Sara’s blog: Latest interest rate hike and news about the Chambers’ latest patron.
As widely expected, the Bank of England has raised the interest rate by a quarter of a percent to 5.25%.
The rise in the interest rate comes as no shock, and we believe we are past the peak in inflation, but at 7.9% it is almost four times the Bank of England’s 2% target. However, the Government has pledged to reduce inflation to 5% by the end of 2023.
Data from the Office for National Statistics clearly shows that input cost pressures for firms are finally falling. And recent BCC research backs this up, with 45% of companies now expecting to increase prices, a 15-percentage point fall compared to six months ago. We are also likely to see a further substantial fall in inflation in July as last year’s energy price rises drop out of the data.
Vicky Pryce, of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Economic Advisory Council, said that “Businesses will be hoping that today’s rise in interest rates is the last they will see. While many firms will have already factored this increase into their plans, it is clear from the recent rise in insolvencies that the economic environment is becoming stacked against smaller firms. They are the ones with less cash reserves in the bank and greater exposure to finance”.
While inflation remains the top concern for businesses overall, interest rates have emerged as the second top concern, with 41% citing this as more of a worry than three months ago in the BCC’s latest survey.
And there are concerns now that the economy could be pushed into recession as it takes 18 months for changes in interest rate rises to filter through. With all the cumulative pressure of past rises yet to come, business will be watching closely for any further indications on the Bank’s plans.
At the same time, it is encouraging that the Government has recently expanded the list of shortage occupations to recruit more workers from abroad. Hopefully, it will now be considering what more can be done to ease staff pressures.
We are really pleased that Vicky Pryce will be the headline speaker at our forthcoming ‘Economic Conference’ on Wednesday 22nd November.
The conference will focus on what the business community may expect to see in 2024. In addition to Vicky there will be other speakers and a programme of panel discussions. We will confirm the venue and booking details in the next few weeks so save the date in your diaries.
If you have any questions or issues around the latest interest rate rise or any business issues, contact our policy advisor Declan Riddell: declan.ridell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
Chamber welcomes its latest patron.
Earlier this week I was delighted to welcome international construction company, Swietelsky as our latest patron.
The Swietelsky Group is a leading construction company operating in Central and Eastern Europe with around 12,000 employees. The firm is proud of its ‘big family’ philosophy, nurturing a supportive and collaborative environment to help drive toward a common economic future. They offer a full range of construction services and are known for their high quality, flexibility and adherence to deadlines.
As a patron of Staffordshire Chambers, Swietelsky joins a vibrant community of businesses who are dedicated to promoting economic growth and supporting the development of local enterprises.
Becoming a patron of the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce identifies a business as a leading and strategic player in the Staffordshire economy. We provide our patrons regular access to key influencers and decision-makers in government and other agencies ensuring that they are well placed to influence and make the optimum contribution to growing our economy.
Patron’s support and expertise is priceless. Personnel from all our 27 patrons populate our Board of Directors, Council and our member forums. They give freely of their time to offer their expertise which covers every aspect of business, education and skills and make a huge contribution to local good causes and charities through their corporate social responsibility activity.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a patron contact Karena Pawlak karena@stafforsirechambers.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
Staffordshire businesses urged to protect themselves from crime through series of videos
A series of hard-hitting videos are being launched to encourage Staffordshire businesses to take advantage of the free Staffordshire Business Crime Helpline to help reduce the risk of business crime.
The videos will showcase examples of crimes that are affecting Staffordshire businesses, the wide-ranging impacts they can have and how preventative measures could have stopped them being a victim. The videos will encourage businesses to contact the helpline to get free support.
Operated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and funded by the Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, the helpline offers expert advice to help local businesses combat various forms of criminal activities.
Through the helpline, businesses gain access to expert advisors who specialise in business crime prevention. These experts provide tailored advice and guidance to identify vulnerabilities, assess risk and develop robust strategies to safeguard business operations.
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers, said: “We are dedicated to supporting businesses in Staffordshire, and we recognise the importance of addressing the challenges posed by business crime. We hope that these videos will hit home with a lot of businesses and they will consider contacting the Helpline, to make simple changes to prevent them being a victim in the future.
“The Helpline provides expert advice and assistance to help local businesses protect themselves from theft, fraud, cyber attacks and general crime – all of which can have massive implications on a business’ operations.”
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams said: “Business crime is a serious issue that can damage people’s lives and livelihoods, and have a negative impact on our wider communities.
“These videos are designed to raise awareness of the help available for businesses through the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, both in protecting themselves from a range of crimes, and giving them the support they need to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.”
The Business Crime Helpline encourage businesses to report incidents to the police to allow officers to identify crime patterns. Crucially, it enables us to give businesses the support that they need to ensure they can resolve any issues and return to normality as quickly as possible.’
The helpline is also open to businesses who have been a victim of crime and all reports can be treated anonymously.
The videos will be launched on social media over the next 3 months and can be viewed on the Staffordshire Chambers YouTube Channel.
Businesses can call the helpline on 01782 900239.
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Leading construction company Swietelsky become Chamber Patrons
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is delighted to announce that international construction company Swietelsky has committed its support to the Staffordshire business community by becoming Chamber Patrons.
The Swietelsky Group is a leading construction company operating in Central and Eastern Europe with around 12,000 employees. The firm is proud to have a ‘big family’ philosophy, nurturing a supportive and collaborative environment to help drive toward a common economic future. They offer a full range of construction services and are known for their high quality, flexibility and adherence to deadlines.
As a patron of Staffordshire Chambers, Swietelsky will be joining a vibrant community of businesses who are dedicated to promoting economic growth and supporting the development of local enterprises.
Sara Williams OBE, Staffordshire Chambers CEO, said: “Through our extensive network of events, services and resources, we aim to provide our patrons with the support and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed.
“We are confident that Swietelsky will be a valuable addition to network of Patrons, and we look forward to working together to promote the interests of businesses in Staffordshire and beyond.”
Becoming a Patron of the Chambers identifies businesses as leading and strategic players in the Staffordshire economy. Providing regular access to key influencers and decision-makers in government and other agencies, Patronage ensures that you are well-placed to shape the optimum business environment for you and your customers.
Through the Chambers’ extensive networks and communication channels, you can raise the visibility of your brand, products and services.
- Published in News
Declan’s Blog: Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Local Plan – have your say
With a population of more than 123,000, the Borough of Newcastle under Lyme stretches across the north of Staffordshire, extending from the edges of Market Drayton, over to Kidsgrove and Mow Cop. Keele University sits in the heart of the Borough and many businesses have recognised the benefits of being based in Newcastle under Lyme, thanks to the exceptional connectivity offered through the M6 and A500.
Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council is now consulting on the first draft of its Local Plan. A Local Plan identifies where and how many new homes should be built but also locations where businesses may need more land and areas of regeneration and protection. A Local Plan will outline the long-term vision, strategic objectives and development strategy for the Borough and includes policies for determining planning applications.
Having a Local Plan in place will help to support ‘place shaping’ in the Borough and provide certainty for communities, developers, and the Council. It can also help to attract funding, investment and support infrastructure provision in the local area.
ls have outlined that approximately 5,400 homes could be built across more than 40 sites, some of which are in the green belt. The proposals also include a range of ideas for business sites to create new jobs
We know that Newcastle under Lyme Borough is a great place to live and work. The local population is growing and there is a need to strike the right balance in building new homes but also making sure that there is a sufficient supply of employment land across the area.
You have the chance to share your views about how new levels of housing and development should be distributed, as well as the opportunity to comment on proposed development allocations. This is your chance to share your views and influence future growth and development of Newcastle under Lyme Borough.
The consultation runs until Monday 14th August and you can submit your views through the following link:
If you have an interest in planning and infrastructure, you’d be very welcome to join the Chamber Planning & Infrastructure Forum, which meets again on Tuesday 17th October at 9AM. For further details, please email: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network
Stafford-based Medi-Spa 28 shortlisted for prestigious Clinic of The Year award – and they need your vote!
Stafford-based Medi-Spa 28 has been named a finalist for The Best Clinic of The Year – Midlands Award 2023 at the International Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards.
The Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards, which is celebrating its 10th year this year, aim to recognise outstanding professionals, services, and brands in the beauty, aesthetics, and personal care industry who have positively transformed and empowered lives through their unwavering commitment to safety and excellence.
Medi-Spa 28, which was featured in Daily Focus in June for its impressive extension plans, has been named as a finalist for demonstrating excellence in providing safe, top-notch treatments to its valued clients.
Daily Focus readers can cast their vote by visiting the Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards website
The Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards is a unique event in the industry, as it aims to honor those who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to safety, excellence, and innovation. This year, Medi-Spa 28 has stood out among its peers, earning a spot as a finalist for The Best Clinic of The Year – Midlands Award 2023.
You can vote for Medi-Spa 28, here.
- Published in News
Sara’s Blog: The Office for Place and summer networking
In a speech on Tuesday, Michael Gove MP, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) announced that The Office for Place will be based in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Office for Place has been brought into being to develop housing strategy for the UK’s towns and cities with a vision to catalyse change across government and communities to support the creation and stewardship of popular, healthy, beautiful and sustainable places by helping neighbourhoods to ask for and deliver new places. The Office for Place will support public sector planners and the British design and development industries to be the best place makers in the world and improve the data on happiness, health, popularity and sustainability for everyone.
Civil servants as well as Government ministers are expected to be based at here, developing plans for housing projects in 20 UK towns and cities as part of a major revamp. Although the precise location of the office and timings for the project have yet to be announced, this is great news for Stoke and for Staffordshire.
Nicholas Boys Smith, interim chair of The Office for Place said: “Nowhere could be more appropriate for the Office for Place’s hometown as the name means place. And Stoke has both a proud past as home to the English pottery industry and every chance for a marvellous and prosperous future.”
I could not agree more! We embrace the past, but we are not stuck there. Our ceramics sector is a fine example of an industry that has lived through tumultuous change, has adapted and is forward facing – and a material that is vital to the new green industries developing everywhere. Yes, we still make plates, mugs and cups but we also manufacture ceramics for additive manufacturing, microbiology, fuel cells, batteries and nuclear power.
We are a city whose goods have been based on home creation forever – every new home needs tiles, crockery and building materials – having The Office of Place based here is very fitting.
And we can offer real examples of what works in communities and what needs to change. I hope that we are also one of the 20 places that will be supercharged and benefit from the expertise – and I suspect that those working here will also have new demands on our housing provision too.
It is quite interesting for me as I worked, once upon a long time ago, for the Association of Community Technical Aid Centres. Community Technical Aid was about getting local people making the decisions about the design of their built and natural environments, making sure they got what they wanted. It would be fantastic if the Office of Place can reinstates some of these principles across the country.
You can read the full statement from Nicholas Boyd Smith: Office for Place – A Statement from the Chair – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Looking to continue networking through the summer?
The school holidays have started and let’s hope the weather picks up soon for anyone holidaying or having days out in the UK.
However, for many people without children of school age its business as usual.
Quieter offices and less meetings mean that the summer is a great time to work ‘on’ your business and perhaps do some networking to build your business contacts.
Our event calendar cools down a little in the summer, but we still have some great events like our Teapot Boat Ride on 10th August.
With an exciting journey by narrowboat through the 1.6-mile Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent and Mersey Canal, followed by a two mile walk back to the start point finishing at The Blue Bell Inn for drinks and nibbles, you will have a great opportunity to network and learn a little of our local history from host Simon Davies from King’s Award-winning business ProtectaPet.
Book your place here: Teapot Boat Ride – Staffordshire Chambers
And don’t forget our Members’ Lounge at Commerce House is open 9am – to 5pm on weekdays. It’s a great place for members to work, meet and network with free Wi-Fi and hot drinks.
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
Let’s Do Business early bird stand booking discount ends on Friday
Staffordshire businesses have until this Friday, 28 July to secure their discounted stand bookings for the county’s biggest business show.
Taking place at Uttoxeter Racecourse on 12 October, Let’s Do Business is expected to attract more than 1,000 delegates for a comprehensive day of networking and business insights.
Booking a stand will allow you to spotlight your services to over 1,000 new customers, clients and suppliers. It’s the perfect opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, spotlight your services and ultimately, do business!
The event, sponsored by Business Lodge, Michelin and Lexus Stoke, will also feature an interactive gaming lounge where people will be able to connect with fellow attendees, network and have some fun with a suite of VR and games provided by industry-leading businesses based in Staffordshire.
To book a stand, click here. Discounts are automatically applied at checkout.
- Published in News
New survey to offer insights into local salary information to aid recruitment
Staffordshire Chambers has teamed up with Hays Recruitment to launch a new Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire workforce survey for 2023.
The results of the survey will provide local businesses with an insight into salary and employment information so they can make clear decisions when recruiting to help secure the best candidates.
Now in its tenth year, the survey will provide a snapshot of local pay levels, average rates of pay per role, employee benefits and working practices. The survey draws on results from previous years, identifying key labour market changes and trends that will affect your business.
The survey was launched with an Employment and Skill Breakfast on 26 July 2023.
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “As the region continues to see nearly full levels of employment, businesses are still struggling to find appropriate talent to meet their increasing skills needs.
“The launch of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Workforce Survey and the report that will follow will provide businesses with an additional tool to help their recruitment process.
“It will support them in understanding local salary levels for a number of roles and additional benefits on offer, to ensure they are pitching any job opportuntiites at the right level to attract talent. We would encourage as many business as possible to complete the survey to give an accurate picture for the region.”
To complete the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Workforce survey, visit – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FWV8SK7
- Published in Influence & Network, News
TopCashback joins Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce as Strategic Partners
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is thrilled to announce the addition of a new strategic partner, TopCashback.
The UK’s leading cashback site, who are based in Stafford, will now unlock a range of exclusive perks including an increased company profile and direct support from the Chambers’ senior leadership team.
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “I am thrilled to have TopCashback join our Strategic Partnership at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
“We are excited about the possibilities this partnership will bring and look forward to working closely with the company to drive success and prosperity in our region.
“The strategic partnerships are an extension of our current membership offer and it’s great to see so many leading local businesses taking up the partnership.”
Businesses interested in exploring the strategic partnership opportunity are encouraged to obtain further information by emailing karena.pawlak@staffordshirechambers.co.uk. Staffordshire Chambers looks forward to welcoming new strategic partners and continuing to champion business excellence in the region.
- Published in News
Staffordshire Chambers announce trio of ‘Meet the MP’ events
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has announced a series of exclusive ‘Meet the MP’ events, providing an exceptional opportunity for Chamber members to engage directly with local MPs.
These events are aimed at fostering constructive dialogue between Chamber members and MPs, as they work collaboratively to drive positive change and economic growth within the region.
The “Meet the MP” events will be held on the following dates:
- Jonathan Gullis, MP for Stoke on Trent North. The event will take place at Commerce House, Friday, 15th September at 12:30 PM.
Book here. - Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke on Trent South. The event will be held at Valentine Clays, Friday, 29th September at 1:15 PM.
Book here. - Jo Gideon, MP for Stoke on Trent Central. The event will be hosted at Commerce House, Friday, 10th November at 12:00 PM.
Book here.
These exclusive gatherings offer Chamber members an invaluable platform to voice their insights, concerns, and ideas directly to their respective MPs. The discussions will revolve around crucial topics, including regeneration, transport, infrastructure, skills development, and various other issues affecting the local economy.
Through these interactive sessions, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce seeks to facilitate a strong collaboration between the business community and elected representatives. By bridging the gap between the private sector and policy-making, these events aim to yield actionable solutions that will drive sustainable growth and prosperity for the entire region.
Limited spaces are available, so early registration is recommended to guarantee participation. Please note, this is for Chamber members only.
- Published in Influence & Network, News
