Leading Stoke-on-Trent engineering firm KMF has announced exciting plans that they hope will revolutionise STEM engagement across Staffordshire.

After a decade of successfully running the Young Engineer of the Year (YEOTY) program with secondary schools, KMF is now embarking on a groundbreaking project to bring together secondary and primary schools. This initiative aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects among young students.

KMF have set the wheels in motion for Stoke’s biggest-ever kit car street race, set to be a spectacular event uniting over 1,000 children aged 10 to 14 years. The race will feature 25 secondary schools participating in the Greenpower F24 Cbrs category, while 50 primary schools will compete with their Greenpower Goblin Cars. Each team will comprise up to 12 pupils, bringing together young minds with a shared passion for engineering and innovation.

The inspiration for this project comes from the Greenpower Street Race held in Hull in 2019, which captivated audiences with its thrilling display of electric-powered kit cars. The event showcased the ingenuity and talent of young engineers, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. To bring this spectacle to Stoke-on-Trent, KMF is seeking support from local businesses and key stakeholders in the community.

Councillor Jane Ashworth and Stoke Council have provided their backing to host the event around the prestigious Kings Hall, with plans to close the streets around Kings Hall on July 31, 2024. However, the success of this endeavour hinges upon the participation and commitment of local schools and business sponsors.

To kickstart this transformative project, KMF will be hosting a launch evening at Staffordshire University’s state-of-the-art Catalyst Building on July 5, 2023, at 6:30 PM. The event will provide detailed information on how schools and businesses can get involved in this incredible initiative. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the event, ask questions, and explore potential avenues for collaboration.

Book your free space by clicking here.

This monumental gathering of young talents will make the forthcoming event the largest electric-powered kit car race ever witnessed in Stoke-on-Trent. The excitement will be further amplified by the presence of renowned television presenter Jason Bradbury, who will serve as the host for the day.

With CPI inflation stubbornly higher than forecast at 8.7%, it is no surprise that the Bank of England have increased the interest rate by a half of a percentage point to 5%.

However, while inflation is still the top concern for businesses, interest rate rises are now causing worry for a rapidly growing number of firms with soaring borrowing costs. Businesses need clarity on the direction of further changes as a matter of urgency.

There are several drivers of inflation which could be eased by a policy response. For instance, unprecedented tightness in the labour market is causing firms to bid up salaries, and trade barriers with the EU are driving up costs.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has been urging the Government to act on these issues for over a year and is ready to work in partnership with it to ease labour shortages and reduce trade barriers.

High inflation, high interest rates and slow growth will be a lethal combination for many and a solution beyond continuing to raise the base rate needs to be found.

Vicky Pryce BCC Economic Advisory Council member, and speaker at our first ever Economic Conference in November said: “There should be absolutely no need to drive the economy into recession in a bid to deal with rising prices.

“There are already signs that the input cost pressures on firms are waning with PPI dropping by 1.5% since April. And although core inflation remains stubborn this does not prevent the overall CPI rate from falling.

“Against this background the Bank must give clear signals on interest rates and commit to cutting them quickly as inflation slows.

“There is a fine balancing act to be struck. Push too hard on interest rates and there is a real danger that more businesses will be driven to the wall, impacting the long-term outlook for economic growth and prosperity.”

We are here to listen your concerns around inflation and interest rates and how they are affecting your business. Your input helps greatly with our representations to the government. You can contact our policy adviser, Declan Riddell declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk.

Armed Forces Week

This week is Armed Forces Week, an opportunity to show our support for the men and women who make up the armed forces community from currently serving troops to service families, veterans, and cadets and the role they play protecting the UK both at home and overseas.

Armed forces personnel, veterans and their families make an enormous contribution to Staffordshire’s economy and society.  As a county we have a strong connection with the armed forces, with large bases in Stafford and Lichfield, along with many veterans, reservists, cadets, and armed forces families across the county.

At Staffordshire Chambers we have our very own Honorary Colonel of the British Army, in ex-Chamber President Mike Frewer, and we are also extremely proud to have West Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadet Association (WMRFCA) as patrons and proud that the Chambers support to our armed forces has been recognised through our Silver Award and by being a signatory to, the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise to ensure that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.

On Wednesday we hosted a special event at the Shire Hall, in conjunction with Staffordshire County Council to promote and inform businesses about the Covenant, highlighting the skills and invaluable contribution former service personnel and their families can bring to our businesses and wider economy in Staffordshire.

Several businesses who attended will be signing the Covenant joining many more businesses who are already signed up. To find out more about the Armed forces Covenant and how you can get involved click here:  Armed Forces Covenant: guidance and support – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Our 2023 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards sponsors and finalists joined us at Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat last week for our pre-award celebrations.

100 guests enjoyed an evening of networking ahead of the sold-out ceremony, which is taking place at the DoubleTree by Hilton on 13 July.

We’re delighted to announce that returning to host this year’s ceremony is Dr. Dave Bryon, who will be joined by co-host Kirsty Hulse.

Good luck to all of the businesses who are joining us on 13 July.

Thank you to last night’s sponsors, Lexus Stoke and Finest & Future Finest.

Lucy arrived in the UK from Ukraine on 6 May 2022. Keen to launch her own beauty business, she enrolled on Staffordshire Chambers’ Positive Pathways programme – an award-winning business start-up course that supports refugees who have fled war, violence, conflict or persecution with employability skills and business start-up advice.

Lucy was enrolled on the October 2022 cohort where she gained valuable insights into setting up a business correctly in the UK, covering essential areas such as finance, budgeting, market analysis and competitor research.

By December 2022, Lucy’s business, Dandelion Beauty Studio, received official registration, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.

“In my predicament upon arriving in UK, the Positive Pathways programme was like a breath of fresh air for me to get closer to my dream”, Lucy explained.

“The staff shared their experience and knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship and offered enormous support in teaching business literacy and helping me to write a business plan. It really instilled confidence in me and stimulated me to develop.”

Her determination and dedication led her to secure premises for her beauty studio in February 2023, with the continuous support of the Positive Pathways team who assisted her in securing grants and funding, ensuring Lucy had the necessary resources to bring her vision to life.

Lucy knew exactly what equipment she needed from her Grant and had sourced all associated costs.  The Positive Pathways team were able to order a range of basic equipment requested by Lucy to help ‘get started’ including items such as hangers and storage furniture.

“Staffordshire Chambers purchased furniture and necessary materials for my studio”, continued Lucy.

“So thank you to everyone who participated in my project to open my permanent makeup studio. I hope that the provision of services in my studio will help and give joy to each client. May this world shine with happiness. Thanks, everyone.”

Well done to Lucy in all of her endeavours and we wish her the very best as her business continues to develop and flourish.

The Government’s recent announcement to defer and delay major transport schemes raises serious concerns about the future of our region’s road infrastructure.

On Monday morning we are holding an important one-hour meeting to put forward  views on the impact of delaying road improvements. Your support and issues give us greater weight when making representations.

The event will be chaired by Mike Herbert, chair of the Chambers’ Transport Forum, and will be delivered in the wake of the Government announcement that the pipeline of schemes earmarked for Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3), covering 2025 to 2030, will continue to be developed but considered for delivery as part of Road Investment Strategy 4 (RIS4), beyond 2030.

The A50/A500, a key arterial route connecting the east and west of our region, serves renowned brands such as JCB and Michelin. We were hoping that A50/A500 improvements would be picked up in RIS3, but it is now a real concern that improvement work will not be starting on site before April 2030, which could mean 2032 or later before any benefits are seen.  Another decade of the current situation does not bear thinking about!

Congestion is a particular issue in the urban areas particularly heading through Stoke on the A500, and at the roundabouts in Uttoxeter.    We are also calling for improvements to Junction 15 of the M6, especially the approaches to this junction.

Transportation plays a pivotal role in inward investment and enabling business growth, and Staffordshire enjoys excellent road connectivity, providing access to all corners of the UK. Our county boasts a thriving (and growing) logistics sector, reflecting the significance of our road and rail networks.

Statistics bear this out:

• 80% of all freight in the UK goes through the Midlands, utilising our road and rail networks.
  • The Midlands is within a four-hour drive of much of the UK, making it a prime location in the renowned “Golden Triangle” for logistics.
  • East Midlands Airport, second only to Heathrow Airport for freight, played a vital role in delivering essential medical equipment during the pandemic.

Transportation is a key enabler for business success, and together, we can ensure a stronger, more connected Staffordshire.

There is still time to book on Monday’s event but don’t worry if you can’t make it as our policy adviser, Declan Riddell is gathering evidence for our submission to the Transport Minister. Please email your points and concerns to Declan: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

You can book on the event here: Share Your Views on the Urgency of Improving our Local Road Network – Staffordshire Chambers

Latest ONS export figures

The latest Trade in Goods data (for April 2023) from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows a slight rise in exports whilst trade with the EU remains weak.

The recovery in UK goods exports to the rest of the world in April after a disappointing first quarter of 2023 is welcome but needs to be sustained.

Trade with the EU remains weak, even before the additional cost pressures on imports due to the introduction of new customs arrangements in the Target Border Operating Model later this year.

The Government’s Export Strategy needs to maximise growth in services exports across a range of business activity this year, but so far in 2023, they have been broadly flat.

On volumes (excluding inflation), total goods imports fell by 0.4% in April, with imports from the EU falling by 2.6%, and imports from the rest of the world rising by 2.6%. Total goods export volumes rose by 3.5% in April with non-EU goods exports up by 6.9% in April, while goods exports to the EU remained static.

Services exports rose by 0.6% and imports by 1% in April. Services exports remain 0.3% below pre-pandemic levels in early 2020.

The UK trade deficit narrowed to £12.3bn in April – trade in services surplus rose by £1.9bn to £40.3bn.

You can view the full ONS Trade in goods report here: Trade in goods: country-by-commodity exports – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

For help and advice on exporting contact the team at the Chamber: exportmailbox@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Stand bookings are filling fast ahead of the return of Staffordshire’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.

This year’s expo will focus on the hot topic of AI technology and data revolution with keynote speeches and thought-provoking panel discussions with some of the world’s most renowned experts in the field of AI and data revolution.

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.

To register a free delegate place, click here.

Oakleafe Claims, a leading provider of insurance claims management solutions, emerged victorious at the highly-anticipated 2023 Staffordshire Chambers Golf Day yesterday.

Business owners and leaders flocked to the picturesque Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club to enjoy a day of golf and informal networking.

Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “We would like to congratulate the team at Oakleafe and are delighted by the success of the Golf Day.

“The event showcased the remarkable talent and camaraderie within our business community and we commend all participants for contributing to a memorable day. We would also like to thank Newcastle-under-Lyme Golf Club for their hospitality.

“I can’t wait for next year’s event!”

The Staffordshire Chambers Golf Day has become a revered annual tradition, bringing together key players in the business community for a day of friendly competition and networking opportunities.

Oakleafe Claims’ victory in the tournament reinforces the company’s commitment to excellence, teamwork, and community engagement.

The next date in the calendar for Staffordshire’s business leaders is the ‘Meet the Leader’ event with legendary cyclist Ed Clancy OBE. Find out more here.