Business owners and leaders are being urged to complete the new Quarterly Economic Survey for Q1 2024 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 as firms continue to battle headwinds of skills shortages, inflated costs and supply chain disruption.

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.

Full-service law firm, Freeths, has announced that it is now a certified B Corporation (B Corp) as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and its wider ESG strategy.

B Corp certification is awarded to businesses that demonstrate they meet B Corp’s high standards of environmental and social impact and good governance. This is measured through performance, accountability, and transparency across all areas including employee benefits, charitable work, and supply chain practices.

Freeths will now be working with the environmental company Planet Mark to help the firm to create a net-zero plan, and to establish interim and long term Science Based (SBTi) net-zero targets.

Chris Freeston, Head of the firm’s Banking & Finance Practice, who led the B Corp application for the firm, said: “I’m excited and hugely proud that Freeths has achieved B Corp certification.

“As a responsible business, it is testament to the hard work of our people and it highlights these important issues and embraces the values that are integral to our firm, our people, clients, and our communities.

“At Freeths, we take our commitments to people and the planet very seriously and this status demonstrates our ongoing performance in the field.”

The secret is out! We’re bringing Timpson Group’s pioneering CEO, James Timpson OBE to Staffordshire to deliver a masterclass on all things skills, recruitment and retention.

This groundbreaking event will shake up the way that Staffordshire businesses approach talent acquisition and employee retention, as James shares the strategies that he uses to foster a top-tier workforce.

James will be joining us hot off the release of his new book – The Happy Index: Management tools & leadership advice for creating a happier and healthier workforce – to share the specific qualities and characteristics he values most in potential hires.

With a staggering 5,600 colleagues across 2,000 stores, Timpson Group stands as an example of excellence in creating an outstanding company culture.

James will join businesses at the bet365 Stadium on the morning of March 20, when he will help Staffordshire businesses to understand how they can approach recruitment and retention in the face of a national skills shortage – and share the secret tactics he uses to retain talent.

The room will full of other leading local businesses so it is also a brilliant networking opportunity!

Attendees will also gain a unique insight into the projects and initiatives undertaken by the Timpson Foundation to support education and employment. The positive impact the foundation has had on lives through skills development and employment opportunities is nothing short of inspiring.

This masterclass forms part of the Chambers’ Big Business Breakfast series, aimed at empowering Staffordshire businesses to overcome challenges and celebrate local success stories.

Staffordshire Chambers is continuing to drive collaboration between businesses and education providers to help tackle skill gaps, aligning seamlessly with our local skills improvement plan.

James book is release next Thursday so we will be keeping an eye out for that, too!

Mark your calendars for March 20, and we will hopefully see you at the bet365 Stadium!

Book your tickets, here.

A pioneering CEO is set to visit Staffordshire to deliver a ‘skills solutions’ masterclass that will help local businesses and training providers to attract exceptional employees.

James Timpson, the visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist behind Timpson Group, will share his unique strategies that he uses to help ‘attract exceptional employees’ to the UK’s leading retail service provider, currently employing over 5,600 colleagues across 2,000 stores.

Organisers hope that the event, taking place at the bet365 Stadium on the morning of 20 March, will help to tackle skill shortages that continue to impact businesses across the county.

Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “One thing that tops the agenda in our regular dialogue with businesses of all sizes is a real struggle to recruit and retain the right calibre of candidates.

“Timpson Group are renowned for their brilliant work culture and are the perfect case studies for businesses looking to transform their approach to recruitment and staff retention.

“It’s a great opportunity for businesses to discover the specific qualities and characteristics James values most in potential hires and the tactics he uses to retain talent, while networking with other leading local employers.

“This event continues our fantastic work around the Local Skills Improvement Plan, which brings together local skills providers with businesses to better align learning opportunities for young people.”

Businesses will also gain an insight into the projects and initiatives undertaken by the Timpson Foundation to support education and employment, and discover the positive impact the Timpson Foundation has had on lives through skills development and employment opportunities.

The event forms part of the Chambers’ wider Big Business Breakfast series, designed to empower Staffordshire businesses to tackle the most pressing challenges and champion our business success stories.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has launched a brand-new suite of industry-leading training courses aimed at unlocking the full potential of businesses across the county.

Recognising that a skilled and motivated workforce is paramount for business success, the Chambers has gathered the region’s top trainers to create a comprehensive and convenient one-stop-shop for all training needs.

Leveraging over 200 years of collective experience within the business community, Staffordshire Chambers has meticulously designed new training programmes to address specific skill gaps, allowing businesses to align their employees’ capabilities with organisational needs and goals.

All training courses will be hosted at the centrally-located Commerce House in Festival Park, providing participants with access to complimentary refreshments, free parking, and ultra-fast WiFi. Chamber members will also be entitled to exclusive discounts when booking courses.

Chris Plant, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Deputy CEO, said: “We wanted to collaborate with Staffordshire’s best trainers to create a range of training courses that provide unrivalled value for the local business community.

“Staffordshire Chambers will now offer training programmes that elevate competency and expertise in crucial business disciplines, including core business skills, leadership, finance, HR, and health & safety. The comprehensive approach is designed to empower businesses across various sectors and sizes.

“The advantages of investing in workforce training are underscored by the Chambers, emphasizing its ability to address skill and recruitment challenges, engage employees, increase productivity, unlock new skillsets, improve employee retention, and foster innovation within organisations.

“Our lineup of award-winning trainers bring a wealth of practical knowledge to cater to companies of all sizes – from micro-businesses and SMEs to large international corporations.”

As a not-for-profit organisation, every penny earned by the Chambers will be reinvested to support and nurture the growth of Staffordshire’s economy.

The first five courses taking place at Commerce House are:

Microsoft Excel Beginner – Wed 6 March
Emergency First Aid at Work – Tue 26 March
Microsoft Excel Intermediate – Thu 11 April
Essential Supervisory Skills – Tue 16 April
Introduction to HR for Non-HR Managers – Thu 18 April

Chris added: “Opting for training with the Chambers is not just an investment in workforce development but also a contribution to the organisation’s advocacy and lobbying efforts, which aim to create the most favourable trading conditions for companies in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.”

The Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s dynamic training courses promise to be a catalyst for business growth and success in the evolving business landscape.

To view the new training brochure, please click here, or to book specific courses, please click here.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has launched an innovative new platform, ‘Look At Me Now,’ dedicated to showcasing and celebrating apprenticeship success stories across the county.

In collaboration with the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Careers Hub and the Local Skills Improvement Plan, this initiative aims to inspire young people, parents, and teachers by highlighting the tangible benefits and opportunities offered by apprenticeships.

Launched during National Apprenticeship Week, the platform provides a unique insight into a range of apprenticeship success stories, offering inspiration and real outcomes of the apprenticeship journey. The platform targets learners, learner peer groups, employers, training providers and those in educational settings.

Tom Nadin, Head of Projects and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Apprenticeships have always proven to be an effective pathway to rewarding careers, and ‘Look At Me Now’ will serve as a valuable resource for individuals and organisations alike.

“The platform spotlights the diverse sectors benefiting from apprenticeships and underscores their positive impact on individuals’ lives. There are some brilliant case studies already live on the website which we are looking forward to evolving during the next 12 months and beyond.

“This is one of the ways that we are looking to address skills shortages in Staffordshire. There are so many current and former apprentices who are contributing incredible things to their employers, and it is imperative that they have a voice to help inspire the next generation of apprentices.”

Apprenticeships have evolved to encompass a wide range of sectors, with opportunities for Education Levels 2-7 exclusively through apprenticeship programs. ‘Look At Me Now’ aims to highlight the variety of sectors benefiting from apprenticeships, addressing skills gaps in the labour market, and showcasing the positive impact on the lives of individuals who have embraced apprenticeships.

Are you an apprentice with a success story, or an employer who has benefited from employing an apprentice in your workplace?

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce invites individuals and employers to get in touch by emailing tom.nadin@staffordshirechambers.co.uk. If you have a story to tell or know someone who does, this is an excellent opportunity to inspire others and contribute to the promotion of apprenticeships in Staffordshire.

One of the hundreds of benefits included with a Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce membership, Chamber members can access discounted parking and hotels from ‘Best Airport Parking Provider’, APH.

APH is an airport parking company established in 1980, with top customer rated feedback and a promise to provide great service all the time.

Book with APH and you can save:

• Up to 15% off participating car parks at airports throughout the UK.
• Up to 10% off airport hotel & parking packages – great for early morning flights.
• Up to 10% off lounges at selected airports.

Why book with APH?

• No booking charges here – forget hidden charges when reserving parking or hotels with APH.
• Flexible booking to suit you – from a year ahead to just a few hours – APH can take your bookings.
• Changing your booking is easy – plans change, amending is simple and free for most bookings.
• Instant confirmation e-mail – APH will send your details straight over.
• Environmentally aware – APH are proud to support the World Land Trust’s conservation work.

To make your booking please visit www.aph.com/scc or call APH on 01342 859536 and quote ‘SCC’.

*Prices displayed/quoted are valid at time of search and will already have the relevant discount applied.

Discounts are off standard prices found on APH.com. For terms and conditions see the link on www.aph.com/scc

National law firm Freeths has strengthened its tax offering with the appointment of Partner Stephen Jones in Birmingham.

Having almost 30 years’ experience, Stephen, who joins from DLA Piper, advises on all tax aspects of property and corporate acquisitions and disposals, including development, investment, joint ventures, corporate mergers, demergers, group reorganisations and reconstructions, private equity transactions and international deals, both in the UK and internationally.

Stephen acts for high-profile clients including public sector bodies, educational institutions, charities, developers and property investors as well as listed and private companies and owner-managed businesses.

At Freeths, Stephen will support the national corporate and real estate teams and continue to grow the practice across the West Midlands.

Commenting on Stephen’s appointment, Richard Beverley, Managing Partner of Freeths Birmingham, said: “Having been in the city for over 10 years, we continue to look for and attract the best regional talent at Freeths Birmingham.

“Stephen’s appointment is consistent with our approach to all our specialist areas enabling us to offer high-quality advice at a sensible price. We look forward to welcoming him to the team.”

Bob Neal, Partner and Head of Taxation at Freeths, added: “Stephen brings with him a wealth of experience to our highly reputable practice. With his valuable sector and international capabilities alongside his stellar technical tax skills, we’re confident the Freeths team will further bolster both its regional and national offering throughout 2024 as we continue our strategic growth.”

On his appointment, Stephen Jones said: “Freeths is well known for its strong tax department across the UK and I’m looking forward to continuing the team’s dedication in expanding the practice across Birmingham and the wider midlands region.”

An opportunity has arisen for an onsite catering facility to support the West Midlands Interchange.

Winvic Construction has been appointed to design and construct the infrastructure works for the West Midlands Interchange development.

Works to include earthworks to 5,000 series plot, plot 3010 and plot 2010, formation of community parks (excluding soft landscaping) and associated site-wide surface water drainage and delivery of off-site highways works to the A449, A5 and Vicarage Road.

The West Midlands Interchange, situated at Vicarage Road, Four Ashes, Wolverhampton, is set to become a thriving hub – and Winvic Construction is keen to incorporate an onsite catering facility as part of the development.

A catering facility is required to:

• Provide breakfast and lunch options
• Serving from 6.30am until approx. 2/3 o’clock
• Potential for serving approx. 50 – 100 people on site
• Current programme for the offices is 12th November 2023 – 20th September 2024
  (however this will extend in line with the project programme)
• Provide catering for client / internal meetings

Successful applicants will be required to participate in a face-to-face meeting to discuss the scope and requirements in detail.

Winvic Construction, in line with its commitment to ISO 9001:2015 accreditation, emphasizes the importance of subcontractor assessments, requiring completion of the Q25 Supply Chain Pre-Qualification Questionnaire along with relevant supporting documentation.

The tender period for interested catering subcontractors is three weeks, with a return date no later than February 2, 2024. Find out more, here.