Energy Services
Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services: Expert Energy Advice for Staffordshire Business Owners. If you are a Staffordshire Chambers member, you can benefit from Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services provided by Troo. This service is specifically designed to assist Staffordshire Chambers members in reducing their electricity, gas, and water expenditure, ultimately leading to increased efficiency in operations.
Members can receive a free energy health check and potentially save thousands of pounds per year on their business energy. The account managers at Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services are committed to finding you the most cost-effective energy deals by comparing prices across various suppliers.
For registered business members, Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services offers the following:
- A free assessment of current energy contracts
- Assistance in negotiating competitive market rates
- Ongoing account management and advice
In addition to the above, Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services’ advisers can also analyse your electricity and gas bills to identify if you are being overcharged. If you are running a larger operation, on-site audits of your energy and water usage can also be arranged, and if necessary, they can manage on-site works for meter upgrades. Take advantage of the free initial assessment offered by our advisers by getting in touch today.
Tel: 0800 058 1950
Email: energyservices@sces.co.uk
Visit: www.staffschambersenergyservices.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, Membership, Staff & HR
Stafford Borough Council Climate Change
By Councillor Jonathan Price
The need for climate action is increasing. At Stafford Borough Council we recognize this and have committed to becoming a carbon neutral authority by 2040.
Over the past few years, we have developed and delivered a range of initiatives which contribute to achieving net zero within Stafford Borough. We have installed solar panels on the roofs of our buildings, have replaced the cremators at Stafford Crematorium, and have installed electric vehicle charge points on our car parks. Now we are looking to go further.
Over the coming years, we will work with stakeholders, the community, and local businesses to identify ways in which can enable the transition to net zero in Stafford Borough. We will identify opportunities to increase the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure in the Borough, reducing the Borough’s reliance on fossil fuels. We will work with our recently formed Climate Change Community Panel to provide residents and local businesses with the tools and information they need to reduce their carbon emissions. We will focus on building resilience to the now unavoidable impacts of climate change through the development and delivery of a range of climate adaptation measures. We will work in partnership with stakeholders and partner organization to achieve the above.
More details of how we are delivering climate action, and how we are helping Stafford Borough to become more sustainable are set out on website, can be found here: (link: Climate Change and Green Recovery | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk))
- Published in Clean Air Conscious
TopCashback Blog
Although as a cashback site, we might not be up there with the biggest culprits of carbon emission, that doesn’t mean that we can ignore the impact we have on our planet. Quite the contrary. In fact, we have joined the global ‘Race to Zero’ campaign by committing to Net Zero on the SME Climate Hub.
The main impact our business operations have on the environment are the carbon dioxide emissions generated due to the energy required to run our offices, devices, and servers. However, for the last three years we have offset any Scope 1 and 2 emissions (plus corporate travel between our offices) that we haven’t been able to eliminate. We’re also working hard to understand and reduce our Scope 3 emissions.
The below are just some of our current efforts but we are always looking for more ways to improve:
· We use power suppliers who are 100% renewable energy
· We use 100% or 99% non-landfill waste management contractors
· We use water meters and water shut off timers to prevent leaks or system malfunctions causing major damage and wasting water. We also filter our tap water, thereby removing the need for our staff to buy bottled water.
· We use LED light bulbs with movement sensors to save on energy consumption.
· We have input various recycling procedures (via our Green Team workforce)
· We are currently undertaking a solar panel project at our Stafford office. This installation aims to use maximum roof space available for tier one panels to enable 63W of power production saving approximately 20 tonnes of CO2 per year, relieving stress on the grid by feeding in an allowance set by Western Power. The system will allow us to use 80%+ of the power production while the offices are operational. Our goal is to not just ‘tick a green box’ but to maximise solar capabilities
· We also invest most of our retained earnings into organisations that have a genuine intention to generate a tangible, beneficial social or environmental impact, helping support us on our SDG focus
- Published in Clean Air Conscious
Revival of the Fittest
There are many misconceptions around refurbished tech and the value it can bring and an even more urgent need to raise awareness around the E-waste crisis and why we should be careful when choosing a partner to take care of our redundant or unwanted IT. Stone Group believes that all technology companies should take more responsibility for e-waste and should offer as standard, an effective and secure IT recycling solution.
As of 11 am on the 28th January 2022, a total of 3,761,395 tonnes of electronic waste has been generated and thrown out*. E-waste is one of the largest and fastest-growing waste streams in the world and the toxic chemicals used in tech are leaked when disposed of incorrectly, harming the planet, the animals, and humans, causing serious health issues to all.
Why choose refurbished?
Refurbished equipment is a reliable, cost-effective, eco-friendly and highly beneficial option for all organisations and yet many still buy new. Stone Group conducted a survey with over 250 senior decision-makers with responsibility for green initiatives across public and private sector organisations and the results were surprising. Only 32% would only buy new tech and of that, 39% said this was because they were concerned that refurbished models would be inferior to new models. Whilst these concerns have been unfounded, this shows that more needs to be done to communicate the benefits of refurbished technology.
If you need help with any unwanted technology, speak to Stone. Stone Group have developed a multi-award-winning IT recycling app, Stone 360, available on Apple and Android devices, which is revolutionising how organisations recycle their IT and create a more sustainable future. To read more about our Stone 360 app visit: www.stonegroup.co.uk/stone-360
Source: https://www.theworldcounts.com/stories/electronic-waste-facts*.
- Published in Clean Air Conscious
Case Study: Woolcool Sustainable
Woolcool is an innovative and award-winning manufacturing family business, based in Stone, Staffordshire. They have developed a range of sustainable products, including their insulated packaging solutions using 100% pure wool amongst other natural materials. Woolcool’s solutions are used for the transportation of temperature sensitive products. Their technology is the foundation upon which the business ethos, product range and culture is built. As one of the first packaging companies in the UK to achieve B Corp certification, they believe in business as a force for good, considering their impact on people and planet in all decision making. Sustainability isn’t just about environmental impact, but also social.
Woolcool recognise the immediate and future importance of considering sustainability in all business practices, which is why they strive to continually improve in this area. They are the first to admit that they aren’t perfect, and there is still so much more they can do. One main area in which they are focused to improve their impact is in starting their journey to conduct a full and in-depth LCA. Their recent completion of a Carbon Footprint Analysis has provided a solid starting point to assess where they can begin to reduce these emissions. Whilst focus on reduction of their Carbon Footprint is important, this was just the first stage in a whole matrix of other environmental measures. They are working with Keele University to investigate, measure, review and improve all aspects of their environmental impact.
Two such examples of this continual goal to improve, particularly with regards to carbon emissions, is the elimination of the need for gas in their facility, followed by the installation of a Building Management System to reduce energy consumption by monitoring when heat and lighting is needed. They have partnered with Keele University on a second project, to review their energy usage further, looking at ways to improve, such as the installation of solar panels or heat exchange opportunities.
There are many benefits Woolcool have seen when adopting this focus, and many more they hope to see in years to come. A review of energy usage ensures consumption is as efficient as possible in a world of spiralling energy costs, a win-win situation for both the bottom line and the planet. They have seen customer engagement in these practices, with a number of their customer base requesting environmental measures when going to tender, and Woolcool were able to provide these immediately. These type of requests are growing in number.
Whilst reviewing sustainable practices is currently widely seen as a ‘nice to have’, it won’t be too long until more sustainable practices will be encouraged, if not enforced. It is always healthier for a business to choose to implement changes over a controlled timeframe, rather than being forced to do it quickly. This approach allows this slow, manageable transition. Finally, and the key benefit, is the future-proofing of their business and most importantly, playing their part in protecting the future of this planet.
- Published in Clean Air Conscious
Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving
For some, when it comes to selecting a vehicle with the aim of lowering our carbon footprint, all electric fits the bill, however, what if an electric vehicle is out of the question for us at this time, what can we do to lower our carbon footprint with our existing petrol or diesel vehicle, well, it’s all about adopting a safe and fuel-efficient driving style, here are some hints and tips:
• Don’t carry any more weight in the vehicle than necessary, empty the boot of heavy items, remove roof racks and cycle bars and only top you fuel tank up with what you need, why drag a tank full of heavy fuel around unnecessarily?
• Don’t turn off the vehicles auto ‘stop/start’ function, every minute with the engine off is less pollution and more pennies in your pocket
• Go easy on the gas pedal, look well ahead, accelerate gently and progressively, looking out for those places where you can see a stop coming up, try and arrive as the situation is clearing, we call this slow to flow, a brilliant technique to adopt, especially at roundabouts
• Reduce speed slightly, this will save fuel, lower emissions and not impact adversely on your overall journey time
• Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front, try and maintain a steady flow, remember, every time you brake just to accelerate again, is wasting fuel
The art of safe and fuel-efficient driving is all about being the master of awareness, anticipation and forward planning. Ask ‘what if’, then fill in the blanks to situations you encounter ahead, this way nothing will take you by surprise. Play a game while driving, by this I mean, imagine you are driving and you don’t have brake pedal, you are going to have to be the master of forward observations and coming off the accelerator pedal early, oh, this is exactly the style of driving electric vehicle drivers adopt to maximise range! Why not give it a go?
- Published in Clean Air Conscious
CAZ Cat C for Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce
One of the options businesses have to help mitigate charges arising from the impact of operating a fleet within a CAZ, covered by Cat C restrictions, is to move to a fleet of ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicles), or Zero Emission Vehicles (Tailpipe Emissions that is).
Of course there are operating considerations that will help businesses define the most appropriate steps to take in choosing between these two categories of vehicles, but it is important to understand that there is financial support provided at Government level, via the OZEV Office (Zero Emission Vehicles) for Businesses, to assist with the latter category.
This support can be split simply between that targeted at the vehicle itself and secondly for charging capability.
This support is currently available for both Hybrid (HEV) and full battery electric vehicles (BEV) and charging capability for them.
Presently Installers registered with the scheme are able to claim £350 (including VAT), for eligible clients per charge-point (or socket for chargers with dual sockets) up to a total of 40 installation units per business entity (VAT Number or Registered Company), for charge-point installations at the business’s location.
More details are available at the Government website of the OZEV scheme, or from EVC Solutions at www.evcsolutions.co.uk
- Published in Clean Air Conscious
Clean Air Conscious Staffordshire
Air pollution is now the largest environmental risk linked to deaths in the UK, affecting everyone. The government’s clean air strategy aims to protect the nation’s health, protect the environment, and secure green growth and innovation. Staffordshire Chambers is campaigning to promote and protect the health of the local population by helping businesses adapt and make changes to the way that they operate that will improve the region’s air quality.
We want to make sure that businesses are aware of the upcoming changes as well as the support available for businesses who are likely to be affected by the rollout of the Clean Air Zone.
- Published in Influence & Network
Sara’s Blog: Response to PMs and Chancellor speeches at the Conservative Party Conference and the Kickstart scheme extension
Sara’s Blog – 8th October 2021
Response to PMs and Chancellor speeches at the Conservative Party Conference and the Kickstart scheme extension
I am all for being optimistic but wonder if it is a high-risk strategy to hope, as the Prime Minister does, that this is just a period of “adjustment” and that rising wages will ride to the rescue, rather than make inflation worse and end up in a dangerous spiral.
Firms are dealing with a cumulative crisis in business conditions as supply chains crumble, prices soar, taxes rise, and labour shortages hit new heights. In the past, even one of these issues would have resulted in interventions and the development of a strategy.
The economic recovery is still new and if it stalls, private sector investment and tax revenues that the PM wants to fuel his vision will be another thing in short supply.
We all want a move to a high wage economy, but this will not happen overnight. It requires government and business to come together to develop a strategy which deals with the current challenges while meeting longer term ambitions and driving up productivity. And there is much to be said for a highly skilled workforce needed for this – whilst not forgetting that there are jobs which are not necessarily highly skilled but are essential to our way of life. People in these jobs need better recompense too.
Right now, targeted immigration may be a sensible way to smooth the critical national skills shortages – and the wages could be quite high for these roles too if market forces operate. Firms need to be given breathing space to plan and invest in skills and technology needed to bring the future closer.
The PM recognises skills as being fundamental to levelling up and economic prosperity. A more agile skills system is key to boosting business investment in training and innovation. Local Skills Improvement Plans should be rapidly rolled-out to give businesses a stronger voice in skills planning and it is good to see chambers across the country being lead partners in the pilots of this approach.
The PM stated that levelling up cannot be seen as one part of the country against another. It’s about tackling blockages to prosperity in every community and giving every business and every person the same opportunities to grow. It is also about health – the health inequalities in this country are shocking with a difference of 12 years life expectancy between some parts of the county.
The upcoming Budget must focus on injecting momentum and confidence across all regions and nations of the UK, with measures aimed at underpinning a sustained economic revival and addressing longstanding issues. This should include addressing the increasingly onerous cost of doing business in the UK and to finally deliver fundamental reform of our broken business rates system.
While the four-month extension of employer cash incentives for hiring new apprentices is good news for many employers, we would like to see the grant extended to the end of 2022. This will allow more time for those SMEs still recovering from the pandemic to create new apprenticeship opportunities that will increase technical skills in the workplace, tackle skills shortages and boost productivity. We welcome the increased investment in training for developing industries involving AI and innovative technologies as these skills will support employers in key sectors for our economy going forward and we need plans for more support for care workers and those on the factory floor or in the driving ca, too.
Businesses support fiscal responsibility, but decisions should be based on economics, not politics. Ultimately, it is businesses as wealth creators which generate prosperity, create jobs and support communities. The focus should be on creating the best possible environment for businesses to grow and thrive so they can sustainably deliver the tax revenue needed to return our public finances to a sustainable path.
Finally, the Kickstart scheme has been extended for three months to the end of March 2022.
The Chambers administer Kickstart in the Staffordshire and we have already overseen 1440 approved placements. The scheme offers funding of 100 percent of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance Contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There is also £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support, and training.
If you are interested in a Kickstart placement you can contact the Chamber: kickstart@staffordshirechambers.co.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
- Published in News
Sara’s Blog: Reaction to temporary visas for drivers and food workers & end of furlough – a good time to start a business?
Sara’s blog – 1st October 2021
Reaction to temporary visas for drivers and food workers & end of furlough – a good time to start a business?
The fuel distribution problems of the last week have brought the fragility of our labour market into sharp focus.
Chambers of Commerce have been warning Government about critical labour shortages for months now – not just in the food and haulage industries but in hospitality, construction, the care sector and elsewhere. And whilst businesses will welcome that government is finally acting, this scheme does not go far enough.
Government has made clear its priority is to transition from a reliance on EU workers to a focus on the domestic workforce, and businesses have been ready to participate in this, but it is a long-term project rather than a quick fix to current supply chain issues.
A managed transition, with a plan agreed between government and business, should have been in place from the outset. Instead, the supply of EU labour was turned off with no clear roadmap as to how this transition would be managed without disruption to services and supply chains.
Now some action has been taken, but additional testing will take time and the low number of visas offered is insufficient. Even if these short-term opportunities attract the maximum amount of people allowed under the scheme, it will not be enough to address the scale of the problem that has now developed in our supply chains. According to president of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, this announcement is the equivalent of ‘throwing a thimble of water on a bonfire’.
Government should be prepared to significantly expand the number of visas issued within this scheme and convene a summit that brings business and government together to find both immediate and longer-term solutions to the many challenges facing firms throughout the UK.
Without further action, we now face the very real prospect of serious damage to our economic recovery, stifled growth as well as another less than happy Christmas for many businesses and their customers across the country.
BCC data has shown that 76% of hospitality businesses, and 82% of construction firms have faced recruitment difficulties in recent months. At the same time, three out of four exporters reported no growth in sales in Q2.
Businesses are facing the most difficult environment for a generation. On top of labour shortages – border delays, increased debt and the rising cost of materials, shipping and energy are all putting huge pressure on firms struggling to recover from the pandemic. All these issues are hitting smaller firms the hardest.
Attempts to address the deficit of HGV drivers and poultry workers is a step forward, but these industries are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the huge impact of the current labour shortages. Without a comprehensive plan to tackle this issue across the board we are facing a winter of lost opportunities for our businesses, hampering the UK’s economic recovery.
If these issues are affecting you or you have an opinion to voice then why not join our debate in our Virtual Members’ Lounge: ‘A Thimble of Water to put out a Bonfire’ – BCC on temporary visas for drivers — Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce
With the furlough scheme finally ending this week many workers may find themselves either out of a job or looking for a change of career direction.
In the pandemic year of 2020 there were over 770,000 new businesses started, a rise of 30 percent on the previous year so now is probably as good a time as any to look to launch a new business as not only are there opportunities opening in the post-Covid economy, but also, there has never been as much support on offer.
The Chamber’s start-up programme is open to anyone looking to start a business and has tailored packages for students, women, and refugees. Once you are started, we then offer all the support you need to grow your business.
We have three dedicated start-up advisors, business mentors and a club for businesses up to three years old – the One2Three club.
I often hear people running their own business say that it is the best decision they ever made. So, if you have a new business idea or just want to explore your options with an advisor you can email start@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or visit: Leadership Search – Staffordshire Chambers
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
- Published in News
