Declan’s Blog: Chambers’ Business Manifesto launch
Last week saw the launch of our Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Business Manifesto.
It’s not long to go until the 2024 General Election and time for us to outline our commitments as a Chamber and what we’re asking from partners and stakeholders.
Our Manifesto has identified the five key themes of:
- Connected Staffordshire
- Digital Staffordshire
- Global Staffordshire
- Green Staffordshire
- Skilled Staffordshire
Under each theme, we have identified a number of commitments for us to achieve and a number of commitments that we’ll be asking from partners and stakeholders.
As the voice of the business community in Staffordshire, our Manifesto has identified the key challenges facing our business community and the steps which need to be taken if we are to address these challenges and grow our local economy.
Connected Staffordshire – Focuses on the exceptional connectivity of our county. With four major airports within an hour’s drive of Staffordshire and an estimated 40% of the UK population within a 2-hour drive, it’s easy to see why a growing number of businesses are based here.
Transport is a key enabler for business, moving both people and goods. Greater effort is needed to remove congestion from our local roads and town centres. Public transport needs to be more accessible, reliable and affordable if more of us are to travel to and from work by bus and train.
We need to see improved planning processes, coupled with accessible procurement opportunities for all, to support local investment in infrastructure and commercial premises. A diverse range of commercial premises will hold appeal to all sectors and sizes of business.
Digital Staffordshire – We look at the evolving landscape of digital technology, which continues to influence the way businesses operate. A sizeable segment of our population is still grappling with digital poverty. Cyber-attacks pose a tangible threat to the business community and end users. A significant number of businesses remain unaware of the potentially devastating repercussions of such attacks. Larger businesses may have some understanding of how to make their best use of new technologies whilst many SME can struggle to deliver real benefits from the available technologies.
Global Staffordshire – Includes a call for our local businesses to explore, collaborate and trade, embracing global opportunities. We see that global trading continues to face volatility, with post-pandemic, post-Brexit headwinds and supply chain disruption. Ongoing global conflicts add to the uncertainty faced by our exporters. Our county has exceptional connectivity to other parts of the UK but more of our local businesses need to seize the opportunities afforded by exporting goods and services overseas, to develop a truly Global Staffordshire.
Green Staffordshire – Looks at the need to educate, adopt and unleash, if our local businesses are to embrace net zero aspirations. Climate change is now being seen at both a global and local level. Sustainability has become central to the agendas of all organisations. Businesses are increasingly acknowledging the significance of taking action at a local level, aligning with the global objective of mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. There are multiple sources of advice and information but too much information can be confusing and misleading. We want to promote energy efficiency sustainability and a circular economy, curating good practise and showcasing how businesses can play their part.
Skilled Staffordshire – With a need to recruit, upskill and retain our employees. Challenges remain with recruitment, retention and a tight labour market, especially in sectors such as manufacturing and hospitality. A more flexible workplace, ongoing training and upskilling can make businesses more accessible to a broader talent pool and help prevent people from leaving the workforce unnecessarily.
You’re invited to read our Business Manifesto by clicking the link:
A copy of the Business Manifesto has been sent to all local Parliamentary candidates ahead of the 2024 General Election and also to political leaders across the county.
On the topic of the General Election, we’re holding a Hustings event at our Commerce House office (ST1 5BE), on Friday 28th June at 9AM. All Parliamentary candidates for the Stoke-on-Trent Central constituency have been invited to meet with the local business community. Advanced bookings are essential and if you wish to attend, please click on the link to book your place:
Hustings – Meet your Parliamentary Candidates – Stoke-on-Trent Central – Staffordshire Chambers
- Published in Influence & Network
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce launches new Business Manifesto ahead of General Election
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has launched our 2024 Business Manifesto to help address the region’s most pressing economic challenges.
Structured around five pivotal themes, the Manifesto outlines the targeted policy and lobbying work that we will follow to help enable economic growth across Staffordshire.
Under each theme, we have outlined the commitments that we will follow, while identifying key actions that we will seek from partners and stakeholders.
A copy of the Manifesto has been distributed to all local Parliamentary candidates and national political leaders ahead of the general election on 4 July.
Connected Staffordshire emphasises the county’s exceptional connectivity, with four major airports within an hour’s drive and 40% of the UK population within a two-hour drive.
The Manifesto calls for improved transport infrastructure, reduced congestion, and enhanced public transport to facilitate smoother movement of people and goods.
Digital Staffordshire addresses the critical role of digital technology in modern business operations. The Manifesto highlights the ongoing struggle with digital poverty and the significant threat posed by cyber-attacks. It stresses the importance of educating businesses on cybersecurity and maximising the benefits of new technologies.
Global Staffordshire encourages local businesses to engage in global trade despite the current volatility caused by post-pandemic, post-Brexit conditions, and supply chain disruptions.
Green Staffordshire focuses on sustainability and the importance of achieving net-zero aspirations. The Manifesto emphasises the need for businesses to adopt sustainable practices to combat climate change.
And finally, Skilled Staffordshire highlights the critical need for a skilled workforce. The Manifesto points out challenges in recruitment and retention, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and hospitality. It calls for more flexible workplaces, ongoing training, and upskilling to attract and retain a diverse talent pool, thereby preventing unnecessary workforce attrition.
Declan Riddell, Policy Adviser at Staffordshire Chambers, said: “Our Manifesto is a call to action for our local businesses and political leaders.
“By addressing these key themes, we can build a thriving, resilient economy in Staffordshire.”
Also timed in line with the General Election, Staffordshire Chamber will host the Parliamentary candidates for the Stoke-on-Trent Central constituency at their Commerce House offices next Friday, 28 June, for a business-focussed hustings event. Spaces for the event are free and can be booked here.
The full Manifesto is available online for public viewing.
- Published in News
Staffordshire Chambers receives record response rate for Quarterly Economic Survey
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is delighted to announce that we have received our highest-ever response rate for a Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).
The record level of participation reflects the strong engagement of businesses in Staffordshire – with over 330 firms having their say on the current challenges that they are facing.
While responses indicate a slight decline in sales, customer or booking numbers, and advance bookings, as well as a decrease in workforce growth over the past and upcoming three months, they also highlight critical areas of concern and opportunity.
Key findings from the survey include:
- Price Expectations: An increase in respondents expecting to raise prices in the future, coupled with a slight drop in those anticipating turnover growth.
- Cost Pressures: Labour costs and other overheads are the top pressures driving potential price increases, with energy prices and supply costs being major concerns compared to three months ago.
- Positive Developments: Growth in overseas sales, customers, and bookings, alongside increased investments in plant, machinery, capital, and training over the past three months. Additionally, more respondents expect profitability to rise over the next 12 months.
Read the findings in full via Daily Focus, here.
Declan Riddell, Policy Adviser at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “We would like to thank all of the businesses that took the time to complete the latest QES survey and for helping us to set a new record for number of responses.
“The QES is a vital tool for us to understand the economic landscape, feeding into our lobbying work, as well as being reported back to organisations including the Bank of England and The HM Treasury.
“Responses from the survey suggest that our businesses are still battling economic headwinds.
“The competition for skills remains strong, and the high-cost pressures of wages and interest rates are ongoing challenges. The actual cost of doing business continues to be a significant issue.”
He added: “Achieving our highest-ever response rate for the QES is a milestone, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who participated. Your input is invaluable in shaping our understanding and advocacy efforts.”
All 52 UK Chambers of Commerce conduct the QES in their respective regions.
The findings, widely recognised as a valuable source of information about economic performance, are shared with the British Chambers of Commerce, government departments including HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office, as well as the Bank of England.
- Published in News
Excellence programme is seeking Staffordshire businesses who want to be the best
Performance improvement specialists, Investors in Excellence Group are joining forces with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to launch a brand-new venture, Excellence in Staffordshire.
The Excellence in Staffordshire initiative is designed specifically to progress business to a place of excellence that puts them ahead of the competition and second to none.
Businesses will be able to find out all about Excellence in Staffordshire at a special launch event on 11th July at Chambers HQ on Festival Park.
Judy Hart, Chief Executive, Investors in Excellence Group said: “The Excellence in Staffordshire programme is not another administration-heavy burden that will turn off your employees and confuse your customers. It is a series of uncomplicated tools and modules to guide you at every stage of your journey.
“We have been delivering the Investors in Excellence Standard across the world for over 28 years, enabling organisations to excel in the areas that matter most to them, their customers, people, and stakeholders.
“We have close associations with Staffordshire, and I have been particularly impressed with the way businesses cooperate and collaborate for the good of the local community and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is truly at the heart of this activity.
Covering all performance areas, Excellence in Staffordshire will guide improving achievements through effective and efficient leadership, resourcing, and delivery identifying what matters most to drive continuous improvement.
“Excellence in Staffordshire will focus on achieving excellence in the county and driving business success. Primarily, it’s a unique collaboratory where people collab (share), oratory (listen and speak), to harness and enhance the full potential of human capability, unlocking potential, and improving performance through strategic development, continuous improvement, and sustainable growth.”
One Staffordshire organisation to already benefit from the Investors in Excellence Standard is Douglas Macmillan Hospice. In 2022, they became the first hospice in the UK to achieve the globally recognised Investor in Excellence Standard.
David Webster, Chief Executive of Douglas MacMillan Hospice said: “We want to be admired as a centre of excellence for palliative and end of life care – that is our fundamental goal. We have worked with Investors in Excellence to secure excellence at the core of our hospice, and this partnership has been invaluable in our quest to evidence all that we do as demonstrably excellent.
“I am delighted that Excellence in Staffordshire has launched so that businesses and organisations in the county can gain the recognition they deserve for delivering exceptional service.”
Chris Plant, deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce added: “Excellence in Staffordshire is a natural fit for The Chambers, so I was delighted when Judy Hart first approached me about the launch of the programme. We deal with world class businesses on a day-to-day basis and want to do all we can do to enable continual improvement and being the best.”
Book your free place on the Excellence in Staffordshire launch: https://bit.ly/3VmJSdw
- Published in News
Stoke City launch new ‘Business Club’ partnership opportunities
Stoke City has launched a new Business Club, providing new opportunities for businesses of all sizes to partner with and demonstrate support for the Potters at accessible price points.
The Business Club becomes a brand-new tier of official partnership aimed at connecting businesses to City’s vast audience from the 24/25 season and beyond.
As well as receiving exposure for their brand, companies will enjoy additional benefits from entering an official partnership with the Potters, as well as gaining access to the Stoke City Business Club and associated exclusive events.
A trio of packages at varying price points have been created to cater for businesses of virtually any size, with a full overview available by contacting the Club’s friendly team.
Each package includes a minimum of the following:
- Exclusive access to a calendar of Business Club events throughout the
24/25 season - Official Partnership designation along with bespoke logo
- In-play LED advertising
- Digital branding across concourse TVs situated within the bet365 Stadium
- Business Club recognition showcased on the club website, matchday
programme and in-stadium big screen - Matchday hospitality
Steven Forrest, Head of Partnerships at Stoke City, said: “Following dialogue and feedback from members of our local business community, we are thrilled to announce the formation of the Stoke City Business Club.
“This brand-new partnership proposition has been created solely to offer regional businesses opportunities to demonstrate their proud support for Stoke City whilst showcasing their brand to a vast audience at a range of highly competitive price points.
“In addition to an array of key commercial inventory that will display a company’s branding on matchdays and beyond, the Business Club itself will create a ‘club within a club’ and connect like-minded businesses at a calendar of exclusive events throughout the 24/25 season.
“Ahead of what promises to be an exciting period of growth both on and off the pitch, any business is welcome to get in touch and discuss joining the club.”
To receive a copy of the partnerships brochure and to find out more about the Stoke City Business Club, please contact the Club’s Head of Partnerships, Steven Forrest, on Steven.Forrest@stokecityfc.com or 01782 592216.
- Published in News
Declan’s Policy Update: Hustings – Meet your Parliamentary Candidates for Stoke-on-Trent Central
Chances are that when you read this, there will be just over a fortnight until the 2024 General Election.
The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, announced that there would be a General Election, some four weeks ago, on Wednesday 23rd May. During these past four weeks, there has been continuous coverage in the news, with all of the political parties and candidates vying for our cross on the ballot box.
This will be the UK’s fourth General Election in just over nine years, with a potential outcome of the country having its sixth Prime Minister since 2016. As the voice of business in Staffordshire, we’re here to connect the business community with our political representatives and that’s why we’re delighted to host a hustings event with the chance to meet the Parliamentary candidates standing in the Stoke-on-Trent Central Constituency.
Stoke-on-Trent Central is one of the country’s most marginal seats, with a winning score of less than 700 votes at the 2019 General Election. The constituency stretches from Etruria Valley to Park Hall and from Trent Vale to Stockton Brook, taking in key employment sites including Hanley, Stoke Town, Royal Stoke University Hospital and of course, Festival Park, where we’re based!
What are the main issues for businesses in Stoke-on-Trent Central? What are the key business priorities for whichever party triumphs on the morning of Friday 5th July? It’s a constituency with a significant number of retailers and we’ll certainly continue our call for a reform of the business rates system. Both Hanley and Stoke Town would welcome support to bring in more footfall and visitors, helping our hard-pressed retailers.
Stoke-on-Trent Central constituency is book-ended by areas experiencing poor air quality due to vehicle pollution. To the west at Basford Bank and to the east in Hanley/Joiners Square/Fenton. How can we improve air quality for our residents without imposing a solution which will have a negative impact on local businesses?
This is your chance to quiz the Parliamentary candidates on their policies and how they will support the local business community. Our hustings event takes place on Friday 28th June from 9AM, at our Commerce House office. Advanced bookings are essential with no walk-in delegates on the day. Please click below to book your place but don’t delay, as places are filling fast!:
Hustings – Meet your Parliamentary Candidates – Stoke-on-Trent Central – Staffordshire Chambers
The event will be hosted by Nigel Pye of I-Creation and he’ll do his very best to encourage our audience to raise a variety of questions. If you would like to raise a question anonymously, please send your question to:
declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
We have also launched our own Business Manifesto, focusing on the themes of:
– Connected Staffordshire
– Digital Staffordshire
– Global Staffordshire
– Green Staffordshire
– Skilled Staffordshire
We’ll be sharing our manifesto with all political parties. More of this in next week’s blog! Watch this space!
2024 is turning out to be a truly global election year, with the citizens of more than 80 countries going to the polls in the course of this calendar year. Voting is a precious democratic right, so whatever your political persuasion, please remember to cast your vote on Thursday 4th July.
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Staffordshire Chambers members to enjoy 50% off tickets for Love Cheese Live festival
Staffordshire Chambers is thrilled to announce an exclusive offer for its members: a 50% discount on tickets to the upcoming Love Cheese Live festival.
Taking place from 28 June to 29 June 2024 at the Staffordshire County Show Ground, this premier event is set to be one of the UK’s largest cheese, food, and drink festivals.
Love Cheese Live is renowned for bringing together cheese lovers, food enthusiasts, and culinary experts for an unforgettable celebration of gastronomy. The festival will feature:
- Live Cooking Demonstrations: Enjoy culinary inspiration from a fantastic line-up of the best chefs and experts cooking live.
- Exquisite Tastings: Delight in the finest dairy brands, exciting new flavours, and the latest trends in cheese and food.
- Exclusive Shopping: Discover carefully selected independent producers offering the finest food, drink, and culinary products in the country.
The discount code can be obtained by emailing tom.hammersley@Staffordshirechambers.co.uk
For more information about the festival and to purchase tickets, please visit the Love Cheese Live website.
- Published in News
April GDP flat, but three-month growth offers hope amid sectoral challenges
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) today released its latest labour market data, providing insights into the unemployment rate, economic inactivity, vacancies and pay growth.
The headline figure shows that monthly real gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have shown no growth in April 2024, following growth of 0.4% in March 2024.
Declan Riddell, Policy Adviser at Staffordshire Chambers, said: “The lack of growth in April underlines the ongoing challenges businesses in Staffordshire face, compounding problems that include skills shortages, borrowing costs and trade barriers.
“However, broader trends, such as the recently revised economic forecast released by the British Chambers of Commerce, as well as three month growth to GDP, come as welcome news for businesses.
“As we approach the general election, it’s crucial for policymakers to address these issues to sustain and build on the recent gains. Staffordshire’s businesses need clear and decisive action from the next government to unlock their full potential and drive regional growth.”
David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, added: “Growth of 0.7% in the three months to April is positive news. Our own forecast, released last week, has upgraded growth expectations for 2024 to 0.8%, rising to 1% in 2025.
“However, while the broader trend is ticking up, downside risks remain. Many businesses we speak to are still held back by skills shortages, high borrowing costs, and trade barriers with the EU. Sectoral performance remains very imbalanced, with retail and hospitality sectors consistently reporting weaker growth.
“With unemployment rising and inflation slowing, pressure will be growing on the Bank of England to cut the interest rate. But to boost investment, any cut needs to be accompanied by clear action from the next government. As we set out in our election manifesto they must prioritise on unlocking growth across skills, business rates, trade, AI and green innovation.”
- Published in News
Charity Golf Day in Leek raises vital funds for local causes
On Friday 7 June, Leek Building Society hosted a Charity Golf Day at Westwood Golf Club in Leek. The event was held to raise funds for the Leek Building Society Charitable Foundation, a charity dedicated to making a positive impact to the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged people locally.
The award-winning local building society was supported in its aim to raise money for its Foundation by many of their key contacts and suppliers, along with some local businesses and organisations, who all entered teams into the competition.
Over £6,000 was raised and will be used by the Foundation to provide grants to local charities and community groups across Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire and Derbyshire.
Speaking about the event, Rob Longmore, HR Director at Leek Building Society, said:
“We’re overwhelmed by the support and generosity shown by our contacts and local businesses that have helped us to raise such a tremendous amount for our Charitable Foundation. I’d also like to offer our thanks to the team at Westwood Golf Club for the use of their excellent facilities and helping us to host such an enjoyable day.”
Commenting on their involvement in the building society’s Charity Golf Day, Derek Parker at Westwood Golf Club, said, “Westwood Golf Club were honoured to host the Leek Building Society Golf Day where the standard of golf from the varied teams was very high. The team from Leek Building Society made everyone most welcome and the feedback on the course was very positive.”
For more information on the Leek Building Society Charitable Foundation, visit www.leekbs.co.uk/charitable-foundation/.
- Published in Uncategorized
Applications open for Flexible AI Upskilling fund pilot scheme for PBS sector businesses
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a ground-breaking £7.4 million pilot scheme aimed at subsidising the cost of AI skills training for small and medium-sized enterprises within the Professional Business Services sector.
The Flexible AI Upskilling fund seeks to bolster AI adoption and productivity among SMEs, with £6.4 million available in grant funding.
Eligible businesses can apply for funding to cover up to 50% of the costs associated with AI skills training. This includes developing, deploying, or using AI within their operations.
The scheme aims to stimulate employer investment in AI training, address AI skills gaps limiting AI adoption, and measure the impact of AI upskilling on business productivity and outcomes.
To be eligible, businesses must be registered and operating in the UK, employ between 1-249 employees, be in existence for at least one year, and operate in the PBS sector as defined by specific SIC codes.
Funding is structured based on business size, with micro businesses (up to 10 employees) eligible for up to £2,500, small businesses (up to 50 employees) eligible for up to £5,000, and medium businesses (up to 250 employees) eligible for up to £10,000.
Applications must be submitted by 23:59 on August 18, 2024. Training must be completed, and invoices submitted by February 2025. Funding may be allocated through a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) to ensure robust evaluation. Find out more by clicking here.
- Published in News