Chamber News

Heightened risk of Falsified Supplier Payment Details

Recently HSBC UK Trade has seen an increasing number of attempted frauds when importers have received email requests to change bank details for their suppliers. The importer receives an email that appears to be from their supplier and contains updated or new payment details. The email, which is very plausible, is sent from a hijacked or spoofed email address and the new account actually belongs to the fraudster. Should you get any change requests from your suppliers via email, please verify them first by phoning a known contact at your supplier to help minimise the risk of fraud.

It's the Business

Don't forget that The Business Show is coming to Old Trafford on 7 February. The aim of the free event is to provide up-to-date information and raise awareness of current business matters to aid companies in their development and growth. There will be various workshops and best-practice seminars from industry experts. Chamber member IT Sourced.com will be holding a seminar advising local business on how to take advantage of Cloud Services to drive down the cost of their IT, click here to find out more. For more information on The Business Show contact Andrew Dorrance on 0121 767 1333 or visit www.thebusinessshow-uk.co.uk

Get Yourself out There

Outline Productions is making a brand new BBC documentary series, which explores the challenges faced by small businesses in the UK in a tough economic climate. They are currently looking for business owners who would be interested in taking part and who would like help in improving areas of their business such as revenue and sales, staff structures, marketing, branding and technology. For more information and to register your interest, e-mail business@outlineproductions.co.uk  

Celebrate Chinese New Year

UK Trade & Investment cordially invites members of the Chamber to attend the China awards, seminar and dinner to welcome in the Chinese New Year - the year of the Snake - on Friday 22 February. Taking place at The Lowry at Salford Quays, the afternoon seminar will include an experienced business panel, who will share best practice and interesting anecdotes for buying, selling and partnering successfully in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This will be followed by a networking reception and the China Business Awards and Chinese New Year celebratory dinner.

Accelerate your growth

The leaders of some of the North West’s fastest-growing companies will be sharing the secrets of their success at a series of breakfast events aimed at stimulating the region’s economy. Insider has joined forces with the government-backed GrowthAccelerator service, which is helping England's brightest small and medium businesses to achieve their full growth potential. The first event takes place on Tuesday 5 February, 8am-9.30am, at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, where the panel of experts will include Brian Benson, CEO, Bowdon Group; Simon Swan, co-founder, Hiring-Hub.com; and John Leach, CEO of Winning Pitch. Places for the breakfast are free, but to reserve yours, call 0161 9466262 or email catherine@outthereevents.com