Chris’ Blog: Exciting EV partnership helping businesses to transition to an electric vehicle fleet
Great news announced this week that leading OZEV-registered EV installers, EVC solutions have joined forces with fleet management specialists Adept Vehicle Management to help businesses make the transition to an EV vehicle fleet.
This collaboration is set to transform the landscape for businesses making the crucial transition to electric vehicles and marks a significant step towards sustainable business practices in Staffordshire and beyond.
Staffordshire Chambers helped to facilitate a meeting between Nigel Ryan and Adrian Cooper from EVC with Francis Jones from Adept back in the autumn of last year.
Facilitating meaningful connections and propelling innovative partnerships is at the core of Staffordshire Chambers’ mission.
It’s great to see that the partnership has gathered real momentum – it demonstrates the power of the Chamber network in action.
This partnership is not only significant for Staffordshire but also extends its impact beyond, contributing to a broader movement towards sustainable business practices. It not only supports the adaptation of electric vehicles but also underlines the commitment to creating a sustainable and environmentally conscious business ecosystem.
We look forward to witnessing the tangible impact it will have on businesses embracing electric vehicles in Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.
- Published in Uncategorized
Staffordshire Chambers helps facilitate exciting new EV partnership between two local businesses
A new partnership sparked by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is helping local businesses to transition to electric vehicles.
EVC Solutions, a leading provider of OZEV-registered EV charging systems, is joining forces with Adept Vehicle Management, a distinguished player in the fleet management industry with over 21 years of experience, to ensure that businesses opting for EV fleets receive comprehensive support in the instillation of charging infrastructures.
It’s hoped that the partnership will help businesses to transition to an EV fleet as conveniently as possible.
Adrian Cooper, business partnering manager at EVC, said: “EVC’s collaboration with Adept Vehicle Management is the perfect partnership for companies with electric fleets or customers with EVs.
“Businesses with electric vehicle fleets need access to charging points, whether for their own vehicles, their staff, or their customers.
“The partnership between EVC Solutions and Adept Vehicle Management is a huge benefit to companies switching to, or growing their electric vehicle fleets.”
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, added: “Facilitating meaningful connections and propelling innovative partnerships is at the core of Staffordshire Chambers’ mission.
“We are immensely proud to have helped bring together EVC Solutions and Adept Vehicle Management for this transformative collaboration. The strength of this partnership lies not only in their shared commitment to sustainable business practices but also in their ability to simplify the transition to electric fleets for businesses.
“This collaboration will have a significant impact on businesses embracing electric vehicles, and it underscores our dedication to fostering growth and sustainability within our business community.”
- Published in News
Guest Article: Chris Street – Why businesses should join the International Trade Forum
Chris Street, chair of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s newest forum – the International Trade Forum – shares an update on the forum, and his feelings on why businesses should get involved.
“I’m frequently asked, why should I bother to Export?…. and it’s a good question.
It initially can be seen as expensive, difficult and complicated for those that have never done it before.
In reality, many organisations start exporting by accident. A customer asks you to supply to an overseas location instead of locally, you are approached by an overseas company who has seen your product or service online or you just put your toe in the water and go to an international trade fair. However it happens, it is often the starting point to an exciting, new adventure for your organisation which in turn can often be very lucrative.
If you or your organisation is exporting for the first time or is a seasoned exporter please join us to share your experiences and ideas at the International Trade Forum so we can together learn from each other and build stronger businesses.
The Forum consists of a diverse range of businesses and organisations who are looking to grow their business overseas and want to share their experiences whilst learning from those that have done it.
The aim of the Forum is to help support local businesses to export more by providing specific advice and ideas. This can involve supporting businesses with issues such as recruitment, language support, visas and legal advice. We also promote Trade Missions and can provide assistance in finding funding support.
In addition the ITF will look to raise issues impacting barriers to export with relevant strands of local and national government to ensure we give our businesses and organisations in our region every chance to succeed and prosper.
If you are interested in Exporting or just want to know more then please join us at the next International Trade Forum Meeting to be held at Commerce House, Stoke on Monday 26th Feb 2024 at 9am.
Please contact Maxine Darrock at maxine.darrock@staffordshirechambers.co.uk to book a place. It’s free and it may be the best investment you can make this year.
- Published in News
Have Your Say: Q1 2024 Quarterly Economic Survey welcomes business input
Business owners and leaders are being urged to complete the new Quarterly Economic Survey for Q1 2024 to help inform policymakers on the challenges facing businesses in our local area.
This is one of the most important times for businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to complete the QES as firms continue to battle headwinds of skills shortages, inflated costs and supply chain disruption.
The information you provide will help to shape policy thinking as the data is shared with the British Chambers of Commerce, Government departments including HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office as well as the Bank of England.
We are keen to hear from firms of all shapes and sizes as it will help create an accurate picture of the current business landscape.
Whether you’re a seasoned director or relatively new to your company, please spare just a few minutes to fill in the anonymous survey.
We understand your time is precious, even more so now, so thank you to all those who complete the survey. Click here.
- Published in News
Declan’s Blog: Chambers’ Transport Form – A cure for range anxiety and Midlands Connect
Last week, our Transport Forum held its first meeting of 2024. The main topic of discussion centred around electric vehicles and we were pleased to welcome one of our Chamber members, Adrian Hide of Adrian Hide Consultancy, who shared his experiences of driving an electric car.
The UK Government has announced a ban on the sale of all new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. That gives us eleven years to think about making the switch to electric vehicles and the clock is ticking!
Adrian made the switch two years ago and he described driving an electric car as “responsive” and “effortless”. The Regeneration system in some models allows the driver to select ‘one-pedal driving’.
The driver can use the system to slow the car without the need to press on the brake pedal. When driving from home to our Transport forum meeting, he said he didn’t touch the brake pedal until he arrived on our car park at Commerce House!
“Range anxiety” is still seen as a barrier preventing more drivers from switching to electric vehicles, fearing that they will run out of charge and struggle to find available charging points. Adrian explained that this barrier can be overcome through forward planning by the driver. Using the example of a recent journey to Exeter, he stopped for a short break at Gloucester Services and in the time taken to drink a coffee, he had topped up the charge on his car. He added that there are electric vehicle charge points at more than 31,000 locations around the UK.
More businesses are installing charge points at business premises, recognising the benefits of both staff and visitors being able to charge vehicles on site. There is also a growth in hotels and other leisure venues installing charge points, in a bid to encourage more customers. Adrian reported that charging the remaining 20% of battery capacity can take disproportionately longer than charging the first 80% of the battery and suggested that drivers need to have a mindset of topping up.
More of us will be making the switch in the coming years and Adrian’s presentation gave us plenty of food for thought.
We also welcomed Ciara Jagger of Midlands Connect to deliver an update. Midlands Connect is a sub-national transport body (STB), funded by the UK Government as one of seven STB across the country. Midlands Connect works with all 22 regional transport bodies and a number of stakeholder groups (including Chambers’ of Commerce), across a region which stretches from Herefordshire to the Lincolnshire coast.
We were interested to hear that Midlands Connect “continues to establish a strategic narrative for transport investment in the region”. From a Staffordshire perspective, we are keen to keep pressing for improvements to the A50/A500, which connects the M1 and M6 and is regarded as the North Midlands Manufacturing Corridor and a key logistics route for the likes of JCB and Toyota. We also want to see a major overhaul of junction 15 of the M6 and the approaches, which opens up access to/from the North Staffordshire conurbation.
Our Transport forum meets again on Tuesday 30th April. If you have an interest in the latest developments on road, rail, air and sea, please contact me: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in News
Top 50 law firm Freeths announces B Corp accreditation
Full-service law firm, Freeths, has announced that it is now a certified B Corporation (B Corp) as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and its wider ESG strategy.
B Corp certification is awarded to businesses that demonstrate they meet B Corp’s high standards of environmental and social impact and good governance. This is measured through performance, accountability, and transparency across all areas including employee benefits, charitable work, and supply chain practices.
Freeths will now be working with the environmental company Planet Mark to help the firm to create a net-zero plan, and to establish interim and long term Science Based (SBTi) net-zero targets.
Chris Freeston, Head of the firm’s Banking & Finance Practice, who led the B Corp application for the firm, said: “I’m excited and hugely proud that Freeths has achieved B Corp certification.
“As a responsible business, it is testament to the hard work of our people and it highlights these important issues and embraces the values that are integral to our firm, our people, clients, and our communities.
“At Freeths, we take our commitments to people and the planet very seriously and this status demonstrates our ongoing performance in the field.”
- Published in News
Chris’ Blog: Bringing a special guest to Staffordshire
The secret is out! We’re bringing Timpson Group’s pioneering CEO, James Timpson OBE to Staffordshire to deliver a masterclass on all things skills, recruitment and retention.
This groundbreaking event will shake up the way that Staffordshire businesses approach talent acquisition and employee retention, as James shares the strategies that he uses to foster a top-tier workforce.
James will be joining us hot off the release of his new book – The Happy Index: Management tools & leadership advice for creating a happier and healthier workforce – to share the specific qualities and characteristics he values most in potential hires.
With a staggering 5,600 colleagues across 2,000 stores, Timpson Group stands as an example of excellence in creating an outstanding company culture.
James will join businesses at the bet365 Stadium on the morning of March 20, when he will help Staffordshire businesses to understand how they can approach recruitment and retention in the face of a national skills shortage – and share the secret tactics he uses to retain talent.
The room will full of other leading local businesses so it is also a brilliant networking opportunity!
Attendees will also gain a unique insight into the projects and initiatives undertaken by the Timpson Foundation to support education and employment. The positive impact the foundation has had on lives through skills development and employment opportunities is nothing short of inspiring.
This masterclass forms part of the Chambers’ Big Business Breakfast series, aimed at empowering Staffordshire businesses to overcome challenges and celebrate local success stories.
Staffordshire Chambers is continuing to drive collaboration between businesses and education providers to help tackle skill gaps, aligning seamlessly with our local skills improvement plan.
James book is release next Thursday so we will be keeping an eye out for that, too!
Mark your calendars for March 20, and we will hopefully see you at the bet365 Stadium!
- Published in News
James Timpson OBE to deliver unique employment masterclass
A pioneering CEO is set to visit Staffordshire to deliver a ‘skills solutions’ masterclass that will help local businesses and training providers to attract exceptional employees.
James Timpson, the visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist behind Timpson Group, will share his unique strategies that he uses to help ‘attract exceptional employees’ to the UK’s leading retail service provider, currently employing over 5,600 colleagues across 2,000 stores.
Organisers hope that the event, taking place at the bet365 Stadium on the morning of 20 March, will help to tackle skill shortages that continue to impact businesses across the county.
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “One thing that tops the agenda in our regular dialogue with businesses of all sizes is a real struggle to recruit and retain the right calibre of candidates.
“Timpson Group are renowned for their brilliant work culture and are the perfect case studies for businesses looking to transform their approach to recruitment and staff retention.
“It’s a great opportunity for businesses to discover the specific qualities and characteristics James values most in potential hires and the tactics he uses to retain talent, while networking with other leading local employers.
“This event continues our fantastic work around the Local Skills Improvement Plan, which brings together local skills providers with businesses to better align learning opportunities for young people.”
Businesses will also gain an insight into the projects and initiatives undertaken by the Timpson Foundation to support education and employment, and discover the positive impact the Timpson Foundation has had on lives through skills development and employment opportunities.
The event forms part of the Chambers’ wider Big Business Breakfast series, designed to empower Staffordshire businesses to tackle the most pressing challenges and champion our business success stories.
Tickets can be purchased here.
- Published in News
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce propels business success by launching suite of industry-leading training courses
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has launched a brand-new suite of industry-leading training courses aimed at unlocking the full potential of businesses across the county.
Recognising that a skilled and motivated workforce is paramount for business success, the Chambers has gathered the region’s top trainers to create a comprehensive and convenient one-stop-shop for all training needs.
Leveraging over 200 years of collective experience within the business community, Staffordshire Chambers has meticulously designed new training programmes to address specific skill gaps, allowing businesses to align their employees’ capabilities with organisational needs and goals.
All training courses will be hosted at the centrally-located Commerce House in Festival Park, providing participants with access to complimentary refreshments, free parking, and ultra-fast WiFi. Chamber members will also be entitled to exclusive discounts when booking courses.
Chris Plant, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Deputy CEO, said: “We wanted to collaborate with Staffordshire’s best trainers to create a range of training courses that provide unrivalled value for the local business community.
“Staffordshire Chambers will now offer training programmes that elevate competency and expertise in crucial business disciplines, including core business skills, leadership, finance, HR, and health & safety. The comprehensive approach is designed to empower businesses across various sectors and sizes.
“The advantages of investing in workforce training are underscored by the Chambers, emphasizing its ability to address skill and recruitment challenges, engage employees, increase productivity, unlock new skillsets, improve employee retention, and foster innovation within organisations.
“Our lineup of award-winning trainers bring a wealth of practical knowledge to cater to companies of all sizes – from micro-businesses and SMEs to large international corporations.”
As a not-for-profit organisation, every penny earned by the Chambers will be reinvested to support and nurture the growth of Staffordshire’s economy.
The first five courses taking place at Commerce House are:
Microsoft Excel Beginner – Wed 6 March
Emergency First Aid at Work – Tue 26 March
Microsoft Excel Intermediate – Thu 11 April
Essential Supervisory Skills – Tue 16 April
Introduction to HR for Non-HR Managers – Thu 18 April
Chris added: “Opting for training with the Chambers is not just an investment in workforce development but also a contribution to the organisation’s advocacy and lobbying efforts, which aim to create the most favourable trading conditions for companies in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.”
The Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s dynamic training courses promise to be a catalyst for business growth and success in the evolving business landscape.
To view the new training brochure, please click here, or to book specific courses, please click here.
- Published in News
New ‘Look At Me Now’ platform to spotlight apprenticeship success stories and help tackle skills shortages in Staffordshire
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has launched an innovative new platform, ‘Look At Me Now,’ dedicated to showcasing and celebrating apprenticeship success stories across the county.
In collaboration with the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Careers Hub and the Local Skills Improvement Plan, this initiative aims to inspire young people, parents, and teachers by highlighting the tangible benefits and opportunities offered by apprenticeships.
Launched during National Apprenticeship Week, the platform provides a unique insight into a range of apprenticeship success stories, offering inspiration and real outcomes of the apprenticeship journey. The platform targets learners, learner peer groups, employers, training providers and those in educational settings.
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Apprenticeships have always proven to be an effective pathway to rewarding careers, and ‘Look At Me Now’ will serve as a valuable resource for individuals and organisations alike.
“The platform spotlights the diverse sectors benefiting from apprenticeships and underscores their positive impact on individuals’ lives. There are some brilliant case studies already live on the website which we are looking forward to evolving during the next 12 months and beyond.
“This is one of the ways that we are looking to address skills shortages in Staffordshire. There are so many current and former apprentices who are contributing incredible things to their employers, and it is imperative that they have a voice to help inspire the next generation of apprentices.”
Apprenticeships have evolved to encompass a wide range of sectors, with opportunities for Education Levels 2-7 exclusively through apprenticeship programs. ‘Look At Me Now’ aims to highlight the variety of sectors benefiting from apprenticeships, addressing skills gaps in the labour market, and showcasing the positive impact on the lives of individuals who have embraced apprenticeships.
Are you an apprentice with a success story, or an employer who has benefited from employing an apprentice in your workplace?
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce invites individuals and employers to get in touch by emailing tom.nadin@staffordshirechambers.co.uk. If you have a story to tell or know someone who does, this is an excellent opportunity to inspire others and contribute to the promotion of apprenticeships in Staffordshire.
- Published in News