Chairmans Message

Where did the first six months of this year go?

The recovery - if that is what this is - continues but market reports suggest that “it ain’t easy” out there and still bloody hard work with lengthy deals and seriously demanding clients. 

National committee meetings have taken a battering as the members try to balance IAS and work commitments but I am pleased to say that the spirit in the committee is strong and the “can do” attitude prevails.  We have finally got this new web site working and I hope you will find it just as easy to use as well more informative and up to date.  The new section ‘Suppliers’ Directory’ is yet to be populated but we are working on it and hope that advertisers will soon take up the opportunities that this excellent service is capable of supplying.  Have a look and you will see how it is intended to look and work and speak to your own suppliers and encourage them to sign up.  What could be more beneficial for them than marketing their businesses directly to nearly 900 shedheads?

The national committee is also investigating some more educational services for the members, and is looking to recruit a few more committee members to take us forward; more soon.

I will take this opportunity to congratulate Tim Clement and Toby Green for reinstating the summer barbecue this year; they worked hard to replace a much missed event in the annual calendar helped in no small way by the sponsorship of Chancerygate Business Centres.  All reports suggest it was enjoyed by everyone.

We continue with our usual summer calendar of golf, football and tennis tournaments not to mention the IAS Awards which are now fully underway culminating in the awards lunch on 30^th September.  If you have done so not already, please send entry forms to your clients and encourage them to take part.  This year we have a couple of extra categories and are again going it alone and hope for an event as least as successful as last year.

This is my penultimate “Chairman’s Statement” and it seems amazing that my second year is nearly up.   I think I am going to miss it although it’s unlikely you will miss seeing my photo every time you open www.shedshifters.co.uk

Steve Williams

IAS Chairman

sawilliams@lsh.co.uk

IAS Charitable Cause...

This year, the IAS National Committee has chosen WellChild as its nominated charity. WellChild is the national charity for sick children. its aim is simple: working to support children and young people throughout the UK as they deal with the consequences of serious illness and complex conditions. 

WellChild focuses on three key areas of care, support and research, and works with great teams of volunteers, incredible nurses and some of the top medical researchers in the country to make a positive difference to the lives of children who need help now and in the future. 

The charity has a supportive royal patron in Prince Harry, a skilled team of staff at its Cheltenham HQ, a committed board of trustees, some essential expertise through the dedicated members of its advisory panels and the profile of celebrity supporters. 

WellChild has strong links with sport. It is an official partner of the Team England Footballers’ Charity. It also organises screenings of England matches. On 18th June, for example, it is screening the England-Algeria World Cup match in London.

It encourages sport as fundraising activities. In May, it held Walk for WellChild with ‘Strictly’ star Ian Waite. In April, it was well supported in the London Marathon.

As well any efforts you may care to make towards WellChild, the IAS looks forward to donating to this important charity and extremely worthy cause. If you would like any further information please contact Ruth Tytherley 020 7182 2154 ruth.tytherley@cbre.com or go to www.wellchild.org.uk. Charity number: 289600 

Other News

In Memory of Barry Roberts the ‘Shedshifter’

IAS members should be aware that the contribution the society made to Riding for the Disabled in memory of IAS member Barry Roberts who died in early 2009 has been put to excellent use.  Barry’s wife Lizanne arranged for the money to go towards the erection of a badly needed new feed shed/hay barn and workshops at the Gaddesden Place HQ.  For photos and the full story visit:http://www.gaddesdenplacerda.org.uk/news%20and%20diary.htm