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Forum to Strengthen Trade Ties

April will see the launch of the brand new Manchester – China Forum. This new forum is designed to help business develop economic ties and trade with the fastest growing generator of economic growth on the planet. As our members have highlighted the difficulty in exporting as a major concern this new initiative promises to help make exporting a reality for more Greater Manchester businesses.

On the Road to Manchester

The NEW UK event is being taken out on the road this year and Manchester has been chosen as one of the three locations it will be visiting. The event, which is aimed at people involved in the embedded, electronics or electronic manufacturing sector, will offer education, networking and the chance to meet customers and potential clients in a local, professional environment. The NEW UK event will be at Event City in Manchester from 20 – 21 March. For more information on the show email info@new-expo.co.uk or call 01483 420 229.

Breakfast Briefing

How are Greater Manchester’s businesses performing, how do they expect to perform in the future, and what support might they require? The recently published Greater Manchester Business Survey 2012, which surveyed over 2,400 Greater Manchester businesses, explored these critical issues for the conurbation. At this briefing, Alex Roy, Head of Research, New Economy, will present the key findings from the survey. The event will take place on February 20 between 8.30am and 10am in the New Economy Board Room, 6th Floor, Churchgate House, Oxford Street, Manchester M1 6EU. Breakfast Briefings are free to attend but places are limited. If you would like to book a place, email Mike.Doocey@neweconomymanchester.com

Employers have to get real

HMRC is introducing Real Time Information (RTI) for PAYE from April 2013. The majority of employers are required to start submitting PAYE returns in real time in April 2013 and all employers will be routinely reporting PAYE information in real time by October 2013. From April, PAYE returns are electronically required each time a payment is made, as part of routine payroll processes. Employers operating their own payroll will need to consider and take the appropriate action to either update their payroll software, obtain new payroll software or, where an agent or payroll bureaux is used, discuss the changes with their payroll provider. During October HMRC will be writing to all employers telling them about RTI, advising what they should be doing to get their business ready for the changes to PAYE in April 2013, and signposting HMRC guidance.

Help Shape the University of Manchester

The University of Manchester is seeking new members to serve on its General Assembly and Board of Governors. Membership provides an exciting opportunity for both accomplished professionals and members of the local communities to influence the work of the University as it progresses its strategic plan, the Manchester 2020 Vision, and invests £1bn over the next ten years to create a world-class campus for staff and students. Lay governors, whether by serving on the Board or the General Assembly, bring with them a range of valuable expertise and help provide an independent view of the work of The University of Manchester.

If you are interested in joining the University as a lay member of the Board of Governors or the General Assembly, please submit an outline CV or biography, accompanied by a one-page personal statement on any relevant experience, your interest in education and your reasons for wishing to become involved with the University in this way. Please indicate if your main interest is in serving on the Board of Governors or on the General Assembly. Applications should be sent directly to the University’s Deputy Secretary, Martin Conway martin.conway@manchester.ac.uk 

Sponsor a Student at First Young Journalists’ Academy

This is your opportunity to sponsor a Manchester state-school pupil to take part in the Young Journalists' Academy (YJA) programme, helping to provide talented but socially excluded young people with free training and a route into the media. This year the academy is determined to expand to Manchester, having successfully run the YJA for many years and helped hundreds of young disadvantaged people in Canary Wharf, London. The programme will take place on Saturday 26  and Sunday 27 October 2013 and will feature visits to and workshops from various high-profile media organisations - all of whom volunteer their time for free. Companies that offer their support will be invited to attend sessions and to meet the students, and will also feature in reports, brochures and promotional material for the school, which will include advertisements in The Times newspaper, as well as other local and national media coverage. For more information email viv.regan@yja.org.uk or call 07939 449 604.

Broadcasters Search for new TV Stars

Twofour Broadcast is looking for businesses to take part in a new TV Series. Are you worried about the future of your business? Are you finding it tough in the current economic climate? Whatever the challenges facing your business, Twofour Broadcast would like to hear from you. An experienced business advisor is on hand to offer advice to businesses that have concerns about their future. If you feel yours would benefit from a fresh pair of eyes and to find out more contact Naomi on 0207 438 1851 or email business@twofour.co.uk

New Norwegian Consul Appointed
The Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs has appointed Alexandra Stewart to be Honorary Consul in Manchester.

Alex, who is a UKTI International Trade Adviser in the International Trade Team, is one of the youngest consuls to be appointed by the Norwegian authorities.

She has been Vice Consul in Manchester since September 2007, having started work as the main contact at the consulate office in April 2005. She is a member of Manchester Consular Association and performs the role of Assistant Secretary.

Lynn Shaw, Head of the Chamber’s International Trade Team, said: “We’re delighted that Alex has been appointed Honorary Consul. The fact she is one of the youngest Honorary Consuls is testament.