Declan’s Blog: Have your say at our Chamber Forums
Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce is recognised as being the voice of local business in Staffordshire but what does this really mean? We’re here to represent our members’ views on the local, national and global issues affecting their businesses.
Our nine 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 nine policy forums, covering the topics of:
- Digital
- Employment, HR and Skills
- Energy, Environment and Sustainability
- Manufacturers’
- Money Matters
- Planning & Infrastructure
- Responsible Business
- Rural Business
- Transport
Each forum is made up of representatives from our Chamber member network and meets up four times a 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 regional and national 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? You’ll get informative updates related to the theme of each forum, helping to keep you “in the loop” with local, national and global changes/news. 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. Some of our forum members have gone on to join British Chambers’ of Commerce (BCC) policy groupings, getting their voices heard at a national level.
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. Each forum meeting will have the option to join remotely on MS Teams, so you don’t need to travel.
2025 will see the launch of our brand-new Staffordshire Chambers’ website and this will include dedicated webpages for each of our policy forums. These webpages will capture discussions from past meetings and become a ‘go-to’ source of useful information/news in bite sized chunks, with the aim of educating and upskilling our members.
Being the voice of business is what we do but why not get involved and play your part in shaping our policy ad lobbying work.
For further details on our policy forums, please get in touch:
- Published in News
Staffordshire Chambers Launches New Online Training Initiative to Support Member Growth
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is excited to introduce an innovative online training platform exclusively available to its members. Designed to help local businesses support employee development, recruitment, and retention, the new initiative provides members with access to over 220 CPD discounted accredited courses in vital areas such as Compliance, Leadership, Mental Well-being, Inclusivity, Sales, and Customer Service. The platform also allows businesses to evidence their commitment to investing in their people by helping business leaders to build a tailored learning curriculum for each employee.
Mark Jones, Principal Training Consultant at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “This isn’t just about providing training—it’s about supporting our local businesses by helping them build skilled, resilient, and motivated teams. Our flexible platform allows every business to develop staff, while still meeting specific industry requirements. It’s fantastic value for money, offering a full year’s training for only 25% of the typical development spend.”
Members have access to “hot topic” courses designed to meet today’s workplace challenges, including Harassment/Sexual Harassment, Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Mental Health Awareness, and Corporate Social Responsibility. With full reporting flexibility, businesses can track progress and compliance of their staff members with ease.
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “Investing in people is one of the most impactful steps an employer can take, and Staffordshire Chambers is committed to making that investment accessible and meaningful. We’re proud to launch this programme and offer our members high-quality training that meets both current and future business needs. With over 220 courses available, there’s something here for every one of our members.”
Members are encouraged to book a free one-to-one consultation with Mark Jones, who will help outline a tailored training plan specific to each business’s needs. To book a one to one, please contact mark.jones@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
To view the full list of courses click here.
- Published in News
Dr. Eve Davies
Dr. Eve Davies is the Co-Founder and Communications Director of ProtectaPet Ltd, a King’s Award-winning company dedicated to ensuring cats’ safety outdoors while giving their owners peace of mind. The inspiration for ProtectaPet arose from a deeply personal tragedy: the loss of Lola, a cherished family cat, in a road traffic accident. Driven to prevent similar heartbreak for others, Eve and her partner, Simon, founded ProtectaPet in 2014.
From its inception, ProtectaPet joined the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, and in 2015, it became a finalist in five categories in the inaugural Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Awards. Eve credits the support of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce as instrumental in the company’s early success and she’s keen to support other local businesses to access the same support.
Since then, Eve and Simon have grown ProtectaPet into an internationally recognised leader in cat fencing solutions. Their strategic approach—reinvesting profits into team development, fostering an exemplary company culture, and innovating cutting-edge designs—has augmented ProtectaPet’s reputation as a pioneer in the field.
In 2023, the company was honored with the King’s Award for Innovation, a prestigious recognition of its groundbreaking designs and significant impact on the wellbeing of cats and owners. ProtectaPet’s extensive product line features over fifty modular cat fencing components, protected by eight patents with more in progress.
Operating from three UK depots and supported by a European hub in Rotterdam, ProtectaPet serves customers across the continent. With the success of its French and Dutch websites, the company is poised to become a global household name, offering expertly designed solutions to keep cats safe outdoors.
Beyond her role at ProtectaPet, Eve is a dedicated advocate for UK businesses. She serves as an Export Champion for the Department of Business and Trade and as Deputy President of the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, contributing to the region’s representation on the global stage.
- Published in Board Biographies
Declan’s Blog: Key changes in the Employment Rights Bill
The Employment Rights Bill was introduced to Parliament last month and it’s been described as “the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation”. The Bill sets out 28 measures from the proposals in the Government’s plan to Make Work Pay (MWP). Other changes in MWP will come in under existing powers outside of the Bill. Immediate consultation on four areas will inform Government amendments to the Bill at Committee Stage in January 2025, whilst consultation on other measures will continue during 2025. The changes are expected to come into force from 2026.
Let’s look at the key changes:
- Zero hours contracts: The right to reasonable notice of shifts, compensation for cancelled shifts, and right to be offered a contract with guaranteed hours.
- Flexible working – The 8 reasons for refusal of flexible working requests remain, but there’s a higher bar for employers to justify it.
- Statutory sick pay – Will be a day one right. The Bill will remove the three-day waiting period and the lower earnings limit test for eligibility.
- Family leave – Removes the qualifying period for paternity leave, parental leave, and gives wider access to bereavement leave.
- Protection from harassment – Expands employers’ duties to prevent harassment of staff, including by third parties.
- Unfair dismissal – Removes the two-year qualifying period (so employees are protected from unfair dismissal from the first day of employment), subject to a statutory probationary period.
- Fire and rehire –Unfair to dismiss workers because they refuse to agree to a variation of contract unless the employer can prove it would result in insolvency.
- Sectoral collective bargaining on pay and conditions: starts with Adult Social Care.
- Trade unions – Introducing rights for trade unions to access workplaces and repealing the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 and most provisions of the Trade Union Act 2016.
- Enforcement – Bringing together powers of existing labour market enforcement bodies, along with some new powers, under the Secretary of State and enforcement officers
Looking beyond The Employment Rights Bill, the Government has recognised the complexity of the Single Status of Worker proposal, which aims to improve pay and conditions for working people. This is not included in the Bill, although the Government remains committed to this as a longer-term priority and plans to consult on a simplified framework in due course. The Right to Switch Off has probably caught the eye of many but this will now be delivered through a statutory code of practice.
The Government’s own Impact Assessment estimates that the changes outlined within The Employment Rights Bill, could be an additional cost to business of up to £5bn per year. There will be an expected disproportionate impact on smaller businesses and low pay sectors such as social care, hospitality and retail. The net impact on growth is predicted to be ‘small’. Suggested benefits include improving workforce participation and wellbeing, incentivising higher productivity and creating a more level playing field for good employers.
At a local level, what will the changes mean to your business? What is the risk and/or impact of these changes for employers and employees across Staffordshire? These are significant changes to the employment rights landscape and we want to hear from you and how the changes could impact your business.
Please send me your feedback/comments to :
declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
if you’re a member of Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce with an interest in employment law, skills or HR, why not join our next Employment, Skills and HR forum, which meets again on Friday 6th December at 9AM. Click below to book your place:
- Published in News
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce launches new Members’ Lounge in SP1 Stafford
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has opened a new Members’ Lounge in Stafford Town Centre, providing their members with a new space for hot-desking, work, and meetings.
Building on the success of the Members’ Lounge at Commerce House, the new Stafford Hub, now based in the recently-renovated SP1 building, will be open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
And non-member businesses who wish to trial the space are free to do so as part of an introductory offer.
Declan Riddell, Stafford Chamber of Commerce Manager, said: “We’ve settled into our new home at the SP1 building and are thrilled to welcome members here for meetings and hot desking.
“SP1 is ideally located in the heart of Stafford, with ample short- and long-stay parking just a short walk away, and within walking distance of Stafford station.
For more information about the office spaces see the Daily Focus article.
If you’re a Chamber member who wants to use the space, or a non-member interested in a trial, please email karena.pawlak@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Uncategorized
NEIDA Invests £1.6 Million in New Machinery to Drive Growth in 2024
NEIDA, a leading manufacturer of precision components, has announced a significant £1.6 million investment in new machinery at its Stoke-on-Trent facilities as part of its plans for growth in 2024. This investment is aimed at increasing production capacity and improving efficiency to meet rising demand from industries such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, and healthcare.
The new equipment includes advanced machines designed to produce highly precise components more quickly and efficiently. These additions will allow NEIDA to better serve its global client base by speeding up production and maintaining the high quality standards the company is known for.
With this investment, NEIDA is not only increasing its production capabilities but also positioning itself for continued success in the precision manufacturing industry. The company’s Managing Director highlighted that the new machinery will help NEIDA keep pace with growing client demand while reinforcing its commitment to quality and innovation.
This move comes as part of NEIDA’s broader expansion strategy, which includes upgrading its facilities and enhancing quality control processes to support its growth ambitions for the coming year.
- Published in Uncategorized
East Staffordshire Borough Council Announces Major High Street Regeneration Plans
East Staffordshire Borough Council has unveiled ambitious plans for the regeneration of Burton upon Trent’s High Street, including a reimagined National Brewery Centre attraction. The project builds on the ongoing enhancement of The Washlands area and is part of a broader effort to revitalise the town, supported by a successful £10 million Towns Fund bid and engagement with the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Key developments include the refurbishment of Bass House into an immersive Brewing Heritage & Social History Experience, a vibrant multi-purpose library at Burton Library, and plans to convert The Water Tower into an interactive attraction. Additional features include a new public events plaza, a Washlands Visitor Centre, and the transformation of Carling House into a modern hotel.
Residents can preview the Brewery Centre designs through guided tours of Bass House, followed by public meetings for further discussion. Cllr Rob Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, highlighted the importance of the project for Burton’s history, while Dr. Harry White, Chairman of the National Brewery Heritage Trust, expressed excitement over Burton’s potential to become the national hub for British brewing heritage.
Public tours will offer exclusive first looks at the project’s concept designs.
For more information, click here: www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/high-street-project
- Published in Member News
Declan’s Blog: Lobbying with key political leaders
As the political party conference season heads to a close, we’re taking the opportunity to meet with our local Members of Parliament. As the voice of our members, we’re here to lobby and represent the views of the local business community, connecting them with key political leaders and decision makers.
It’s almost three months since the General Election, with the results helping to reshape the political landscape in our county. In North Staffordshire, four out of the five constituencies changed colour, with only Dame Karen Bradley retaining the Staffordshire Moorlands constituency. Of the four winning MP across Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle under Lyme, three are completely new to the role, with only Gareth Snell having past experience as a Member of Parliament, in recapturing the Stoke-on-Trent Central constituency.
Prior to the General Election, we launched our Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce Business Manifesto and this was shared with all prospective Parliamentary candidates. Our Manifesto rests on five key themes:
- Connected Staffordshire
- Digital Staffordshire
- Global Staffordshire
- Green Staffordshire
- Skilled Staffordshire
You can view the Manifesto by clicking the link:
Business Manifesto 2024 – Flipbook – Page 1 (paperturn-view.com)
Not surprisingly, our discussions with the Members of Parliament will align with these five themes, as well as opening into wider conversation around levels of business confidence, devolution and what could be a critical Budget for business, due to be announced on Wednesday 30th October.
Last Friday, we sat down with Leigh Ingham, newly elected MP for Stafford. The shape of this constituency has changed and now extends as far north as Eccleshall. In the space of an hour, we had a really positive discussion around topics such as bringing high quality and well-paid jobs into the area, which will help to retain graduates and other learners, to drive the local economy. Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) will be unveiling a new Institute of Technology (IoT) at its Stafford campus in 2025. A welcome boost for the area.
With exceptional rail connectivity to four of the UK’s largest conurbations and two junctions to the M6, Stafford (along with the rest of the county), is very well connected.
Like many towns the length and breadth of the UK, Stafford’s town centre has struggled to cope with a drop in footfall, largely influenced by how we choose to shop in 2024. A number of initiatives are being delivered to pump prime one key development in town, ready to incentivise much needed developer financial support but we discussed how other measures such as hosting outpatients’ treatment in the town centre, will give more of us a purpose to visit Stafford and spend our cash in local shops. We agreed that we can play our part in amplifying news about positive developments such as the IoT.
Our meeting moved on to the topic of business confidence, with our most recent Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), suggesting a fall in the number of businesses who are investing in plant, machinery and equipment. Anecdotal feedback suggests that many businesses are holding back on commitment, until the Chancellor announces her Budget next month.
Our round of ‘Meet the MP’ meetings continues when we meet David Williams, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North (today – 30th), Sir Gavin Williamson (MP for Stone, Great Wyrley & Penkridge – 11th October) and Dame Karen Bradley, MP for Staffordshire Moorlands (15th November). You can meet your MP for a 1:1 meeting but there is a real synergy when we bring you together as a group of member businesses. Why not join us at a future ‘Meet the MP’ meeting? You can book your place through the events page on our website: https://staffordshirechambers.co.uk/events-calendar
- Published in News
New Survey Launched to Assess Growth of IT Sector in North Staffordshire
A new survey has been launched to explore the rapid growth of the digital and IT sector in North Staffordshire. Led by Staffordshire University and the University of Manchester, the research aims to gather insights from businesses operating in Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, and the Staffordshire Moorlands to better understand the region’s emerging IT landscape.
Early findings from the research indicate a strong and expanding IT sector, with businesses showing high levels of productivity. The survey seeks to capture a more detailed picture of this growth, and organisers are encouraging all digital and IT businesses in the region to participate.
All businesses that complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win one of five £100 Love to Shop vouchers, redeemable at over 90 popular retail brands.
To take part in the survey, businesses can visit survey link
- Published in News
Exceptional results achieved at Stafford Grammar School
Following the exceptional results at A Level last week where 69% of all results were graded at A-B and 48% were A/A, the Year 11 pupils are clearly eager to emulate the success of their older counterparts.
52% of all GCSE grades have been achieved at grade 9-7 and exceeds the high levels achieved in the pre-COVID examination results. Over a third of our pupils achieved 8 or more grades at 7-9. 98% of all grades were achieved at grade 9-4. These results build on the outstanding achievements of the school community this year. The school has been shortlisted in the Independent School of the Year Awards for Best Co-educational School having also been Highly Commended in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2024 and having success in the National Schools Theatre Awards, ISA Young Musician of the Year and National Concert Band Festival.
Headmaster, Nicholas Pietrek, commented “These are exceptional results from exceptional pupils. As a school we pride ourselves in working alongside the pupils to help them fulfil their potential and discover their talents. Today we are celebrating their academic achievements but they enjoy equal levels of success in drama, music and sport. Our small class sizes give us that opportunity to really nurture their abilities and we are looking forward to continuing to work with them into the Sixth Form and help guide them on the exciting journey ahead.”
Stafford Grammar School is an academically selective school and one of the leading schools in the Midlands. Anyone looking to join our excellent Sixth Form is encouraged to look at the opportunities available at Stafford Grammar School.
- Published in Member News