I’ve started work on the development of our new Business Manifesto. The previous one was published in early 2022 but so much has happened to our economy in the last two years. Energy prices soared in late 2022. Inflationary pressures have rocketed and only recently started to subside. Interest rates have also gone in an upwards direction. Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East continue to create so much uncertainty.
I recently met with some of our policy forum Chairs to get feedback on what we need to include in our new Manifesto. It’s a document which will set out our policy ‘asks’ and with a General Election expected to take place during the year, it will provide our politicians with a guide to what our business community needs, in order to thrive and prosper.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has identified five topics or challenges which are of vital importance to the UK business community and where there is a need to establish fresh, evidence based and impactful policy recommendations, which will be used to influence the current and future government:
- Digital Revolution
- Green Innovation
- Global Britain
- People and Work
- Local Economy of the Future
Our new Manifesto will aim to address these challenges but what other challenges is your business facing and what else do you feel should be a key part of our Manifesto?
Please send me your comments/thoughts and if you would like further information on any of policy forums, please contact:
declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is recognised as being the voice of local business in Staffordshire but what does this really mean? As an independent and reputable organisation, we represent our members’ views on the local, regional, national and global issues affecting their businesses.
Our Chamber policy forums are a great way for member businesses to meet and discuss issues critical to their sector. These forums enable our members to share knowledge and best practice but also help us to represent them better in our dealings with the media and government. Our forums are recognised by the British Chambers’ of Commerce as being among the most influential in the country.
We deliver eleven policy forums, covering the topics of:
- Charity
- Digital
- Energy, Environment and Sustainability
- HR, Employment and Skills
- International Trade
- Manufacturers
- Money Matters
- Planning & Infrastructure
- Rural Business
- Social Value & Procurement
- Transport
Each forum is made up of representatives from our member businesses and meets up several times across the year. Key topics for discussion are identified, guest speakers are brought in and our forums pick up that role of highlighting the matters that concern our members, at both a national and regional level. Each forum has its own Chair, who will steer both the meetings and objectives of that particular forum.
We welcome new faces in all of our policy forums but what’s in it for you and your business? It’s a chance for your views to be heard and the opportunity to work collaboratively with your fellow Chamber members in influencing our policy role on specific topics. You also get the chance to grow your networking contacts in similar sectors. It could also be a perfect development opportunity for one of your team, helping to empower confidence.
Being a part of our policy forums is not a huge commitment with no more than four meetings a year. Meetings typically start at 9AM and last no more than an hour or so. If you’re interested in joining a Forum, please email me on declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
