QES Survey
Through our Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) we help to contribute to the British Chambers of Commerce Economic Survey, Britain’s most influential private sector business survey. The QES, Britain’s longest-running, survey, has provided consistent data since 1989, and regularly receives more than 7,000 business responses nationally.
The QES is also a leading indicator – often picking up big changes in the economy long before other surveys or official statistics and is used by the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee, as one of its key benchmarks when setting interest rates. The HM Treasury and the independent Office for Budget Responsibility use the QES to put together their forecasts for the UK’s economic performance whereas the European Commission uses it to assess the health of the UK economy when it makes policy recommendations for both Westminster and Brussels.
- Published in Influence & Network
Sector Forums
Digital
This forum is here to drive the growing digital sector in Staffordshire, enabling businesses to freely exchange information, share best practice and discuss digital innovation, information communication technology and artificial intelligence
Tax & Finance
This forum brings together businesses from the finance and professional services and is tasked with exchanging information on taxation, corporate law and governance, finance, insurance and professional services sector issues. Recent topics for discussion included; making tax digital, GDPR, corporate governance and the Chancellor’s Budget.
Social Value & Procurement
This forum is specifically tailored to bring together business leaders from the Chamber membership who are looking to promote social value, CSR and social enterprises within Staffordshire. Methods to help grow social value within our community and local & national constraints are addressed and discussed.
Transport
This forum is tasked with exchanging information on transport, infrastructure, automation and modernisation in transport, and road, sea, rail and aviation policy. Recent topics covered include: M6 Smart Motorway project, HS2, automated vehicles, and electric vehicle charging points across Staffordshire. It also steers Chambers’ representations on these matters and receives updates on national transport policy.
Planning & Construction
This forum is tasked with exchanging information on planning policy, construction and regeneration. Recent topics covered include: Joint Local Plan for Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Local plans for Stafford Borough, and the NPPF. It also steers Chambers’ representations on these matters and receives updates on developments in planning law.
Employment, Skills & HR
This forum is tasked with exchanging information on human resources, skills, education and training. Recent topics covered include: the living wage, apprenticeship levy, and gender pay gap reporting. It also steers Chambers’ representations on these matters and receives updates on developments in employment law.
Rural Business
This forum is a strategic group to promote the interests of the rural business sector in Staffordshire. It champions and lobbies for specific strategies and policies that will benefit members and ensure the rural sector has a stronger voice in our community.
Energy, Environment & Sustainability
Sustainability This forum is tasked with exchanging information on energy, environmental concerns and sustainability within the private sector. Driving our policy understanding on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
To join the Forum discussion click here Hot Topics — Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
To find out more please call 01782 202222 or email info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network
Influence and Policy
Our influence and policy team aims to represent the interests of Staffordshire businesses at a local and national level. You can get involved to help shape Staffordshire by: Completing our Quarterly Economic Survey, Britain’s most influential private business survey and used by the HM Treasury, Bank of England and the European Commission to assess the health of the UK economy.
Raising your views and concerns at meetings with local authorities and MPs. As well as the host of benefits already available through standard membership packages, Staffordshire Chambers also offers more specific support by working closely with a variety of sectors. These bespoke sector packages offer a support service specially tailored to each specific trade.
In addition, the Chamber helps bring local businesses from a cross section of industries together, providing members with exceptional networking opportunities and new and useful contacts on a regular basis. If you believe that your industry would benefit from a specific sector support group, or would like to speak with any of our influence experts get in touch and see how you could grow.
To find out more please call 01782 202222
- Published in Influence & Network
Business Crime Helpline
The total price tag of burglary, shoplifting, robbery, criminal damage, theft and other offences against businesses in Staffordshire is estimated at over £7,300 per hour.
The Staffordshire Commissioners Office has commissioned Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to deliver specialist support to businesses impacted by crime. Business Crime Advisors are trained to deliver tailored support packages to businesses following a crime.
If you have been the victim of a business crime or would like to find out more information about how you can support victims, call 01782 900239.
- Published in Finance & Funding
The British Business Bank
The British Business Bank is a Government-owned, independently-run development bank that’s helped more than 126,000 growing businesses find the right finance option to help them reach their next ambition. Their Finance Hub has been built to help businesses understand and discover the finance options that could enable them to grow.
For more information please call 01782 202222 or click here.
- Published in Finance & Funding
Michelin Development Fund
Michelin Development in the UK offers financial support, as well as business expertise and advice, to small and medium sized enterprises.
Michelin has always been involved in supporting local communities, however the launch of Michelin Development and a ‘Loan Fund’ with very attractive terms provides an opportunity to have a far greater impact on our ability to support the regeneration of the local business community and in particular the creation of quality sustainable jobs.
For more information please call 01782 202222 or click here.
- Published in Finance & Funding
Start-up Loan
A Start Up Loan is a government-backed personal loan available to individuals looking to start or grow a business in the UK. In addition to finance, successful applicants receive 12-months of free mentoring and exclusive business offers to help them succeed. The loan is unsecured, so there’s no need to put forward any assets or guarantors to support an application. All owners or partners in a business can individually apply for up to £25,000 each, with a maximum of £100,000 available per business.
For more information please call 01782 202222 or click the banner below.
- Published in Start-Up & Grow
What is an ATA Carnet?
Facilitates the temporary exportation of goods for up to 12 months. Acting as a ‘passport’ presented at each customs point, this enables the temporary exportation of goods without having to lodge duties on deposit with overseas customs.
There are three categories of ATA Carnets:
• International trade fairs and exhibitions
• Commercial samples
• Professional equipment
For further clarification on ATA Carnet please call 01782 224405
- Published in International Trade
What is a European Certificate of Origin?
A Certificate of Origin is an important international trade document which identifies the origin of goods in a particular export shipment. Virtually every country in the world will consider the origin of the goods they import to determine what duty will be applied or, in some cases, whether the goods may be legally imported at all.
A Certificate of Origin may be required to:
• Meet requirements for the overseas importer
• Meet quota requirements imposed by the importing country
• Comply with banking requirements
• For other official and commercial reasons
Exporters can apply for a Certificate of Origin electronically through the Chambers of Commerce.
For more information on Certificates of Origin please call 01782 224405
- Published in International Trade
What is an EUR1?
An EUR1, also known as a ‘movement certificate’, enables importers in certain countries to import goods at a reduced or nil rate of import duty under trade agreements between the EU and beneficiary countries.
Comprehensive information on the rules relating to EUR1s can be found in Customs Notices 827, 828 and 832.
For further clarification and to find out which countries qualify please call 01782 224405
- Published in International Trade