‘Grading at a Glance’ is a Food Standards Agency approved hygiene scheme used by local authorities in the UK due to be adopted by Gibraltar in the New Year. The aim of the scheme is to allow consumers to make informed choices about the places where they eat and purchase food. Premises participating will be given a hygiene rating or score that reflects the findings of an inspection carried out by Environmental Health Officers. These officers will look at standards of food safety and hygiene, structure of the premises, cleaning operations, compliance with a written Food Safety Management System and staff training. The scheme is voluntary and there’s no charge to join or participate.
A star rating system will score an establishment on a scale of 0 to 5. Those achieving good results can display their rating for the public to see. Premises that comply with minimum legal requirements will probably achieve a 3-star rating in the first instance whilst those places that go above and beyond to improve their standards in both training and food management systems will be able to progress on to a 4- or 5-star rating. Premises are not obliged to display their star rating unless they want to, but it goes without saying that those with a high score have seen an increase in footfall and revenues as a result of an increased consumer confidence in them.
Gibraltar will be the first place outside the UK to participate in ‘Grading at a Glance’. All the information regarding a premises’ score will be publicly available at the Environmental Agency website www.environmental-agency.gi. The scheme has many benefits to both customers and participating establishments alike and will undoubtedly enhance our tourist product.
It’s hoped that by February 2011 the first group of establishments will be participating in the scheme.  An information pack will be sent out to all catering organised premises in the near future and a seminar will be organised if the need arises.  For any further queries about the scheme please contact either Charles Zammit or Brioni Turner at the Environmental Agency on 200 70620 or admin@environmental-agency.gi.

Different types of social media have been around since the early days of the internet. Today, social media – or social networking as it’s also known – performs a vital marketing function used by savvy companies to communicate effectively, and more importantly relatively inexpensively, with their customers.
One critical difference between social media and conventional media (say advertising or direct mail) apart from the obvious cost benefits, is the fact that using the internet and email offers the possibility of a two-way communication flow between business and consumer. At its best it can be highly interactive: information is communicated swiftly back to the company and the company can respond accordingly. Done correctly, this ease of communication can help develop an enduring customer loyalty to a company’s brand as well as alerting the company to changing trends and preferences. Companies not fully engaged in social media activities are perhaps ignoring a substantial market opportunity. Those who don’t adapt to such changes may be more inclined not to survive.
Businesses wishing to dip their toe in the social media water could start with a corporate blog. However, the content must be good quality and cater carefully for its target audience. A blog has flexibility and mobility and planned properly will enhance your firm’s Google rating. Other social media like Facebook and Twitter need greater planning to become a part of a company’s overall marketing plan.
On Wednesday January 19th, the Gibraltar Chamber of Commerce will be running an Introduction to Social Media seminar, hosted by experts from workITgibraltar. The seminar is designed to be a step-by-step guide to using social media for the benefit of your business.
The seminar will be free to Chamber members who are up to date with their subscriptions and places will be reserved on a first come first served basis.  A circular notice and email will be sent to members early in the New Year confirming the venue.
Contact the Chamber at:
info@gibraltarchamberofcommerce.com for more information or to reserve your place.