Businesses urged to make their voices heard as Quarterly Economic Survey opens for Q2 2023
Business owners and leaders are being urged to complete the new Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 2023 to help inform policymakers on the challenges facing businesses in our local area.
This is one of the most important times for businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to complete the QES following a period of price hikes that has heaped pressure on organisations of all sizes.
The information you provide will help to shape policy thinking as the data is shared with the British Chambers of Commerce, Government departments including HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office as well as the Bank of England.
We are keen to hear from firms of all shapes and sizes as it will help create an accurate picture of the current business landscape.
Whether you’re a seasoned director or relatively new to your company, please spare just a few minutes to fill in the anonymous survey.
We understand your time is precious, even more so now, so thank you to all those who complete the survey. Click here.
- Published in News
Could you be a Foster Carer?
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is calling on members of the business community to join the fostering community and make a real difference to a child’s life. Being a foster carer is a life-changing experience that requires just a spare room and a little bit of spare time, even as little as one weekend a month.
There is no such thing as a typical foster carer. People of any age, gender, marital status, religious or cultural background, or sexual orientation are encouraged to join the fostering community. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is eager to hear from anyone who is interested in becoming a foster carer.
When you choose to foster with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, you will receive professional allowance, exceptional training, and support, with ongoing development throughout. The friendly team is on hand to answer any questions you may have by calling 01782 234555 or visiting https://fostering.stoke.gov.uk/.
As part of their ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the fostering community in Stoke-on-Trent, several events have been planned in the coming weeks. On Tuesday, May 16th, an informal drop-in session will be held at Starbucks in Smallthorne from 3pm-4.30pm. On Wednesday, May 17th, there will be a foster carers celebration day at Grace Church Unit B in Hanley from 11am-1pm. Finally, on Wednesday, May 31st, there will be a foster carers meet up and picnic at Longton Park from 11am-1pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life. Contact Stoke-on-Trent City Council today to find out more about fostering and how you can get involved.
Contact: Stoke-on-Trent City Council Phone: 01782 234555 Email: fostering@stoke.gov.uk Website: https://fostering.stoke.gov.uk/
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Chamber members get 50 percent off tickets for Love Cheese Live
Love Cheese Live, UK’s largest cheese, food & drink festival, is set to take place on 30 June – 1 July 2023 at the Staffordshire County Show Ground in Stafford. This festival promises to offer an unforgettable culinary experience for food lovers across the country.
With a fantastic line-up of the best chefs and experts cooking live, visitors will have the opportunity to learn from the best and be inspired to create their own delicious cheese-based dishes. The festival will also showcase the finest dairy brands, exciting new flavors, and the latest culinary trends, alongside carefully selected independent producers of the finest food, drink, and culinary products from across the UK.
Love Cheese Live will offer visitors the chance to shop and taste a vast array of cheese, food, and drink products from some of the country’s top culinary artisans and independent producers. With something to suit every taste and preference, this festival is the perfect destination for cheese and food enthusiasts alike.
As a special offer, Staffordshire Chambers members can receive a 50 percent discount on ticket prices by using the code “staffsbusiness” at the checkout.
Don’t miss out on this incredible culinary experience. Get your tickets now and join us at Love Cheese Live in Stafford on 30 June – 1 July 2023.
- Published in News
Airport Parking
Great Savings on your Travel Extras
APH, multi-time winners of the ‘Best Airport Parking Company’ at the British Travel Awards, offer parking options at airports throughout the UK. You can choose the parking that suits your needs…
– ‘Off Airport’ parking for great value
– ‘On Airport’ parking for convenience
– Meet & Greet service for the VIP touch.
Early morning flight? Live a long way from the airport? Check out the comprehensive range of airport hotel and parking packages – and wake up close to the airport on the day of your flight. Packages often start just a few £s more than parking alone.
By pre-booking your travel extras with APH, you can make significant savings on the rates you would pay if you just showed up without a reservation.
You receive the following discounts…
15% off all participating airport car parks throughout the UK
10% off participating airport hotel & parking packages
10% off No.1 Traveller Lounges
To check prices, availability and to book securely online, please visit: www.aph.com/scc
Discounts are automatically applied on this website
Or call APH on 0844 871 7521 and quote ‘SCC’
Terms and Conditions apply. *See Terms and Conditions link on www.aph.com/scc for full booking conditions and for a list of non-participating products where discounts do not apply.
- Published in Membership
Staffordshire Chambers announce three new tendering opportunities
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is excited to announce three new tender opportunities! We welcome tenders from all interested parties, but we are particularly interested in seeing tenders from our member businesses.
Firstly, we are looking for a consultant to deliver a detailed business plan(s) for the commercialisation of elements of the Chambers’ portfolio of business services. The business plan(s) need to be developed enough to be shared with the Chambers’ management and Board. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to work with us in developing new and innovative ways of bringing our services to the wider community.
Secondly, we are seeking a consultant or organisation to undertake our project’s Summative Assessment with a focus on our Mentoring For Growth Programme. This involves designing a methodology to carry out the summative assessment that incorporates ERDF requirements, considering ERDF guidance, reviewing our delivery data and evidence of benefit and impact additional to that already required for normal reporting, and designing and completing a final summative assessment report and required summary findings report. This is a great opportunity for businesses to help us evaluate the impact and success of our programme.
Lastly, we are seeking proposals from organisations to help design and write the final report for the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan. The purpose of the report is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the local skills landscape and make recommendations for improvement. This is an important opportunity for businesses to work with us in shaping the future of skills development in our local area.
We encourage all interested parties to submit their tenders for any of the above opportunities. However, we are particularly interested in seeing tenders from our member businesses. This is a chance for our members to get involved in shaping the future of the Chambers’ services and programmes.
- Published in News
Charity quiz raises over £1000 for local charities
Local businesses have helped Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to raise £1210 for Chamber charities at their annual quiz that took place at Port Vale Football Club last night.
The highly competitive event, sponsored by DJH Mitten Clarke, saw teams of six compete for the coveted Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Quizmas trophy, with local team Beswicks taking home the top prize.
Delegates enjoyed a two course Christmas dinner and had the opportunity to play the Chamber charity raffle, with prizes such as England football tickets and a date night for two at Moddershall Oaks on offer that were kindly donated by the local business community.
The money will be added to Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce fundraising pot and will be split across the 29 charities at the end of the year.
Charities that will benefit include Douglas Macmillan Hospice and The Gingerbread Centre.
- Published in News
Shire Hall opens its doors for Chamber members
Stafford Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Chamber members can now access Shire Hall for meeting spaces and hot desking as part of their membership benefits.
Building on the popularity of our Members’ Lounge at Commerce House, our new Stafford Hub, based in the recently renovated Shire Hall, will be open from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
Declan Riddell, Stafford Chamber of Commerce manager, said: “We have settled in our new home in Shire Hall and are delighted that we can now welcome members here for meetings and hot desking.
“Shire Hall is placed perfectly in the heart of Stafford and has ample short and long stay car parking just a short walk away – and is also a walkable distance from Stafford station.
“There are tea and coffee making facilities available in the kitchen. I’d like to encourage
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Sara’s Blog: Celebrating 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II
My blogs of late have been somewhat doom-laden, reporting on the latest sets of economic figures, soaring costs and global crises caused by the terrible situation in Ukraine.
So, this week I have decided to take a break from the bad news and celebrate a remarkable achievement from a remarkable woman.
As we head towards an extended Bank Holiday to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, I wanted to pay the Chambers’ own tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.
Over the course of her reign, she has always been a gentle, thoughtful, and reassuring presence as the world around us has changed, and through the highs and lows we have experienced as a nation.
I cannot think of a head of state anywhere else in the world that commands the level of universal love and respect that the Queen does.
Throughout her life, and on her many travels around the world, she has always managed to negotiate the delicate art of being seen as a representative of the people of the United Kingdom rather than a representative of its government.
At the start of her reign, she was quick to recognise that the Commonwealth bore no resemblance to the Empire of the past and that our relationship with Commonwealth nations was one of friendship and cooperation for the common good of the people.
To some, the Commonwealth symbolised the decline of Britain’s influence in the world. Its early years also coincided with tensions over the arrival in the UK of immigrants from former colonies.
But the Queen’s enthusiasm remained undimmed. “To that new conception of an equal partnership of nations and races I shall give myself heart and soul every day of my life,” she promised in a 1953 speech.
Now we have our opportunity to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, the only monarch to have reached such a milestone. It is an extraordinary moment for her and the country.
To put it into perspective just how long 70 years is, only 8.5 million of the UK’s 68.5 million population were alive when she became Queen in 1952.
The Queen is patron of the British Chambers of Commerce, and I was especially delighted and honoured to receive an invitation, along with our president Kate Beardmore, to the Trooping of the Colour on 2nd June.
The long weekend is a chance to celebrate the Jubilee, raising a toast to the Queen for the dignified and selfless service she has gifted all of us over the past 70 years.
And with hundreds of local events and parties to enjoy it just remains for me to wish everyone a happy and memorable Jubilee weekend.
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