Sedgemoor Chamber

Chamber Chat Friday 30th April - Member Exclusive!
2021-04-30 10:30 - 11:30 UTC | Online
Come and join us for our:
‘CHAMBER CHAT’
Chamber Chat is an informal opportunity to grab a cuppa and catch up with other Chamber members and discuss whatever is on your mind.
There’s no set agenda and we’ve talked about many things from the Chamber events, the regeneration of the town centre, the various business support packages that have been available and member business developments to just general conversations about subjects like the impact of the Covid lockdowns to learning to master the art of in-line skating etc.
To join us just click on the link below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84050883650?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 840 5088 3650
Passcode: [REDACTED]
We look forward to ‘seeing’ there!

NatWest Business Builder Workshop 5 - Writing A Great 60-Second Pitch
2021-04-27 09:30 - 22:30 | Online
If you haven’t got a clear pitch, you could be missing out on opportunities to grow your business
Business Builder events are designed to support and challenge users to develop the right foundations for their business; whether that’s how to write a great pitch, how to define their Business Model or navigate through a changing environment.
Each 60-minute event is tailored to meet a specific business need, offering attendees an opportunity to upskill in the company of other like-minded business owners, share experiences, and work through individual and group exercises to implement the learning into their own business.
These workshops run every Tuesday for 10 weeks starting on Tuesday 30th March 2021 from 09:30am – 10:30am.
Tickets can now be secured through Eventbrite for all workshops. It is recommended that attendees should try to attend the whole series of workshops to get maximum benefit.
The workshops will take place via Zoom and the code / password for this will be released to attendees prior to the start by NatWest Business.
ALL WORKSHOPS ARE FREE TO ATTEND
We look forward to ‘seeing’ you there.

Chamber Chat Friday 23rd April - Member Exclusive!
2021-04-23 10:30 - 11:30 | Online

How to Generate more Customer Interest than your Competitors
2021-04-21 10:30 - 12:30
Learn to exploit the next step in digital trends, tips and tools – simply and straightforwardly – to improve engagement.
Wednesday 21st April, 10:30 – 12:30 BST
Join Barclays Eagle Labs and Silicon South to take control and master your Digital Marketing.
Digital marketing uses the latest technology to personalise marketing using a variety of inputs. It ensures that customer engagement is better targeted, relevant and effective. The implementation of digital marketing strategies is delivering significant increases in return on investment for businesses.
10:30 Current trends webinar – real user cases, outlined by market experts.
11:30 Deep dive – intimate, focused discussions with non-competing businesses.
Attendees can describe their specific challenges or opportunities and the expert will define plausible ways to implement them by using the technology discussed in the presentations. The break-out groups will have the opportunity to work with more than one subject matter expert.

NatWest Business Builder Workshop 4 - Reaching New Markets
2021-04-20 09:30 - 22:30 | Online
We’ll explore some of the key tools to help you test and validate assumptions that you have made about your business and customers, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your business.
By the end of the module, you will…
• Understand the importance of continually validating your business
• Recognise the assumptions you have made
• Learn some key tools and techniques to test them
We are very pleased to have secured a 10 week programme with NatWest Business to bring you a series of free workshops designed to help local businesses scale up and succeed. These really are great modules that most businesses would benefit from under the current economic climate.
Business Builder events are designed to support and challenge users to develop the right foundations for their business; whether that’s how to write a great pitch, how to define their Business Model or navigate through a changing environment.
Each 60-minute event is tailored to meet a specific business need, offering attendees an opportunity to upskill in the company of other like-minded business owners, share experiences, and work through individual and group exercises to implement the learning into their own business.
These workshops run every Tuesday for 10 weeks starting on Tuesday 30th March 2021 from 09:30am – 10:30am.
Tickets can now be secured through Eventbrite for all workshops. It is recommended that attendees should try to attend the whole series of workshops to get maximum benefit.
The workshops will take place via Zoom and the code / password for this will be released to attendees prior to the start by NatWest Business.
ALL WORKSHOPS ARE FREE TO ATTEND
We look forward to ‘seeing’ you there.

NatWest Business Builder Workshop 3 - Understanding Your Customer
2021-04-13 09:30 - 22:30 | Online
Understanding your customers is vital to your business being able to operate as efficiently and profitably as possible.
We are very pleased to have secured a 10 week programme with NatWest Business to bring you a series of free workshops designed to help local businesses scale up and succeed. These really are great modules that most businesses would benefit from under the current economic climate.
Business Builder events are designed to support and challenge users to develop the right foundations for their business; whether that’s how to write a great pitch, how to define their Business Model or navigate through a changing environment.
Each 60-minute event is tailored to meet a specific business need, offering attendees an opportunity to upskill in the company of other like-minded business owners, share experiences, and work through individual and group exercises to implement the learning into their own business.
These workshops run every Tuesday for 10 weeks starting on Tuesday 30th March 2021 from 09:30am – 10:30am.
Tickets can now be secured through Eventbrite for all workshops. It is recommended that attendees should try to attend the whole series of workshops to get maximum benefit.
The workshops will take place via Zoom and the code / password for this will be released to attendees prior to the start by NatWest Business.
ALL WORKSHOPS ARE FREE TO ATTEND
We look forward to ‘seeing’ you there.

NatWest Business Builder Workshop 2 - Responding To Change
2021-04-06 09:30 - 22:30 | Online
Change is often something we’re reluctant to do, especially when faced with circumstances beyond our control.
We are very pleased to have secured a 10 week programme with NatWest Business to bring you a series of free workshops designed to help local businesses scale up and succeed. These really are great modules that most businesses would benefit from under the current economic climate.
Business Builder events are designed to support and challenge users to develop the right foundations for their business; whether that’s how to write a great pitch, how to define their Business Model or navigate through a changing environment.
Each 60-minute event is tailored to meet a specific business need, offering attendees an opportunity to upskill in the company of other like-minded business owners, share experiences, and work through individual and group exercises to implement the learning into their own business.
These workshops run every Tuesday for 10 weeks starting on Tuesday 30th March 2021 from 09:30am – 10:30am.
Tickets can now be secured through Eventbrite for all workshops. It is recommended that attendees should try to attend the whole series of workshops to get maximum benefit.
The workshops will take place via Zoom and the code / password for this will be released to attendees prior to the start by NatWest Business.
ALL WORKSHOPS ARE FREE TO ATTEND
We look forward to ‘seeing’ you there.

The Future of Networking in a Digital Business World
2021-03-30 11:00 - 12:30 | Online
Networking on Purpose: John Holden
Tuesday 30th March
11 am ~ 12:30

John Holden Founder of CABiz is presenting what lies ahead for Digital Business Networking and how you can fast track your business to be ahead of the game by creating guaranteed results with a CABiz Networking approach.
John’s Back ground is he has over 14 years experience in building and running Networking groups Regional Leader 4Networking FSB Federation of Small Businesses Somerset Networking and has a successful Network marketing business with a turnover of £5,000,000.
John Founded Calling All Businesses in 2019 now known as CABiz, In September 2020 CABiz digital was launched and is going from strength to strength due to the changing times. Find the best way to your market place through Digital Networking. Don’t miss this great insight.
For more information and to book: CLICK HERE

NatWest Business Builder Workshop 1 - The Power Of Mindset
2021-03-30 09:30 - 22:30 | Online
Whether we realise or not, our mindset shapes everything we think and do, including our business
We are very pleased to have secured a 10 week programme with NatWest Business to bring you a series of free workshops designed to help local businesses scale up and succeed. These really are great modules that most businesses would benefit from under the current economic climate.
Business Builder events are designed to support and challenge users to develop the right foundations for their business; whether that’s how to write a great pitch, how to define their Business Model or navigate through a changing environment.
Each 60-minute event is tailored to meet a specific business need, offering attendees an opportunity to upskill in the company of other like-minded business owners, share experiences, and work through individual and group exercises to implement the learning into their own business.
These workshops run every Tuesday for 10 weeks starting on Tuesday 30th March 2021 from 09:30am – 10:30am.
Tickets can now be secured through Eventbrite for all workshops. It is recommended that attendees should try to attend the whole series of workshops to get maximum benefit.
The workshops will take place via Zoom and the code / password for this will be released to attendees prior to the start by NatWest Business.
ALL WORKSHOPS ARE FREE TO ATTEND
We look forward to ‘seeing’ you there.

Mental Health Awareness Training for Line Managers
2021-03-25 09:00 - 16:00 | Online
Line Managers are ideally positioned to make the biggest difference to mental health in the workplace, but few managers know what to say or do when a colleague or team member discloses a mental health issue.
Employers have a responsibility to be proactive in developing positive mental health pathways. This should include training line managers to spot the early warning signs of mental health and provide them with the skills and confidence needed to intervene and have the supportive conversations necessary.
Training is part of the answer but should support an organisational culture of employee wellbeing.
This training aims to give line managers mental health awareness, essential communication skills to handle difficult conversations, and a broader understanding of how to promote a culture of wellbeing.
This One Day Course is independently evaluated for Continuing Professional Development purposes by The CPD Certification Service. This means our course complies with universally accepted principles of Continual Professional Development (CPD) and has been structured to meet the criteria of personal development plans. Participants receive a CPD Certification for attending.

Emotional Wealth; Back to the Future.
2021-03-17 10:00 - 15:00 | Online
The pandemic has brought uncertainty and disruption to all aspects of people’s lives, with its impact on mental health a critical national concern.
Attend this free online conference and hear how Weston College as an Investor in People Platinum, Young Minds Trailblazer, SEND Centre of Excellence and Lloyds Bank Employer of the Year, led by its Principal Dr Paul Phillips CBE, have shaped workforce development to create an organisational culture of positive mental health.
Don’t miss an informal session with Welsh and International Rugby Referee Nigel Owen discussing his own mental health struggles and self-help strategies as well as hearing from the inspirational Nick Elston on tackling anxiety.
Dr Paul Phillips commented: “It occurred to me that everyone knows what the issue is, so I wanted to create an event that focused on a solution to benefit all organisations. We are bringing together leading mental health innovations and best practice to equip you with the understanding, skills and confidence to support good mental health and wellbeing for your workforce during these difficult times. Take away helpful tips and an easy to implement blueprint to help all organisations repair the mental health damage that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused.”
Let Weston College show you how to implement an achievable workforce development strategy to heal your organisation post COVID-19. At the same time, sit back and enjoy a though provoking performance by the Big House Production tackling the issue of unconscious bias, inclusion and diversity.
Limited tickets available

Budget Review with guest speaker Gavin Roberts of Maxwells Chartered Accountants
2021-03-05 14:30 - 15:30 | Online
Chancellor Rishi Sunak will publish the first Budget since the start of the Coronavirus outbreak on Wednesday 3 March 2021.
With such significant changes to the economy over the course of the last 12 months, there is much speculation on what this Budget will include. Whilst there is talk about the possibility of increased taxation, it is widely recognised that now may not be the right time for such changes in light of much-needed economic recovery.
We are delighted to be joined by Gavin Roberts, Partner at Maxwells Chartered Accountants, for an interactive webinar. During the session we will provide valuable insight so you can keep abreast of the changes announced.
The presentation will include:

A review of the announcements made by the chancellor
Guidance on the changes for individuals and businesses
Steps to be taken to deal with any changes

We would particularly welcome your comments, questions and thoughts as we explore the Chancellor’s announcements: both the rumoured changes to capital gains tax and extensions to coronavirus support schemes, and the inevitable unexpected bomb shells!
Maxwells will happily send out a Budget summary to all attendees after the webinar for further reading and reference.

One Somerset presentation with guest Speaker David Hall of SCC
2021-03-03 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
As always, Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce are committed to providing information on the different proposals currently being discussed regarding local government reform here in Sedgemoor and the wider Somerset area.
Each proposal for local government reform here in Somerset has the potential to have far reaching impacts in the way that we, live work and do business.
We are therefore very pleased to invite you to join our webinar with guest speaker:
Councillor David Hall from Somerset County Council.
David will be presenting on the One Somerset proposal launched by Somerset County Council
David Hall is the County Council member for Bridgwater East and Bawdrip and the Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Plannning and Community Infrastructure. David has been a County Councillor for ten years and prior to that served as a Sedgemoor District councillor for four years.
David was born in Bridgwater, raised in Burnham on Sea and has lived in Somerset his entire life. David is a small business owner as well as County Councillor and cares passionately about the environment, the people and the heritage of Somerset. David in addition serves as the Local Enterprise Partnership board member for SCC and is a member of the Devon and Somerset Heritage Trust.
This is a great opportunity to ask any questions that you may have as part of the Q&A following his presentation.

Supplying the South West Procurement Portal
2021-02-25 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
As part of our commitment here at Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce to provide information and support to local business we are pleased to invite you to this webinar with Jo Hutchins, Procurement Office at Sedgemoor District Council.
Jo will talk us through the Suppling the South West Procurement Portal, including how to register on the portal and the how Local Authority procurement can present massive opportunities for businesses in many sectors.
Jo will also discuss how recent post-Brexit changes to LA procurement procedures now allow for more flexibility to promote those opportunities to local SMEs.

Mental Health First Aid Training 2 Day Accredited Course ONLINE
2021-02-10 09:00 - 16:30 | Online
About this Event

Adult MHFA Two Day course qualifies you as a Mental Health First Aider. This course is now being delivered online. We have trained 195 people as Mental Health First Aiders.

Date And Time

Tue, 9 Feb 2021, 09:00 – 16:30 GMT
Wed, 10 Feb 2021, 09:00 – 16:30 GMT

This curse covers the areas listed below but not in this order.
Mental Health First Aiders have:

An in depth understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect wellbeing
Practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues
Confidence to step in, reassure and support a person in distress
Enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening
Knowledge to help someone recover their health by guiding them to further support – whether that’s self-help resources, through their employer, the NHS, or a mix

‘Stronger Somerset’ presentation with guest Speaker Bob Brown of SDC
2021-02-09 15:30 - 16:30 | Online
As always, Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce are committed to providing information on the different proposals currently being discussed regarding local government reform here in Sedgemoor and the wider Somerset area.
Each proposal for local government reform here in Somerset has the potential to have far reaching impacts in the way that we, live work and do business.
We are therefore very pleased to invite you to join this webinar with our guest speaker Bob Brown from Sedgemoor District Council.
Bob will be presenting on the Stronger Somerset proposal launched by the District Councils covering Sedgemoor, Mendip, South Somerset and Somerset West and Taunton.
Bob Brown, who is set to become Sedgemoor District Council’s new Chief Executive, has worked at Sedgemoor since 2001, holding the posts of Solicitor to the Council, Corporate Director and Strategic Director. He has over 25 years’ experience in Local Government across a diverse range of Local Authorities in Wales, Yorkshire and the South West of England.
He has recently worked closely with the Homes in Sedgemoor to improve housing services across the Council’s 4000 housing stock. He is currently leading on Sedgemoor’s ambitious Customer Access Transformation Programme.

We look forward to you joining us.

Strategies for Manufacturing Success
2021-02-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Learn more about the key considerations for developing, building, and implementing a successful business strategy.
For a number of businesses, the events of 2020 have brought significant challenges and changes. Whether they are experiencing a spike in demand or reduced sales, they will need to react and adapt accordingly. This could bring about a shift in focus, and change the strategic plans previously made, enabling them to target different goals.
This session will cover:

The benefits of a relevant, up to date, business strategy
An overview of strategic planning processes
Valuable insights into approaches and methodologies to shape successful strategies
Key components for consideration, taking into account strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats

Learning from this session can help shape future business plans that align with current demands and business goals, to enable positive, and achievable, results.

CABiz Digital Networking – networking on purpose
2021-02-02 11:00 - 12:30 | Online
CABiz Digital Academy – join our morning meeting for February with our fabulous speaker storyteller Sas Huntwood
CABiz Digital Networking presents…
Guest speaker:
Sas Huntwood, The Storytellers

Speaker Bio…
Sas is a Storyteller. She is the Chief Storyteller of The Storytellers where they create storybooks of people’s lives and life events, capturing the memories behind the photos. She is also the Creative Director of Beyond Thought International, a training company specialising in experiential games for leadership and sales professionals.A former international sportswoman in two sports, she brings many of those skills developed on the sports field into business; strategy, discipline, hard work, teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and works with companies to develop these skills.
She is passionate about bringing stories to life and people sharing their stories. A published Children’s author has written a book with her 8-year-old daughter. She is most at home when sitting in a chair with a cup of tea listening to a great story.
When? Tuesday 2nd February 2021
What time? 11 am to 12.30 pm
Where? held via Zoom
How much? it’s FREE!

Mental Health Awareness for Line Managers ONLINE
2021-01-28 09:00 - 16:00 | Online
The Adult Mental Health Aware Programme

Line Managers are ideally positioned to make the biggest difference to mental health in the workplace, but few managers know what to say or do when a colleague or team member discloses a mental health issue.
Employers have a responsibility to be proactive in developing positive mental health pathways. This should include training line managers to spot the early warning signs of mental health and provide them with the skills and confidence needed to intervene and have the supportive conversations necessary.
Training is part of the answer but should support an organisational culture of employee wellbeing.
This training aims to give line managers mental health awareness, essential communication skills to handle difficult conversations, and a broader understanding of how to promote a culture of wellbeing.
This One Day Course is independently evaluated for Continuing Professional Development purposes by The CPD Certification Service. This means our course complies with universally accepted principles of Continual Professional Development (CPD) and has been structured to meet the criteria of personal development plans. Participants receive a CPD Certification for attending.
The training is held on one day
