Celebrating apprentices: Charity business football tournament launched by Staffordshire Chambers & Leek Town FC
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Leek Town FC have joined forces to launch a charity football tournament for businesses, aimed at showcasing and celebrating the diverse range of apprenticeships in our county.
This event marks the first-ever apprentice football tournament in Staffordshire, a showcase of the incredible apprentices that have shaped, and continue to shape, the business landscape in the local business community.
Join us at the F. Ball Community Stadium on Friday, 22 March 2024 for a seven-aside football tournament as we raise money for the Chambers’ charities while promoting the fantastic apprenticeships in our region. Teams must have a minimum of three players who are either current or former apprentices.
All profits from the event will be donated to Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s charity members.
This is a unique opportunity to connect with local businesses and like-minded individuals passionate about supporting apprenticeships.
To register your team (maximum of 10 players), please contact kirsty.edwards@staffordshirechambers.co.uk. Teams are secured on a first come, first served basis.
Team entry fees are £120 + VAT per team which includes light refreshments and a buffet.
Register your team before the deadline of 29 February 2024 as we kickoff to a tradition that celebrates the bright future of apprenticeships in Staffordshire.
- Published in News
Declan’s Blog: Connecting members with MPs and Ministers in the heart of Parliament
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is the voice of business and we connect our members with key decision-makers. It’s why we took a group of our patrons and members to the Houses of Parliament last week, hosted by Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke South and one of seven Staffordshire MP we met during our visit.
We also met with Lee Rowley MP, Minister of State for Housing, and James Sunderland MP – Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Home Secretary.
During the course of the day, our members opened up on the key issues affecting their businesses. This included a call for more Government investment in areas such as manufacturing and energy. On the topic of energy, one of our members spoke of how his business is generating energy from solar panels on the premises but is unable to offload surplus energy back into the grid, due to infrastructure limitations of the grid.
On the topic of education, there was a lengthy discussion on the operational aspects of delivering T-Level qualifications and a call for a more simplied system of operation. There was also a request for a much simpler means of regulating the delivery of apprenticeships.
During our meeting with Mr Rowley MP, (Minister of State for Housing), we raised our concerns about delays in getting planning applications turned around, with some local authority planning teams struggling with staff recruitment and retention. Mr Rowley acknowledged our concerns and agreed that there is a need to do more to ensure that delays become a thing of the past.
Meeting with Government ministers gave us the opportunity to discuss some of the many ways in which we have supported the Staffordshire business community. Our Positive Pathways programme has encouraged and inspired a number of budding entrepeneurs from the refugee community to start up their own enterprises and make a valued contribution to the economy.
During the day, we met with a number of our Staffordshire Members of Parliament, including:
- Aaron Bell (MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme)
- Karen Bradley (MP for Staffordshire Moorlands)
- Jack Brereton (MP for Stoke-on-Trent South)
- Theo Clarke (MP for Stafford)
- Michael Fabricant (MP for Lichfield)
- Jo Gideon (MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central)
- Gavin Williamson (MP for South Staffordshire)
We rounded off our day with a guided tour of Westminster Hall, the oldest building on the Parliamentary estate and one which has played a central role in 900 years of British history. Some of our members took up the option of a visit to the Public Gallery and a chance to observe a debate taking place in the House of Commons.
We know that a General Election will have to take place by the end of January 2025, which makes 2024 to be an interesting year in politics, as all political parties make preparations for when the starting gun is fired on campaign work. We will be developing our Manifesto to outline our key business ‘asks’ on behalf of the business community and our policy forums will be helping us to develop this work. If you would like to get involved with any of our 11 policy forums, please contact:
- Published in Influence & Network
Staffordshire businesses welcomed to Parliament to discuss key issues with decision makers
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Jack Brereton MP welcomed local businesses into the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday to facilitate direct conversations with decision-makers about the issues currently impacting businesses in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Representatives from the British Chambers of Commerce hosted a roundtable with businesses in the morning, helping to facilitate discussions around trending business issues that will inform the Chambers’ wider lobbying work.
The roundtable was followed by meetings with Lee Rowley MP, Minister for Housing, and James Sunderland, PSS to the Home Secretary. The group then observed discussions in the public gallery, followed by a tour of Westminster.
Stoke-on-Trent South MP, Jack Brereton, was pleased to sponsor the Chamber’s event in the Houses of Parliament.
Declan Riddell, Policy Adviser for Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “As advocates for local businesses, our policy team is dedicated to actively advocating for the best interests of businesses in Staffordshire.
“These events help to facilitate conversations with decision-makers, allowing members to put forward their concerns to help drive change.
“We would like to thank Jack Brereton, MP for hosting this event, providing our members with the platform to articulate their need for ongoing government support.”
Jack Brereton MP said: “It was such an honour to be able to welcome the Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce, local businesses, and organisations into Parliament.
“Stoke-on-Trent is a city on the up and I am keen to see levelling up not just in Stoke-on-Trent but across Staffordshire. I have been pushing for support for new and existing businesses to attract further investment into our area. Stoke-on-Trent serves as an example of the vast talent Staffordshire as a county has to offer and we must support both businesses and their workers.”
“It was a pleasure to welcome the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, business leaders and members of local organisations into parliament on what is a rather special day. Today, I have put forward a Bill to Parliament, the ‘High Streets (Designation, Review and Improvement Plan) Bill’, in my efforts to support our high streets and local businesses. To have this coincide with visit from the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, business leaders, and local organisation representatives was fantastic.”
- Published in News
Sara’s Blog: British Chambers’ economic forecast, House of Commons visit and members’ Potters Club deal
I know its advent and Christmas is close so I will get the serious stuff out of the way first and then give you something to look forward to in the New Year.
The latest British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) quarterly economic forecast, which is ranked joint second most accurate by the Sunday Times, predicts the UK will remain in the doldrums for some time.
The BCC has marginally upgraded its 2023 and 2024 GDP forecast but lowered the outlook for 2025, as economic growth for all three years flatlines.
Key points in the forecast are:
- 2023 GDP forecast upgraded to 0.6% from 0.4% in previous forecast.
- GDP growth in 2024 upgraded and 2025 downgraded from 0.3% and 0.7% to 0.4% and 0.6% respectively.
- Interest rates have now peaked at 5.25% but will ease only slightly in 2024 to 5%, before dropping to 4.25% by the end of 2025 – still well above the average for the past 10 years.
- The inflation rate has slowed to 4.6% in Q4 2023, but will remain above the 2% target in 2024, at 3.1%, before dropping to 1.9% in Q4 2025.
- Imports, exports, and general government spending all declined in 2023. In real terms Government spending and business investment will contract in 2024, both by -0.8%.
- Imports and exports are both expected to grow slowly in 2024 (0.3% and 0.5% respectively) and 2025 (1.1% and 1.2% respectively). This is weak by historical standards and less than the global average.
With interest rates now predicted to fall only slightly in 2024 and business confidence failing to take off, the BCC expects the economy to grow by just 0.4% in 2024 and 0.6% in 2025.
Weak levels of growth in household consumption and a forecast of a reduction in overall real terms Government spending in 2023 and 2024, are also factors in this shaky performance.
Although disposable incomes are now above pre-pandemic levels, households are spending less than they did then, suggesting high interest rates, inflation and global headwinds are weighing on consumer confidence.
The UK economy has yet to find a way to break out of its current rut and while it’s welcome that GDP should continue to expand there is an underlying fragility that is eroding confidence.
The Government set out several pro-growth measures in the Autumn Statement, but businesses and consumers have had their fingers badly burned by the pandemic and ensuing economic shocks.
It will take a huge effort to encourage investment and consumer spending, against that background, and inject some much-needed vitality.
The minimum wage increase early next year will further impact investment concerns among businesses, as cost pressures rise.
As we head towards an election next year, politicians will have to show how they will work with the business community to build on the Autumn Statement commitments and develop a much-needed long term economic plan to give companies confidence to invest in people, trade and grow.
House of Commons visit
Ok enough of the depressing stuff! This week we took a group of our patrons and members to the Houses of Parliament. The visit was hosted by Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke South who was one of seven Staffordshire MPs we met during our visit. We also met with Lee Rowley, Minister of State for Housing and James Sunderland MP.
We had the opportunity to discuss a range of topics including the economy, infrastructure, transport, skills, energy and net zero.
Connecting members to key decision makers is a crucial to our role as the voice of business and I am proud of the fact that that our members have regular access to all our MPs through visits like this and our regular ‘Meet the MP’ events. Keep an eye on our events page for these events in the new year.
Members’ Potters Club corporate membership
And finally let me tell you about a great exclusive corporate membership deal at the Potters Club for Chamber members.
The Potters’ Club is a local treasure. With sumptuous surroundings and the unique ambiance of the restaurant and Members’ Lounge you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a member’s club in the West End of London.
The British Pottery Manufacturers Federation Club, or Potters’ Club as it is more fondly known is situated on the third floor of the imposing Federation House on Station Road in Stoke. It was founded in 1951 to provide facilities for directors of the thriving local pottery companies to entertain overseas visitors. Over time the Club has extended its membership to professional people from all walks of business.
The new deal we have put together with the Club affords access to all its facilities including dining, use of the Members’ Lounge and of the facilities to host events, conferences, family occasions or just a space to take time out to relax.
With this exciting alliance, Chambers’ members will receive a complimentary Potters’ Club membership. Up to 10 employees of participating company will have access to the club’s facilities and exceptional dining experiences.
To find out the full details of the Potters Club deal contact our membership team membership@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or call 01782 202222.
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 Uncategorized
Dains Accountants win 2023 Chamber Charity Quiz – with over £1,500 raised for local causes
Local businesses helped Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to raise over £1,500 for Chamber charities at the annual Christmas quiz at Vale Park on Tuesday 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 Dains Accountants taking home the top prize.
Teams put their general knowledge to the test with a range of rounds including ‘guess the voice’ and ‘who is behind the headline’, while enjoying a festive buffet and open networking.
The Chambers’ hugely-popular charity raffle returned, with prizes including England football tickets, a luxury gin hamper and Premier tickets to the Midlands Grand National – all kindly donated by the local business community.
The money raised will be added to the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce fundraising pot and will be split across our charity members at the end of the year.
- Published in News
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce welcomes new presidents at 2023 AGM
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce held its 2023 AGM at the Doubletree by Hilton, Festival Park on Wednesday, welcoming new Chamber and LAAB presidents.
The event marked the end of an era as the Chambers’ CEO Sara Willaims OBE oversaw her last AGM in charge following her announcement to retire back in September.
Kate Beardmore handed over the presidency of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to incoming president Steve Timmis, director of Stoke based accountancy firm, Sempar. The new local area Chamber presidents for Stafford and Staffordshire Moorlands are Geoff Barton from Canalside Farm Shop & Café, Great Haywood and Tom Wilkinson, director of Alton based Beta Commercial Finance.
The meeting started with a presentation from guest speaker, Graeme Chaplin, Agent for the Bank of England West Midlands Agency and a member of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee.
His presentation covered inflation, interest rates, labour market and wages and business investment and spending.
Graeme Chaplin, Agent for the Bank of England West Midlands Agency and a member of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee
Outgoing Chambers president Kate Beardmore then reported on the year to April 5th, 2023, and significant events since then, referring to the Chambers continuing engagement and representation on behalf of businesses and the wider community.
Kate Beardmore said: “It is testament to the Chambers’ amazing team and the range of relevant benefits and services, that despite worsening economic conditions membership is roughly where it was this time last year at around 1000 firms including 28 patrons.
“More people are using the members lounge at the Chambers’ headquarters, Commerce House and there has been a marked uptick in firms using our four protection and peace of mind benefits, Chamber HR, health & safety, legal and tax services.
“We continue to facilitate a busy and varied programme of events from networking events, meetings with our MPs and member forums right up to our big headliner events, Confidence Live, Let’s do Business and the Chamber Business Awards and last year we facilitated 239 events attended by over 3000 people.
“For me personally, the proudest moment of 2023 was gaining The King’s Award for Promoting Opportunity which recognised our social mobility programmes that help people from disadvantaged backgrounds into successful working lives. This includes Positive Pathways which supports local refugees into employment, and our Boosting Women in Business programme.”
Other highlights included the launch of the Daily Focus website and newsletter in association with Stoke based creative agency, i-creation, which now has over 11,000 individual subscribers and the Chambers’ appointment as the designated employer representative body for the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).
Paying tribute to Sara Wiliams, Kate Beardmore said: “There is so much that Sara has achieved in her time at the Chambers, all of which has centred around her deep-rooted belief in enabling and building confidence, particularly in the Chambers’ work to empower women, drive sustainability and encourage diversity.
“Sara leaves the Chamber in a really good place in terms of people, finances and governance and whoever the board choose as her successor has a firm foundation to support and nurture talent and truly represent the business community in Stoke and Staffordshire.”
As part of the formal proceedings of the AGM, Kate Beardmore handed over the presidency of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to incoming president Steve Timmis.
Steve said: “I am really excited to be taking on the presidency at such a pivotal moment and I am looking forward to working with fellow board directors to build on Sara’s incredible legacy.
“Like any business we will be looking at what the Chamber needs to do to thrive. Luckily, due to the Chambers’ sound financial and reputational footing we will be able to be act strategically rather than just reacting to external conditions. I will also be looking at what we can do to create new income streams.
“Sara has made the Chamber a force for inclusion and diversity and has taken the lead in sustainability and environmental issues. It is crucial that the Chamber continues to lead the way in these matters.”
- Published in News
Sara Williams OBE welcomed as first guest on new “Why Women Don’t Play Golf” podcast
Staffordshire Chambers CEO, Sara Williams OBE, has appeared on the first episode of the recently-launched “Why Women Don’t Play Golf” podcast.
The monthly podcast, hosted by Strategi Solutions CEO Wendy Dean, strives to challenge stereotypes and amplify women’s voices in business and beyond.
Wendy said: “I would like to thank Sara for joining us on the first podcast. I look up to Sara as a leading light in Staffordshire (and beyond), as a woman who gets stuff done.
“She has been a great mentor to me over the last few years and I was very flattered when she agreed to partake in the first episode, especially as she has such a busy calendar at the moment. What a joy it was to discuss her career to date as a woman who has always pushed boundaries.”
“My first experience of this kind of media is that it gives an opportunity to share pearls of wisdom and thoughts of a world that might not normally be open to everyone.
“I really hope you enjoy it and look forward to sharing others each month.”
Listen to the episode in full on Spotify, here spoti.fi/3SVtdhQ
- Published in News
Last call for applications: Boosting Women in Business cohort launches this Thursday
Aspiring entrepreneurs are being urged to join our next Boosting Women in Business cohort that launches on Thursday, 30 November.
Through a series of events, workshops and one-to-one support, we offer a safe and supportive environment where you can learn to understand the value of your skill set and how these skills can translate into running your own business.
The first session takes place at Commerce House this Thursday, 30 November from 10 am-2 pm.
Our programme will give you the fundamental knowledge you need to transition into the world of self-employment.
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects at Staffordshire Chambers, said: “As an organisation, we believe that enterprise, self-employment and growing businesses are a great way to help people change their lives.
“This is a unique opportunity to join a programme that offers tangible support to local entrepreneurs, many of whom have gone on to launch their own successful business in Staffordshire.”
If you’re interested in launching your own business, please email kirsty.edwards@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in News
Freeths named Best Technology Team of the Year 2023
National law firm Freeths has been crowned Best Technology Team of the Year at the prestigious British Legal Technology Awards 2023.
Hosted by Netlaw Media, the annual awards acknowledge and reward excellence in Legal Technology and IT Security across the UK and International Legal Sectors.
With over 300 people in attendance, Freeths were crowned winners amongst stiff competition, all displaying strong leadership, innovation and technology in the field.
With 10 categories overall, Judges recognised the firm for its incredible growth and transformation over the last five years.
Freeths CTO Richard Hodkinson, said: “The result represents a milestone in market recognition of our efforts which has been very much a collective effort. The win was based on not just the activity over the last year but reflected on the totality of work that’s gone in by the Freeths team over the last few years in what has been transformational – Freeths IT department by any measure does not resemble that of five years ago.
“The team’s continued focus and dedication in supporting the endeavours of the firm’s partners has been incredible. A well-deserved win.”
- Published in News
Declan’s Blog: Dear Chancellor of the Exchequer, this is our business ‘wish list’ for the Autumn Statement’…
In last month’s Money Matters Forum meeting, we discussed the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement which will be delivered on Wednesday 22nd November 2023. We’ve developed a number of key business ‘asks’.
Infrastructure investment – We ask for more investment in our energy grid network. Such investment could generate a multiplier effect to boost the economy. Private business investment is being stymied by an overloaded grid. We know of Staffordshire businesses who are unable to offload surplus energy into the grid, due to a lack of suitable infrastructure.
Business rates – A fundamental review of the business rates system, with an extension of business rates relief for our hard-pressed retail and hospitality businesses. We would like to see a business rates system which better reflects firms’ ability to pay. In its current form, the business rates system is a burden on businesses regardless of ability to pay and it does not make allowances for the major changes that have taken place in the UK economy over the last decade. Many commercial premises in towns and cities lie empty and serve as a reminder of a struggle to compete with online shopping. Indeed, all of our local centres bear witness to this, with some faring particularly badly, deterring not only visitors, but also potential investors.
Planning – Local authority planning teams are struggling under the strain of a heavy caseload and challenges with recruitment and retention of planners. This is causing lengthy delays in getting planning application decisions turned around. Faced with continued delays, businesses may choose to pause their growth and expansion plans, keeping the brakes on local economic development. Reform of a creaking planning system is long overdue and this would help to speed up major infrastructure projects and develop the potential for businesses to grow.
Training – Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce has been appointed as the designated employer representative body for the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). Since the launch in October 2022, a high volume of activities and data gathering have taken place. Through our work in developing the LSIP for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, we are very much aware that more needs to be done in developing a skilled workforce and tackling skills shortages. We would like to see an introduction of tax breaks in the Autumn Statement, which will encourage firms to invest more in training.
Occupational health – The launch of tax breaks could serve as an encouragement for firms to offer Occupational Health benefits, which will help to keep people in work and avoid the disruptive and damaging impact of long-term sickness.
We hope that your Autumn Statement will outline a clear path for growth from Government, with a strategic vision and a framework which will serve as a shot in the arm for investment.
- Published in Influence & Network
