Sara’s Blog: Take outs from our AGM, Bank of England presentation & patron event
I was humbled that around 70 members turned out on a cold and dull late November morning for our 73rd AGM. It’s quite a procedural affair where we approve the annual accounts, our President, Kate Beardmore, reviews the previous year’s performance, we appoint our auditors and approve the election of Members to the Chambers’ Council.
Glynn Jones gave a fascinating insight of the state of our economy caused by the ‘four shocks’ of war in Ukraine, the state of the labour market, Government fiscal policy and financial market volatility. We got a real insight into the wealth and depth of information that the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) needs to consider when they decide on whether interest rates will go up or down each month. The bad news is that the Bank thinks we are in for a prolonged recession tempered by the slightly better news that it will not be as deep as the one caused by the 2008 global financial crash.
The current skills crisis is having a marked effect on UK plc’s overall performance. It is estimated that around 600,000 people have ‘disappeared’ from the labour market since the pandemic, either due to illness, mental health or through taking a decision to step away from work following the huge upheaval caused by the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
Where older experienced workers have moved from employment, we have been left with a widening skills gap that in the words of Glynn Jones: “will take time to unwind”.
Forgive me if I repeat myself but therefore, I am so pleased that that Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce will lead the development and delivery of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Giving us the opportunity to build upon our skills delivery work to date and bring together employers, training providers and other key stakeholders across all sectors (via our sector forums) to enable us to respond to local skills priorities.
This initiative must work as without the skills we won’t have growth and the local economy and in turn, the population will suffer as a result. I’m confident it will work if we all get involved and I would ask anyone with a vested interest in skills to sign up to our short survey which will be running for the next six months. To get involved please email: skillshub@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
Our Patron events are always a real pleasure and yesterday’s lunch was no exception.
We have now 26 Patrons, representing manufacturing, professional services, education, healthcare, utilities and local government.
Between them our patrons provide thousands of jobs and apprenticeships and contribute millions of pounds to our local economy.
However, the real value lies in the network of support they provide which underpins the Chambers business community. All our patrons are willing to give back to create further growth in the local economy. They provide their expertise, knowledge and guidance to steer the Chambers policy and service delivery and help to amplify the voice of business.
In turn, we provide Patrons with regular access to key influencers and decision makers in Government and other agencies. They are invited to the Annual British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) conference and earlier in the year several Patrons joined our trip to the Houses of Parliament to meet local MPs and Government Ministers.
This contact with our local MPs is vital as they are our direct conduit to government and with an election not too far off, we expect to see increased contact with MPs as they look to defend their seats.
Reflecting on the day later made me realise just how fortunate we are to have such an incredibly supportive and positive Chamber and business community who are able to rise above external factors, help one another and get on with the job.
Thank you all.
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
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BBC’s Technology Editor joins local businesses at Commerce House
The BBC’s first-ever Technology Editor, Zoe Klineman joined local businesses at Commerce House on Thursday morning as she offered an insight into all things digital.
An experienced senior reporter covering business and technology news across BBC outlets, Zoe discussed a range of topics ranging from cybersecurity and hacking to artificial intelligence and driverless cars.
She also discussed the recent developments to Twitter and the Metaverse.
Ran in partnership with Wavemaker Stoke, the event also gave businesses the opportunity to find out about all of the digital support currently available across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
Find out more about the support available to businesses, here.
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BusinessLodge Stoke recognised for Excellence in Customer Service in nationwide FlexSA Awards
BusinessLodge, the flexible space provider with innovative office spaces in the North of England and Midlands, has received two shortlistings in the UK’s national flexible space accolades – The FlexSA Awards.
Both their Stoke-on-Trent and Bury sites have been recognised for their Excellence in Customer Service.
BusinessLodge will now go on to compete with 12 other office space providers, with five overall winners being announced on Thursday 24th November in the Awards at London’s iconic Landmark Hotel. A highlight of the industry calendar, the FlexSA Awards will bring together the flexible workspace industry for an evening of celebration and networking.
The Flexible Space Association (FlexSA) is the professional trade body for flexible workspaces across the UK, representing hundreds of members. Its members comprise the operators of serviced and managed offices, coworking space, business centres, workshop units and virtual office providers, as well as providers of services to the flexible workspace industry.
Kate Holt, MD at BusinessLodge said: “We couldn’t be happier to be shortlisted for not one but both of our BusinessLodge locations. We take Customer Service extremely seriously and have a community-focused approach so whether you are a one-man band or 120-strong team, we offer a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. We’re told time and again that both locations are professional, friendly working environments and this is testament to the approach we’re taking. We can’t wait for the Awards night.”
FlexSA Chairman, Freya Cross, commented: “I was very pleased with the large number of entries we received this year, from Flexible Space Association members of every size. They felt a real celebration of the best of the flexible workspace industry, and there were some very hard decisions for the judging panel to take in deciding on the finalists. I’m looking forward to presenting the awards to the winners at our Gala Dinner at the end of the month.”
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National award win rounds off huge year of growth for six-year-old Lichfield business
A Lichfield business which was started less than six years ago by two people with a vision of ‘service above profits’ has brought home the silver after winning a national building and construction award.
Legionella & Fire Safe Services won the silver award for Contractor of the Year (contract value up to £5m) in the 2022 National Building and Construction Awards at a glitzy ceremony in London.
The accolade was in recognition of a challenging 2.5 million-pound programme of work carried out at Jordan House, a 13-storey apartment building in Castle Bromwich which is home to 50 families and individuals.
Danielle Bayliss, operations director at LFS, said: “Winning this prestigious award is a huge recognition for every single member of the team and their contributions to the business.
The judging criteria recognised how the business has developed in the last 12 months in areas of innovation, how obstacles have been overcome, and overall success in delivering key projects.
“From starting less than six years ago to being recognised at a national awards ceremony is an achievement we are extremely proud of.”
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Sara’s Blog: Reaction to the Autumn Statement
It is shocking news that inflation continues its upward trajectory reaching 11.1% with no sign of slowing – and research by the British Chambers of Commerce shows that many SMEs find it almost impossible to absorb or pass on rising costs.
While the Bank of England seeks to control inflation through further interest rate rises, this fails to address the core drivers of inflation for most firms: soaring energy costs, global supply chain disruption and rising staff costs due to labour shortages.
So, we were looking to see a clear plan from the Chancellor to boost business investment and growth, as well as targeted measures that ease the specific causes of inflation. The UK economy otherwise faces a lethal combination of recession and runaway inflation.
The Chancellor has stayed true to his word in focusing on financial stability, growth, public services and targeting support for the most vulnerable in society. But in the teeth of a recession, this statement will not increase business confidence.
Businesses will look at Thursday’s announcements and welcome support with business rates, and retention of the employment allowance, though the reduction in the dividend allowance will impact many smaller firms.
Almost half of businesses tell us they will find it difficult to pay their energy bills once the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme ends on 31 March 2023. The sooner we get clarity on where future support will be targeted the better. We had hoped that there would be a timeline for looking at some of the energy intensive businesses earlier than this. It is good news to hear plans to improve energy efficiency across the economy, but we need to see greater urgency as firms battle with their bills in the here and now.
Windfall taxes are sometimes a bit of a blunt instrument, and it would have been more exciting to see the energy companies coming up with strong investment plans to help people with insulation and to turbocharge our race to net zero by investment in renewable energy.
The Chamber absolutely welcomes the National Living Wage increase, which is a vital support for people during the cost of living crisis, however, it does put more pressure on businesses wage bills, too. It’s not the level of the NLW but the impact it can have on the differentials within the pay structure. It doesn’t come into force until April but with pay negotiations and budgets being set now, this could increase inflationary pressure.
Sizewell C will proceed, and HS2 – of which Staffordshire Chambers has long been an advocate – and Northern Powerhouse Rail have not been cut further. These projects will provide a major boost to regional economies as well as improving national infrastructure and we will be working really hard to get more opportunities for local companies to be in these supply chains.
The Government must do more to improve conditions for businesses to invest and grow, otherwise we will be starting from a weak base to power our recovery once global economic conditions stabilise.
The Chancellor’s Statement is light on green innovation, does nothing to talk about how to address current labour shortages and is silent on boosting export led growth.
As always, please let us have your concerns, comments and anecdotal evidence on how all of this is affecting your business via the contact details below or by joining the debate in our Virtual Members’ Lounge.
You may have also seen on our social channels that it is Global Entrepreneurship Week this week. If you have an idea for a business and would like to talk it through contact start@staffordshirechambers.co.uk to speak to one of our experts.
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
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Vinyl music shop owner records win in start-up business competition
The Dyer’s Den competition for start-up entrepreneurs in Staffordshire Moorlands, which is sponsored by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, has been won by a vinyl record shop owner who started his business just a few months ago.
Will Madden, 24, owner of Smithfield Records based in the Smithfield Centre in Leek, beat off stiff competition and impressed the judges to scoop a prize package valued at over £4000.
Now in its fourth year, Dyer’s Den is the idea of Jed Eatough, director of Leek based LSGK Accountants Ltd and is supported by partners and sponsors Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, Staffordshire Moorlands Chamber of Commerce, Tinsdills Solicitors, The Capture Factory, Churnet Sound Radio, Cathy Bower Photography and Mark Brammar Associates.
The first prize is made up of £750 in cash, mentoring, legal and financial help and advice, membership of the Chamber of Commerce, a website MOT, radio advertising and photography.
Competition winner Will Madden said: “I have had a passion for vinyl since I was a teenager and started to sell records online during lockdown. I was planning to open a shop a couple of years ago, but Covid and lockdown came along, and my plans were put on ice. Everything finally came together earlier this year, and I opened the shop in August. There is a growing market for vinyl records, and I have customers from teenagers to pensioners who call in to buy, browse or have a coffee and a chat.
“I sell a range of new and used vinyl, CDs and cassettes at the shop and online and I have plans to run live music and DJ events soon. Winning the Dyer’s Den competition will provide me with the expert knowledge and practical tools to build my business. Dyer’s Den has put me in touch with people who have years of business experience, and I am really looking forward to tapping into their expertise.”
Jed Eatough added: “Will stood out from the competition due to his enthusiasm and determination to make his business work. The judges all agreed that he had made a great start to his business and that he would benefit tremendously from the prize package to take him to the next level.”
The runners up were Moorlands Lawn Care and Sam Hughes Counselling who receive £500 and £250 cash prizes respectively.
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Life is sweet for couple as their chocolate business grows
A couple from Stafford have seen their chocolate business go from strength to strength despite launching it the year before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Partners Ian Wilson and Rachel Costello launched Cocoa Creations in 2019 after deciding they wanted to change their lifestyle to be able to spend more time with their young son.
Ian was born in Zimbabwe but grew up in South Africa, and also spent a few years of his childhood living in England. He arrived back in the UK in 2002 before adventuring around the world, spending time working in Northeast Africa, the Middle East and Asia before returning to Stafford and setting up as a personal trainer. Rachel was working in social and mental health care as a nurse and then as a carer for dementia patients.
They met in the gym where they trained together and eventually Ian wore Rachel down and she accepted his offer of a date.
Ian said: “We set up Cocoa Creations in 2019 and have been slowly building our dream, one step at a time.
“We needed something that we could both do after the birth of our son. We looked at several options, but eventually hit on the idea for chocolate when I was making some healthy chocolate treats for my clients for Christmas.
“We went to Birmingham for a day of making chocolate truffles and treats and eventually decided on becoming chocolatiers and enrolled on an intense course at Slattery’s in Manchester.
“We came home full of enthusiasm and got on with building Cocoa Creations. We first had to choose which chocolate to use and decided on Callebaut, who offer us some of the best chocolate with the great reassurance of it being fairly traded and without exploitation.
“We also contacted Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce for some advice and guidance and were fortunate to be put in touch with start-up advisor, Aly Davidson. Aly was great and after our first meeting she lined us up with a potential new client who buys from us regularly. Aly also pointed us in the right direction for some much-needed funding. We have loved being a part of her ‘tribe’ and we can’t wait to get down to some serious work with her.”
Ian and Rachel create a range of truffles, chocolate bars and treats as well as fudge and they are also working to launch a vegan range almost as extensive as their regular range and developing ranges designed to stimulate without the ‘after-sugar’ crash and to help women through hormonal cycles.
Ian added: “We have more plans and innovations in the pipeline but nothing we can talk about just yet.”
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce start-up advisor Aly Davidson said: “Ian and Rachel have a passion for their chocolate and their business which shines through. They are determined to run an ethical business and their vegan range means they have a fantastic opportunity to exploit a rapidly growing market. I have no doubt they will go a long way, and importantly have fun doing what they love.”
If you are thinking of starting a business and would like to discuss your plans, contact start@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or call 01782 202222.
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String of awards for local water retailer
Cutting water waste in the UK, increasing awareness around water efficiency amongst organisations – and focusing on employees – has resulted in a string of awards for water retailer Water Plus.
It’s won two British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards, in the West Midlands Region, after it was nominated for Workforce Developer and Green Business of the Year, in the Planet Saver category. It’s the first time the business has been shortlisted – and won British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards.
The company, which has its main office in Stoke-on-Trent, was put forward in the British Chambers of Commerce awards by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
In a first for their industry, Water Plus also won two National Sustainability Awards for its work with organisations on Water Reduction and its support for projects that prevent carbon emissions being released. It makes four awards, in recent weeks, for the company.
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “We’re delighted that Water Plus has been recognised as one of the leading employers within the West Midlands for developing their employees through a range of resources and programmes. They are also a great example of a business that is focused on helping their customers to cut costs and help the environment by supporting them to cut their water waste and improve efficiency.”
Its work engaging businesses with their water use also saw business customers in a survey this year say it’d saved them energy, saved water and helped with budgeting*. Being more aware of water that’s used helps organisations reduce water waste and risks to supply interruptions on site water pipes.
Water Plus is also part of a Careers Hub in Staffordshire and a Careers Enterprise Programme to encourage people into work in the future. In November – and October, the company had pupils visiting their main office to learn more from those working there about jobs, learning, qualifications and other elements of employment.
The company is also highlighting water efficiency information and tips to school pupils – and other organisations – under their #BeWiseOnWater awareness campaign. During the November visit, this included asking children to turn off taps while brushing teeth, to reduce water waste (and carbon emissions linked to providing the water). Where less water needs to be heated there is also an energy saving too.
Mrs Claire Thomas, Associate Assistant Principal at Christ Church Academy, in Stone, Staffordshire, said: “The initial pupils who visited Water Plus found this very helpful to learn more about different job roles and what it’s like to work in and around offices with a company that has customers all across England and Scotland. It’s brilliant Water Plus have joined the Careers Hub to deliver workshops and visits – to help build interest and curiosity around the world of work to help young people for the future.
“Most pupils I spoke to, after Water Plus staff took part in a Careers Day at the school, said they were much more aware of the importance of saving water. They were able to quote a variety of different methods, including not leaving taps on when brushing teeth and shorter showers. Some pupils also stated that they are much more aware of how privileged they are in terms of their access to clean water.”
Water Plus, which works with organisations including the public sector, providing water retail services, is currently recruiting for roles – and has increased the number of apprenticeships – doubling the number of people on these in the Innovation and Technology area of the business this year. This year, more than 22 people are on apprenticeships, as they develop their skills for the future, including working towards degrees.
Andy Hughes, Chief Executive of water retailer Water Plus, said: “We really value all our people with a passion for delivering great customer service – and the success we have – and these awards – are a reflection of all their work with customers and providing the other great services we can offer to organisations in England and Scotland.
“Water Plus employees can choose to do one day of volunteering each year – and some are choosing to be involved in careers’ insights and workplace skills for young people in Staffordshire as part of this, while others have supported local charity North Staffs Mind by re-painting counselling rooms this year.
“As a leading business in the Staffordshire area, we aim to help prepare and support young and unemployed people from the local area to move into, or return to, the world of work. We’ll do this by helping them to develop a range of skills and provide experiences which improve their confidence and prospects of employability for the future.”
People in customer service teams at Water Plus also work towards National Qualifications in Customer Service, in a programme accredited by best practice leaders The Institute of Customer Service.
Water Plus provides water and wastewater billing and customer service, along with a range of technical water services and information around water efficiency, for organisations of all sizes. The company also won a Green Apple Environment Award in 2021, for its work with organisations around cutting water waste and raising awareness around water efficiency.
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Global Entrepreneurship Week
It’s Global Entrepreneurship Week! Designed to encourage potential entrepreneurs to start their own businesses – the awareness week highlights the positive impact that entrepreneurs can have on the business community and helps people to turn their business dreams into a reality.
Staffordshire Chambers is proud to champion entrepreneurs through our free-to-access Start-Up programme.
All the advice and practical help you need to start a business is available for free with our team of business start-up advisers. The service takes you through business planning, cash forecasting, marketing and market research, legal and financial requirements.
Throughout the week, we will be releasing a series of videos from entrepreneurs who have accessed our Start-up programme and have launched their own businesses. Find the first video, here.
There is ongoing help and mentoring available as your business grows and you expand and employ staff. There are also discounted membership deals for new start-up businesses.
To speak to an advisor, please email start@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or click here.
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Almost half of SMEs facing April cliff-edge on energy bills
A new British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey has found almost half of SMEs say they will find it difficult to pay their energy bills once the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme ends on 31 March 2023.
A further 4% say they will not be able to pay their energy bills at all, while 37% predict they will find it difficult to pay even when they are in receipt of Government support.
SMEs that renewed their energy tariffs after April 2022 report more difficulties. These firms were more likely to struggle to pay their energy bills going forward with 60% saying they will face difficulties paying after March 2023, and 7% saying they won’t be able to pay at all. Over half (51%) will find it difficult to pay their bills between now and the end of March, during the period of the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme.
Sara Williams, Staffordshire Chambers CEO, said: “Staffordshire businesses remain hugely concerned over the cost of energy and it is particularly concerning that almost half of SMEs believe they will face difficulty paying their bills once the Government support package ends in March.
“Perhaps even more concerning is that 4% of SMEs have stated that they will not be able to pay their bills at all come April 1.
“The Government must prioritise support for these businesses that goes beyond the current offering. Cost pressures can be relieved in other ways, including a reform of business rates to compensate firms that see energy support phased out.
“Ofgem needs greater power to regulate the energy market for businesses, which is already hampered by a lack of market competitiveness.
“There is a blatant lack of business confidence and immediate action is needed to help support the business community so that firms can trade into April with increased confidence.”
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