It’s been another busy week of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce policy forums, with members coming together to hear from experts, share experiences and discuss the issues affecting their sectors.
Our forums are much more than networking opportunities. They provide a platform for businesses to stay informed about emerging developments, influence policy discussions and ensure that the voice of business is heard by key decision-makers.
Last week’s meetings highlighted exactly why these forums remain such an important part of our policy and representation work.
Hospitality forum – Navigating employment law changes
The week began with our Hospitality forum, where members received a tailored update on the Employment Rights Act (ERA) and the implications for employers across the sector. Hospitality businesses continue to face significant challenges around recruitment, workforce management and rising operating costs.
Against this backdrop, getting a clear understanding of forthcoming employment legislation has never been more important. Members heard about the key provisions within the ERA, potential impacts on staffing policies and considerations for businesses as they prepare for implementation.
The discussion provided valuable insight into the practical challenges hospitality operators may face and gave businesses the opportunity to raise concerns directly with peers and experts.
Planning & Infrastructure (P&I) forum – The future of Stoke-on-Trent
Our Planning & Infrastructure forum welcomed an update on the progress of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s Local Plan, giving members the opportunity to hear first-hand about one of the most significant planning documents shaping the city’s future.
Local Plans play a vital role in determining where homes, employment land, infrastructure and investment opportunities will be located over the coming years. For businesses, they provide important signals about future growth, development priorities and economic opportunities.
The update prompted a wide-ranging discussion on regeneration, housing delivery, employment sites and infrastructure requirements. These conversations are essential in helping us to understand business perspectives and ensuring those views are represented during consultations and discussions with local authorities.
Construction Excellence Staffordshire forum -Dispute resolution
We joined the first event of Construction Excellence Staffordshire, where members received specialist guidance on dispute resolution within the construction industry.
As projects become increasingly complex, effective dispute management is becoming more important for businesses of all sizes. The session explored practical approaches to resolving disputes, reducing risk and maintaining commercial relationships.
Members shared experiences and discussed common challenges facing the sector, creating a valuable opportunity for peer learning and knowledge exchange. With government aspirations to build 1.5 million homes across the UK before the end of 2029, we need to have a thriving local construction sector and the CES forum will deliver a series of construction themed events each year, playing its part in growing the sector in the local area.
Why Forums matter -While our ten policy forums focus on specific themes…
- Digital
- Energy, Environment & Sustainability (EES)
- Hospitality
- HR, Employment & Skills
- Manufacturers
- Money Matters
- Planning & Infrastructure
- Responsible Business
- Rural Business
- Transport
…they all share a common purpose of providing businesses with a voice and helping to shape and influence the very policy and lobbying work we deliver.
The experiences, challenges and opportunities shared by members help us to build a stronger evidence base when engaging with local authorities, government and other stakeholders.
Just as importantly, forums allow businesses to hear about developments, access expert insight and contribute to discussions that shape the future of Staffordshire’s economy.
Get Involved – Whether your interest is hospitality, planning, construction, skills, sustainability, manufacturing, digital technology or another key theme, our forums offer an opportunity to connect with fellow businesses and influence the issues that matter most.
If you want to help shape local policy, stay ahead of emerging developments and ensure your business perspective is heard, we’d love you to get involved.
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