for our

•� Free Business Mentoring for growing businesses•��Free information and advice on international trade

development•�Discounted rates for export documentation•� Access to a range of exclusive business services such as

employee healthcare, helping you to reduce absenteeism, retain staff and provide you with a valuable employee benefit package

•� Discounted rates on our portfolio of around 80 networking events

•� Events management from conception to completion, provided by our dedicated Chamber events team

•� Chamber Connect card offering members access to a range of nationwide and local discounts from leading supplier brands

For more information about the benefits of membership, please visit www.agcc.co.uk

Benefits of Membership

“For many years, our recruiters have used the Chamber’s networking events to establish new and rewarding business

relationships and through the Business Bulletin and Northern Star Business Awards Thorpe Molloy Recruitment continues to reap the benefits of positive publicity for our

business and socially responsible activities.”Amanda McCulloch - Managing Director, Thorpe Molloy Recruitment Ltd


www.agcc.co.uk7

“For many years, our recruiters have used the Chamber’s networking events to establish new

and rewarding business relationships and through the Business Bulletin and Northern Star Business Awards Thorpe Molloy Recruitment continues to

reap the benefits of positive publicity for our

Premier Partner Benefits

Premier Partnership is about creating a bridge between Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and key businesses in the North-east economy. This exclusive membership provides opportunities for Premier Partners to promote their business through closer involvement with the Chamber and can help to raise company profile and widen business engagement in the economy.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Premier Partnership provides exclusive face to face networking opportunities and events with other leading businesses in North-east Scotland including, premier connectivity, premier positioning, premier service and premier benefits.

For more information, please contact the Membership Team on (01224) 343929 / 343934 or [email protected]

Your ChamberYour Benefits Your Premier Partnership

www.agcc.co.uk8

Events

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce delivers around 80 events as part of the ‘ultimate business network’ to give all our members the opportunity to develop their business, participate in a range of networking opportunities and learn more about issues affecting North-east Scotland.

Our improved events portfolio includes;� •�Business�Breakfasts� •�City�Connections�� •�Shire�Connections� •�Speed�Networking� •�Lunch�‘n’�Learns� •�NEW!�Opens�Doors�Day� •�Northern�Star�Business�Awards…and�many�more

Information on our events is available online at:www.agcc.co.uk/events. The list is updated regularly and you can book your places here.

For more information, please call the Events Team on: (01224) 343901 / 343905

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The Northern Star Business Awards is Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce’s biggest, brightest and most prestigious business networking event of the year which celebrates talent, achievement and the success of the stars of Scotland’s North-east business community.

Businesses can get involved in the event by entering, sponsoring and attending the event in 2011. More information can be found at www.northernstarawards.co.uk

For information regarding sponsorship opportunities at any of our events, please contact the Membership Team on (01224) 343929 / 343934

NORTHERN STARBUSINESS AWARDS

Let your business shine


www.agcc.co.uk10

Training

AGCC is committed to the development of skills and learning in the North-east. We fully understand our market and have adapted our training provision to ensure all organisations, large and small, have the opportunity to enhance their skills.

•��65�core�short�course�subjects�to�be�delivered�in�2011•��157�scheduled�course�dates•�NEW!�On�Demand�training�service•��6�partner�relationships�with�local�and�national�organisations,�

broadening our training provision to members•��NEW!�ELearning�provision�offering�accessible�and�flexible�

training•�In�house�training�design�and�delivery•��Vocational�Qualifications�in�management�and�leadership•��Business� Mentoring� programme� offering� support� for�

businesses

AGCC has a learning experience to satisfy every type of learner and requirement. We pride ourselves on quality service provision, adaptability and competitive pricing.

For more information, please contact the Training Team on:(01224) 343902 / 343917

Create Successful TendersEmployment Law Conference

Lunch ‘n’ Learns

IT TrainingAdvanced PresentationsAdvanced Interview SkillsIntroduction to PR


www.agcc.co.uk11

Training Courses

Selecting the best and most effective training for your employees can vastly improve your chances of success. To accommodate your business needs our course categories cover:� •�Business�&�People�Management� •�Communications�&�Personal�Development� •�Business�Administration�Skills�� •�Finance� •�International�Trade�&�Commerce� •�Business�Development� •�HR�&�Employment�Law

How to book with AGCC training:Although�we�don’t�work�24�hours,�our�website�does!

Step 1. Visit www.agcc.co.uk/trainingStep 2. Once the desired course has been selected, click “Add

to Basket”Step 3. Follow instructions for inputting company informationStep 4. Select payment method (Purchase Order numbers

are accepted)Step 5. An automatic email confirmation will be sent to you

shortly after booking and joining instructions will follow

Business ImproEmployment Law Conference

Effective Time Manage

Lunch ‘n’ Learns

IT TrainingAdvanced Interview Skills

Management PlusAssertivenesRoom Hire


www.agcc.co.uk12

Vocational�Qualifications

At Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, we understand that you are an individual with unique aspirations and goals. No matter� what� you�want� to� achieve,� the� Chamber� VQ� Team�will�help you every step of the way. Whether at the start of your career, or seeking to move up through your organisation, we’ll give you support and guidance to help you succeed in your chosen�career�by�achieving�a�Vocational�Qualification�in�Business�&�Administration,�Customer�Service,�Learning�&�Development�or�Management & Leadership.

Candidates undertaking a Modern Apprenticeship qualification may�have�access�to�funding�from�Skills�Development�Scotland.

For more information, please contact the VQ Team on: (01224) 343914


www.agcc.co.uk13

Business Mentoring

Whether you are a relatively new business, or have ambitious plans to grow your existing business, working with a mentor can kick-start or re-invigorate, giving you immediate access to impartial advice, relevant experience, and a great network of contacts.

Business mentors understand how difficult it can be to run a business, and how lonely you can sometimes feel. Mentors can help you stand back from your business and look at the “big picture”. They can offer helpful advice, caution against potential pitfalls and build your confidence in your own abilities.

With a pool of 600 mentors throughout Scotland who are willing and able to share their experiences, we’ll find the right one to help you accelerate your growth plans in a way that suits you best.

For more information, please contact Business Mentoring on 0845 609 6622 or at [email protected], or visit www.businessmentoringscotland.co.uk

www.agcc.co.uk14

International trade

The Chamber provides market entry services including advice, training and information on any aspect of international trade. We hold information on markets, regulations, industry sectors, useful contacts and basic exporting information.

Our export / documentation team provides impartial advice on worldwide export documentation requirements and trade regulations. Key benefits include:

� •�EC�Certificate�of�Origin� •�Arab�-�British��Certificate�of�Origin� •�EUR1�Movement�Certificate� •�A.TR�Movement�Certificate�for�Turkey

AGCC also provides online certification:� •�Apply�and�print�at�your�own�desk� •�Fast�/�friendly�/�easy�to�use� •�Maintain�online�library� •�Repetitive�applications�submitted�in�seconds� •��Accepts� invoices� and� other� documents� in� all� major�

formats

For more information, please contact the International Trade Team on (01224) 343928 / 343916


www.agcc.co.uk15

Africa Business Centre – Your gateway to Africa

The Africa Business Centre (ABC) provides the intelligence and specialist advice essential to companies wishing to enter Africa’s challenging markets. Widely regarded as the UK’s leading support mechanism in this area, ABC offers members a package of benefits tailored to suit their business needs.

ABC gathers and disseminates African market and country information of all types, works with companies to assist their entry into the market, provides business networks, engages the support of government and trade organisations and leads market visits and trade missions to the region.

Members benefit from access to ABC’s Africa advisers and the latest online information. Reduced rates are available for ABC trade missions and its comprehensive programme of events. ABC covers all trade sectors and offers specialist advice on African energy markets.

For more information, please contact the ABC Team on: (01224) 343928 or [email protected]


www.agcc.co.uk16

Media

Advertising is an important component for every company. The Chamber can help to promote your business and communicate your message to our audience of 1,250 members, with the aim of increasing sales or raising brand awareness.

• Business BulletinBusiness Bulletin magazine, the North-east’s premier business publication, is published 10 times a year and is tightly targeted at the people who control and manage their business. Our readers are the key decision-makers in business who create our economic growth, which makes it a great tool for advertising your business in the local area.

• Web AdvertisingWith more than 500,000 hits annually on our website, web advertising could be the best way for your business to reach its target market. We have a range of options available depending on your budget and specific promotional objectives, with buttons linking to your own site and the opportunity to have animated and interactive banners.

Please contact the Media Team on (01224) 343903 for information on advertising, or the Communications Team on (01224) 343913 / 343925 regarding editorial or press enquiries.

BUSINESS


www.agcc.co.uk17

Policy

The Chamber acts as the voice of business for its approximately 1,250 members, lobbying on issues which impact on them.

Policy is developed in conjunction with our Policy Council, an elected group of 27 members representing all sizes and sectors of our membership. Information gathered from the wider membership on an ongoing basis is also fed into policy formulation and the Chamber has a number of virtual policy groups covering specific areas.

We are an accredited member of both the British and Scottish Chambers of Commerce and together form an independent UK business support organisation which has local representation, credibility in the eyes of Government and the media, and is consulted at all levels by the Scottish and UK governments.

For more information, please contact the Policy Team on: (01224) 343913 / 343925


www.agcc.co.uk18

2011 Membership Rates

For more information, please contact the Membership Team on: (01224) 343934 / 343931

‘’The AGCC is one of the most important associations with which Aberdeen Business School can engage, given its extensive network of members throughout

regional business and public sector organisations and the wide range of relevant events aimed at the

business community hosted.’’

Professor Rita Marcella - Dean Aberdeen Business School, RGU

Membership payable by company size (employees)

Cost (Exc. VAT)

1 - 5 £280.00

6 - 15 £340.00

16 - 30 £430.00

31 - 50 £620.00

51 - 100 £870.00

101 - 250 £1060.00

251- 500 £1565.00

501 - 1000 £1880.00

Over 1000 £2500.00


www.agcc.co.uk19

20%

Half priceon your Chamber membership

for three years

or

cashback onAXA PPP healthcare

premiums

Call us now to get a quotation on

0800 38 77 54and quote ABG

Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm.We may record and/or monitor calls for quality assurance,

training and as a record of our conversation.

Terms and Conditions:This offer is only available to members of participating Chambers.

This offer is available to direct new customers of AXA PPP healthcare only. The cashbackis paid on the premiums received by AXA PPP healthcare less insurance premium tax.

AXA PPP healthcare reserves the right to change or remove this special offer at any time.The half price membership is capped at £125 per employee covered per year.

Exclusive corporate privatemedical insurance offerfor Chamber members

AXA PPP healthcare advert

PB40194 Chambers 1-4p ad_CoC_2 (5017):PB40194 Chambers 1-4p ad_CoC_2 (5017) 26/11/10 09:56 Page 1


www.agcc.co.uk20

Our Chamber at the heart of a strong and sustainable economy in the City and Shire.

Our region at the heart of a prosperous country.

Our members at the heart of our Chamber.

Greenhole PlaceBridge of DonAB23 8EU

t: (01224) 343900f: (01224) 343943

Documents

The Ultimate Business Network