Sara’s Blog: Saying goodbye, Staffordshire University Business Awards & National Manufacturing Day
If you follow the Chambers’ media output and socials, then I’m sure you will have already seen the news that I have made the decision to retire at the end of 2023.
I do not intend to repeat myself here as I like to use the blog to inform and opine. And you can read the official press release in our Daily Focus: Sara Williams OBE announces decision to retire – Daily Focus (daily-focus.co.uk)
However, I will quickly reiterate what an absolute pleasure it has been to work with you all. I could not have achieved anything without the cooperation, support hard work and determination which characterises our community. Nor could I have managed without my amazing team and the scores of people who freely give their time and expertise to serve on the Board of Directors, council, local area boards and member forums.
There, I said I was not going to go on about it! I still have three months left as CEO and there will be plenty of time for goodbyes before I finally depart in December.
So back to business and what a pleasure it was to attend the inaugural Staffordshire University Business Awards at the University’s Catalyst building last night.
Staffordshire Chambers were one of the sponsors and it was so nice to spend a relaxing evening amongst so many friends and Chamber Members. It was especially pleasant to be a guest so the worry about the running order was someone else’s!
The shortlisted entrants and winners were the real stars of the show and well done to the 30 nominees and congratulations to the 10 winners for their outstanding achievements.
A special thank you and congratulations to the staff at Staffordshire University for organising the night. And thank you to Vice Chancellor, Professor Martin Jones and the Director of Communities and Commercial Engagement, Martin Tideswell for your hospitality last night.
I know from personal experience that it takes a real collaborative effort to make a successful awards competition with a huge input of time, effort and money from sponsors, judges, the organising team and of course the entrants.
And finally, we have two very special events next week when we present our first Manufacturers’ Dinner at Uttoxeter Racecourse and a visit to The Hex Group, to celebrate National Manufacturing Day on Thursday 28th September.
It is right that we celebrate our manufacturing firms which makes up a significant proportion of our economy with diverse products from ceramics to automotive and food and beverages to precision engineering.
The dinner, taking place in the 1907 Suite, will give local manufacturers the opportunity to network, discuss sector issues and celebrate their achievements while hearing from two esteemed speakers, Michelin Tyre MD John Howe, and Vickie Milligan, MD of Cottage Delight.
You can book places here: Manufacturers’ Dinner – Staffordshire Chambers
Earlier in the day there is also the opportunity to join a free tour of precision sheet metal specialist engineers the The Hex Group at their Hixon factory. Places are limited so be sure to book as soon as possible.
Tour of The HEX Group – celebrating National Manufacturing Day – Staffordshire Chambers
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
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Staffordshire Chambers announces new tender opportunity for training providers
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is excited to announce a new tendering opportunity for local trading providers.
We are seeking proposals from experienced and qualified providers to deliver high-quality training courses aimed at businesses of all sizes. The objective is to enhance the skills, knowledge and competitiveness of local businesses and foster economic growth in the Staffordshire region.
The selected training provider(s) will be responsible for designing and delivering training courses that address a wide range of business topics and skills. Courses should be suitable for participants from various industries and skill levels. The duration of the courses will vary depending on the subject from half-day to a maximum of 3 days.
The training courses should cover topics relevant to modern business practices and can be offered as stand-alone topics or incorporated into a full-day course programs.
Find out more about the tender opportunities, here. Please note – this opportunity is only available to Chamber members in the first instance.
Proposals must be submitted electronically to kelly.edwards@staffordshirechambers.co.uk no later than 13th October.
Late submissions will not be considered.
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Declan’s Blog: Election season and your chance to meet the MP
It’s election season at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, as we invite our members to apply for places on our local area advisory boards, in both Stafford and the Staffordshire Moorlands. Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is the voice of business in Staffordshire and joining a local area advisory board is a great way to represent your local business community and provide the local input to matters of importance within that community.
Our Stafford Chamber Local Area Advisory Board (LAAB) has members representing the business community across an area south of The Potteries, down the M6 and over to Uttoxeter. Meetings are typically held at our Stafford home, in Shire Hall Business Centre.
Staffordshire Moorlands is one of the most scenic parts of our county and is home to a diverse mix of businesses in both rural and urban locations. Our Staffordshire Moorlands Chamber LAAB has a representation of businesses from across the area, stretching from Biddulph to Cheadle. Meetings are typically held in Leek but will discuss and address key priorities across the Moorlands.
During this last year, representatives of both LAAB have joined us in meetings with local MPs, Karen Bradley, Sir Bill Cash and Theo Clarke. We’ve used these meetings to raise key priorities such as boosting footfall in our town centres and transport infrastructure.
Guest speakers are invited to attend LAAB meetings to provide timely updates on upcoming developments and the impact on the local economy, meaning that our LAAB members are well informed about what’s happening.
We’re looking for applications from forward-thinking and influential Chamber members, with a determination to make a difference in the local business community. We welcome applications from across a range of both business sector and size of business. Being a LAAB member is not a huge commitment, with just five LAAB meetings across the year. We’re mindful of your time and that’s why we aim to keep meetings to no more than two hours duration.
The applications process is quick and easy but the clock is ticking! You have until 5PM on Friday 29th September 2023 to submit your completed application, which can be obtained by contacting Jade Holloway: jade.holloway@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
On the theme of elections………
The major political parties will be holding their party conferences in the coming weeks. With the next General Election having to take place before January 2025, the parties will be keen to regroup and prepare for a critical year ahead.
In the coming weeks, Staffordshire Chambers’ members are invited to join us in meetings with all of the North Staffordshire MPs:
Friday 29th September – Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South.
Friday 13th October – Aaron Bell, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme.
Friday 20th October – Jonathan Gullis, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North.
Friday 10th November – Jo Gideon, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central.
Our ‘Meet the MP’ meetings are a great way of connecting the business community and the locally elected MP, discussing the key issues of the day, including regeneration, transport infrastructure, skills and a wide range of other issues. With a General Election around the corner, what are the key issues your business is facing?
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Applications for the 2023 East Staffordshire & South Derbyshire Business Awards close in two weeks!
Applications for the 2023 East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards close in just two weeks!
Submitting a fast and free application can help your business to attract new clients, unlock new PR & marketing opportunities and ultimately boost your bottom line.
There are a total of 10 award categories that businesses and organisations can enter. Find a full list of award categories and sponsors, here.
Entries into multiple categories is also encouraged.
It was also announced this week that the winners of the Most Promising Start Up category will receive 12 months free mentoring and a £3k matched-funded investment grant. Find out more, here.
Good luck with your application – and hopefully, we will see you at the Pirelli Stadium for the Gala Awards Evening on 9 November.
- Published in News
Sara’s Blog: Back to it after the summer, latest BCC economic forecast and joining our local area advisory boards
It’s not been particularly autumnal this week, but the start of a new term means back to school, back to work, back to the busy roads and typically, the summer weather has finally arrived.
I have already noticed the increase in use of our Members’ Lounge this week and it is a pleasure to see people working there as well as networking and meeting, often for the first time.
As business ramps up it is a time to fill the diary between now and the end of the year with events, important meetings and deadlines.
Staffordshire Chambers offers a whole range of events, courses and member forums to boost activity and strengthen networks. Let’s do Business is only a month away and we are already planning the 2023 Staffordshire Business Awards which will no doubt highlight many achievements that will occur in the coming months.
This comes against the backdrop of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) latest quarterly economic forecast which marginally upgrades its 2023 GDP forecast to 0.4%, whilst predicting that economic activity will remain very weak throughout 2024 and 2025.
Whilst the UK economy remains on course to avoid a technical recession, growth is likely to remain so feeble that it will be hard to spot the difference. A growth rate of 0.4% is expected for the whole of 2023, dropping to 0.3% in 2024, and nudging up only slightly to 0.7% in 2025.
Consistently low economic growth such as this is comparable to previous periods of economic shocks and recessions such as the oil crises of the 1970s and financial crash of 2008.
The research shows inflation is the top concern for UK firms, with fewer businesses now expecting their prices to rise over the coming months. The consumer price index is now forecast to take longer to return to the Bank of England’s 2% target – only reaching this goal in the last quarter of 2025.
Economist Vicky Pryce, Senior Member of the BCC Economic Advisory Council, and speaker at our Big Economic Conference on 22nd November, commented that the BCC forecast shows the UK economy is continuing to “teeter on the edge of a recession” and therefore it will feel like a recession to many people.
The impact this will have on consumer spending, coupled with a poor trade performance, will only generate more uncertainty for firms.
The Bank of England’s own forecasts take a similarly dour view, so firms will be watching closely to see how this feeds into decision-making around interest rates.
There is currently little on the table to provide companies with any crumbs of comfort. As we head towards an election next year, politicians will have to show how they will work with the business community to find solutions.
It sounds rather depressing on paper, but we should be used to it by now. After all over the past few years we have faced a global pandemic, war in Ukraine, a cost-of-living crisis and are dealing with the effects of climate change.
I go back to where I started in that we have built a positive business community in Staffordshire with the Chambers’ members at its heart. If we stay informed and continue to work together, we can get through a few more tough years capitalising on the opportunities from response to climate change, AI and new technology, improving transport infrastructure and reinvigorating our towns and cities.
Finally, a way in which you can get more involved and make business even better in your local area is by joining one of our local area advisory boards in either Stafford or the Staffordshire Moorlands
Nominations are currently open for dynamic, influential, and forward-thinking businesspeople to join the local area advisory boards where they represent their peers and are advocates for the Chambers and the private sector.
Board members are expected to attend up to five meetings per year. Meetings usually last for around two hours, discussion takes place on a range of business issues affecting the respective areas. The meetings also include a guest speaker.
Being a member of a local area advisory board provides a great opportunity to increase your local knowledge and to influence the local business landscape. Together with the Chambers, you will have the power to increase the prosperity of Staffordshire and the local community by forging outstanding connections and lobbying local authorities and the Government for a better business environment.
If you would like to get more involved in your local area, please email jade.holloway@staffordshirechambers.co.uk to receive your nomination form papers.
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in News
Expressions of interest now open for Chambers’ Council & Local Area Advisory Boards
Dynamic, influential and forward-thinking business leaders can now register their interest in joining the Chambers’ Council and/or Local Area Advisory Boards (LAAB) for Stafford and the Staffordshire Moorlands.
By becoming a Council or LAAB member, you’ll be part of a supportive network of leading local businesses that are all keen to address business challenges, share best practices and help the business community to thrive and prosper.
Council and LAAB Members are elected by the Chambers’ membership to represent their peers and work as advocates for the Chambers and the private sector.
Together with the Chambers, they have the power to increase the prosperity of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and the local community by forging outstanding connections and lobbying local authorities and the Government for a better business environment.
Don’t just take our word for it, though! Hear what some of our existing Council and Board members have to say below.
Council and Local Area Advisory Board members are expected to attend up to five meetings per year. Meetings typically last for around two hours and aim to discuss a range of business issues affecting Staffordshire. The meetings include a guest speaker on a topic relevant to the local area and provide a great opportunity to increase local knowledge and to influence the local business landscape.
To register an expression of interest, please email jade.holloway@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in News
Networking on wheels: a unique event for Staffordshire’s business community
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has joined forces with D2NA to launch an exciting new networking opportunity – on wheels!
This unique cycle networking group, open to cyclists of all abilities, combines the thrill of pedalling with the power of professional connections.
Join us on Friday, 29 September from 2:00pm for a picturesque ride where particpants can network on the move, forging valuable connections while enjoying the scenic beauty of the outdoors, all for free!
The group will depart from Pau Run and Ride, Trentham, and enjoy a ride before returning to cool down with coffee and cake, further enhancing the networking experience.
All participants are required to wear appropriate safety equipment, including helmets and any additional gear deemed necessary.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to network, ride, and connect with fellow cyclists.
Book your free space, here.
- Published in News
Axia Solutions launch new apprenticeship course to help businesses grow
Axia Solutions, a training provider based in Stoke-on-Trent, has launched a new apprenticeship programme designed to help businesses across the region unlock hidden company potential and maximise value.
The Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship is a blend of Lean and Six Sigma skills that will teach apprentices how to identify improvement opportunities, diagnose issues, develop solutions and implement change.
By the end of the course, apprentices will be highly-skilled problem solvers who can drive the business forward, improving employee and company performance by eliminating resource and process waste.
“We know the power that investing in your workforce has in attracting and retaining staff” said Victoria Harte, Director at Axia Solutions. “Our new Improvement Practitioner programme is a great chance for businesses to invest in their team and gain the skills and tools they need in-house to release potential improvements”
Improvement Practitioners can perform in a wide variety of sectors and functions, including manufacturing, engineering, public sector, IT and finance. By embracing or sustaining a culture of continuous improvement, businesses can increase innovation, improve quality, maximise efficiencies and reduce waste.
The apprenticeship training will be delivered in the workplace, through a blend of remote and face-to-face learning. Each week the learners will have time to develop and embed the knowledge and skills they are learning in training sessions.
In the year to date, 82% of Axia’s leadership and management apprentices have gained a distinction in their End Point Assessment. The Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship sits within the Leadership and Management department at Axia.
“By choosing the apprenticeship option to train their team, companies will benefit from highly skilled trainers supporting the development of business improvement processes,” said Harte. “We want to support employers and employees through the current challenging economic times. This new course is a testament to Axia’s 25-year commitment to investing in Stoke and Staffordshire to help businesses grow.”
To learn more about the Improvement Practitioner Apprenticeship Programme or to get in touch with Axia Solutions, click here.
- Published in News
Sara’s Blog: Join us at our Big Economic Conference and news of a national framework for business
I am delighted to announce that we will be holding our first Big Economic Conference on 22nd November.
I am hoping that you will join us will join us at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Festival Park to hear from a panel of guest speakers about the latest economic developments and a valuable forecast of what businesses can expect in 2024.
This is a unique event that will give your business the knowledge needed to thrive in today’s ever-changing economy, while forging new partnerships and collaborations that can open up new avenues for growth and expansion.
We have lined up two brilliant guest speakers will be joining us on the day:
Vicky Pryce is Chief Economic Adviser at CEBR and former Director General for Economics at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, bringing extensive experience from senior economic roles in various sectors including banking and oil. Vicky is an influential author with a diverse range of publications, including her latest co-authored book, “How to be a Successful Economist,” published by Oxford University Press.
Thomas Pugh is RSM’s UK economist analysing key economic events and assessing the effect that they have on middle-market businesses in an accessible way. Regularly quoted and interviewed by the UK’s financial media, Thomas presents his thoughts and insights on the UK economy to businesses and conferences around the country and internationally.
Gain fresh perspectives from renowned speakers and experts, offering you a broader outlook on economic opportunities and challenges.
Book your space here: Staffordshire Chambers launch Big Economic Conference 2023 with Vicky Pryce & Thomas Pugh – Staffordshire Chambers
A business framework for the future
The economy thrives when business and politicians work in partnership and this week the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have set out how to unlock the power of British business and get the economic growth which benefits everyone.
The BCC is calling for urgent action from politicians to stimulate economic growth across the UK.
Among the key asks are:
- Better planning for business so that firms are not squeezed out of towns and cities.
- Introduction of flexibility in the apprenticeship levy to support everyone in the workplace.
- Strengthened UK-EU co-operation to increase bi-lateral investment levels.
- Dramatic energy grid upgrades to ensure there is sufficient network capacity to meet modern needs.
The action plan is published in a new report to MPs of all parties ‘The Power Of British Business: A Framework For The Future’. It outlines 16 of the BCC’s key policy asks on economic growth, skills and employment, trade and net-zero.
Following three years of economic shocks, latest BCC research shows that more than three quarters of businesses are not increasing investment. Fact that has been borne out in our own quarterly economic survey. Companies are also telling the BCC that inflation and interest rates continue to exert pressure.
The plan outlines a framework for collaborative working between business and politicians. It stresses that public sector projects must not crowd out private investment. Instead, the BCC is calling for pragmatism from politicians so that business can grow.
A better planning system, a flexible apprenticeship levy, strengthened UK-EU co-operation and a dramatic grid upgrade – are all needed urgently.
All too often businesses are squeezed out of towns and cities, as good land is given over to housing. Local communities thrive when businesses are at their heart. Those businesses need skilled workers, and a flexible apprenticeship levy will make sure employers can give staff the training they need.
The European Union remains our closest trading partner. We need to see UK-EU relations strengthened to benefit the tens of thousands of exporters here.
The transition to net-zero presents businesses with opportunities to grow. But access to the national grid is a huge headache for trailblazing companies. We need to make sure there is sufficient network capacity and flexibility for modern energy needs.
Action on these key issues will make a dramatic difference for the tens of thousands of businesses we represent. Businesses need action, certainty and clarity from politicians – now more than ever.
Read the full report ‘The Power of British Business’ The Power of British Business (britishchambers.org.uk)
There is also an opportunity to meet three of our local MPs and raise issues in the coming weeks as our Meet the MP events feature Jonathan Gullis, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central on 15th September, Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South on 29th September and Jo Gideon, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North on 10th November. Details on our events page: Events from Tue 21st November – Wed 17th April, 2024 – Staffordshire Chambers
And if you have any issues relating from any of the above, please let us know by emailing our policy advisor, Declan Riddell declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk .
Or why not join in the debate by attending our forums which cover every aspect of business including finance, planning and infrastructure, transport, digital and energy, environment and sustainability.
For a full list of forums visit: Chambers Forums – Staffordshire Chambers
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
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Sara’s Blog: Maximise your membership with Quest and last call for Let’s do Business stands
For many of our members the biggest advantage of membership is access to the four services offered by our partner, Quest, namely HR, health & safety, tax and legal.
Quest is a national provider of HR and health & safety services, training solutions, and consultancy with over 30 years of expertise, supporting over 80,000 member companies through the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
If you are a member and not accessing these free services, then the quieter time of the last week of the summer holidays might be a good time to check out what you are missing out on. You may even be paying for similar services and could make huge cost savings for your business by switching to Quest.
And even if you have an in-house resource Quest can be used to support this function and you are guaranteed that all your documentation and legal requirements are right up to date.
Here is a quick reminder of what you get free with your membership.
Quest HR
From hiring to onboarding, the Quest Document Library can support you from start to finish with contracts of employment, induction documents, employee manuals and more to download, edit and use right away.
Your membership gives you free access to support from Quest to help with all aspects of managing your duties to your employees through the Quest Document Library, 24-hour HR helpline and a free HR health check. Quest is an industry leader in human resource and health and safety solutions, with their experience, advice and support available to you.
Quest Health and Safety
Keeping your employees safe at work is one of the most important aspects of running a business; the cost of getting health and safety wrong can be life-altering. You can access over 100 free health and safety documents, covering safe working practices, risk assessments, fire safety, insurance and more through the Quest Document Library.
Quest Documentation
Keeping your paperwork correct is key to protecting your business and complying with employment law. Whether its contracts for new starters, policies and procedures for the employee handbook, grievance and redundancy procedures and more, you have access to free documents to download, edit and use now through the Quest Document Library.
Mediation Services
Disputes can be incredibly stressful, time-consuming, and costly if taken to court. Mediation involves an independent third party, called a mediator, who helps both sides to reach an agreement meaning that you won’t need to go to court. Because of this mediation is considerably cheaper and faster.
Mediation helps businesses resolve their commercial disputes quickly and cheaply. The cost of the mediation will be about the same as filing a claim and when successful, saves the businesses the cost of instructing a solicitor. Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce is partnering with law firms across the region to deliver this scheme.
You can book a one-to-one meeting with a Quest advisor to go through all the benefits of all aspects of their services or call our membership team who will be happy to meet you to outline the package.
If you have an urgent or specific recruitment query, call the 24-Hour HR Hotline now on 01455 852037 or www.chamberhr.co.uk or contact membership@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
Last few remaining stands at Let’s do Business
Its not long until Let’s do Business, Staffordshire’s biggest Business Expo at Uttoxeter Racecourse. And there is still time to reserve one of the last few exhibition spaces.
With over 1000 visitors an exciting speaker programme about AI and the data revolution and unrivalled networking opportunities, there is only one place to be on 12th October.
Everything you need to know including stand reservations, speakers and free delegate registration can be found here: Let’s Do Business – Staffordshire Chambers
And finally, I hope you have a great Bank Holiday weekend and take time to recharge.
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in News