Digital Forum
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 (AI).
Planning & Infrastructure Forum
This forum is tasked with exchanging information on planning policy, construction and regeneration. Recent topics covered include the 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.
Rural Business Forum
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.
Transport Forum
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 receives updates on national transport policy.
HR, Employment & Skills Forum
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.
Social Value & Procurement Forum
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 and national constraints are addressed and discussed.
Energy, Environment & Sustainability Forum
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 and promoting the development of a sustainable economy in Staffordshire.
International Trade Forum
This forum is tasked with exchanging information on the key issues faced by local businesses who are exporting and importing goods and services and will encourage local businesses to embrace opportunities to grow, by accessing opportunities in overseas markets. Recent topics include development of a Staffordshire business international trade strategy.
Money Matters Forum
This forum brings together financial and professional services businesses to exchange information on issues such as taxation and corporate law. Recent topics for discussion have included making tax digital, GDPR and corporate governance.
Manufacturers Forum
This forum is tasked with stimulating manufacturing activity and encouraging investment in manufacturing industry locally. In addition it aims to raise the profile of manufacturing in Staffordshire and help to create an environment for growth.
Charity Forum
This forum is tasked with advising the Chambers’ Board and Council on policy and service issues relating to charities and to support with governance, strategy and awareness raising. Local charity leaders are invited to network and discuss issues related to the charity sector, sharing relevant information and best practice.
