I am really looking forward to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Global Annual Conference which is now less than three weeks away.
It takes place on 17th May at the QEII Centre, London and this year’s theme is ‘Building British Business’ and there are still some tickets available if any business people would like to attend: Global Annual Conference 2023 (britishchambers.org.uk)
Keynote speakers at this year’s conference include leader of the opposition, Sir Kier Starmer, Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, a senior Treasury Minister (yet to be confirmed) and President of the BCC, Baroness Martha Lane-Fox. Not a bad line up in the same room in one day!
Chambers of Commerce can rightfully claim to be the true voice of business, representing all sectors and all sizes of business and the Global Annual Conference is one of the few events that bring all 53 accredited UK Chambers of Commerce, as well as visitors from Chambers from overseas, together under one roof – with many of their members and patrons as well.
Although Chambers of Commerce may differ slightly in the way they operate, dependent on the economic bias of their areas, they do all share the same goal: to protect and represent our businesses and to build a thriving community where every person has opportunities to prosper.
Perhaps the theme should be ‘Re-building British Business’ after the battering we have all taken over the past few years. A key element of work that all Chambers share is holding the Government to account – needed now more than ever – and to drive them to give business the support needed, rather than give us hollow rhetoric. This is especially true as the next General Election appears on the horizon.
The conference will be centred around four key breakout sessions for thought-provoking discussion amongst peers across the Chambers’ network. The four sessions are:
- Skills – seeking opportunities to increase access to skills and people.
- Green Innovation – promoting green innovation and decarbonisation.
- Growth – removing barriers to start and grow a business; and
- Trade – increasing the number of businesses trading internationally.
Certainly, all themes that have occupied much of my in-tray of late.
Our lobbying and representation is based on hard evidence, gleaned from our quarterly economic survey and, uniquely at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, through the workings of our sector forums who meet regularly to discuss key issues and come up with strategies to maximise our advantage and ultimately benefit our communities.
Just to recap, the forums are: Digital; Energy, Environment & Sustainability; Employment & Skills; Manufacturing; Money Matters; Planning & Infrastructure; Rural Business; Social Value and Procurement; Transport; HS2; and sector groups for manufacturers, professional firms and charities.
Forums are open to any member, and you can attend as many different ones as you like according to your specific interests.
I will be visiting the conference with several of our patrons and some members of the Chamber team. If you would like to join us on the day contact Lily-May Hamilton at the Chamber lily-may.hamilton@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
More details on the BCC Global Annual Conference here: Global Annual Conference 2023 (britishchambers.org.uk)
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
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