2021 has been a year of change for Penkridge-based mum of three Julia Jones who has stepped off the corporate merry-go-round to concentrate on building her own business that fits with her lifestyle and combines her passion for business improvement and training with her love of horses.

Julia, who has spent the last 16 years heading up training and education, most of that time spent working for a leading psychometric assessment firm, set up her own consultancy, Altezza People UK in March 2021.

Her new business offers business consultancy, planning, and training, specialising in leadership, teams, and sales. Clients also have the option of engaging in ‘equine facilitation’, a method of working through challenges, self-awareness and team dynamics that involves working with horses.

Julia said: “I have spent nearly two decades helping businesses improve performance and results of sales teams and leaders through developing soft competencies and emotional intelligence.

“I made a decision towards the end of February this year that I was going to launch my own business to fit in with my family. I Have two kids at Liverpool University and my youngest is just 10. He has learning challenges, so he benefits from me being closer to home rather than travelling around the country and abroad. We are building our equine business to help to support all businesses and teams offering an alternative way to spend high-value quality time together.

“The rationale behind Altezza people is to put the human back into digital to help people unlock sustainable results, a feeling of self-worth and accomplishment. I am already busy with an expanding list of clients.

“I have always loved and owned horses and so I introduced the option of equine facilitation. Horses are incredibly intuitive, picking up on emotions and reacting to how we respond in the ‘present moment.

“By partnering with horses, individuals and teams experience unfiltered responses as they work through their unique agendas. One thing is clear, when teams leave, they have better emotional connections and bonds with their peers. The change comes from the inside–out. Most traditional training works from knowledge from the outside working inwards. The shift in self-awareness and our responses to others changes instantly and stays with us easily.”

Julia added:  “Because my business plan was well advanced, I was fast-tracked to startup advisor Aly Davidson and growth advisor, Richard Brace. Both Richard and Aly have been amazingly supportive, helping me to set up my business and giving help with all the practicalities I needed. I have also accessed funding, that I would never have known about, which supported my professional qualifications.

“As a self-employed person, being a part of the Chambers feels like you have a full support network behind you. I am always an email or call away from advice and signposting and the support and guidance from Aly and Richard and the Chamber team is always there if I need it.”

Aly Davidson said: “I am really pleased that things are working out so well for Julia. She had all the elements ready to start her business and lockdown provided her with the opportunity and the impetus to develop her business and get ready to trade.

” Julia knew exactly what she wanted but we were able to help her with the practicalities and we are here to help as the business develops and grows.”

If you are thinking of starting a business and would like to discuss your plans, contact start@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or call 01782 202222.

Last night was the highlight of my year so far as I had the privilege to welcome all the finalists and specially invited guests to the gala presentation of the 2021 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, at Uttoxeter Racecourse.

Sadly, we couldn’t accommodate everyone who wanted to attend but a live streaming of the event made sure hundreds more people could watch at home or in the office, and it is available to watch again. The presenters at the ceremony were, ex bmibaby boss Dave Bryon and soon to be chambers President, Kate Beardmore from Synectics Solutions – a formidable double act whose wit and professionalism really made the evening extra- special.

Congratulations to all our winners, especially Stone Group who won ‘Business of the Year Award’. They were chosen from the 15 category awards winners with awards ranging from young employee or apprentice of the year right up to the large business of the year.

We received nearly 300 award and as ever the judges had the unenviable task of narrowing it down to 45 finalists. Reading the entries for this year’s awards, you really wouldn’t think we were dealing with the ongoing effects of a pandemic, post Brexit fallout, supply chain issues and labour shortages.

The awards shone the spotlight on the rising stars, hidden gems, brilliant employers, and the great talent that helps businesses to innovate and grow.

As we have all faced uncertainty and worry, it is fantastic to see businesses as beacons of hope and the great entrepreneurial spirit of Staffordshire.

I would like to thank our generous awards sponsors HSBC and all the category sponsors, the judges, the team at the Chambers, the entrants, and all businesses in Staffordshire for doing what you do and being so positive and forward thinking.

You can see a full list of winners and find a link to the streaming of the ceremony here: Awards – Staffordshire Chambers

Earlier this week the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released its labour market statistics for November 2021.

There are no surprises here as this week I have talked to a manufacturer, a care home owner and a solicitor and they are all finding that there is a real shortage of people able to work.

There was a marked rise in payroll employment which suggests that the end of furlough had little effect on the UK jobs market in October, as demand for labour continued to surge.

The number of job vacancies in August to October 2021 continued to rise to a new record of 1,172,000, an increase of 388,000 from the pre-coronavirus pandemic January to March 2020 level, with 15 of the 18 industry sectors showing record highs.

However, these record job vacancies suggest that the chronic staff shortages encountered by businesses are intensifying and this could derail the recovery by forcing firms into a more long-lasting decline in their operating capacity.

Although earnings growth remains high, achieving wage increases over a sustained period is likely to prove challenging without a marked improvement in productivity and an easing of the current cost pressures faced by firms.

Despite the success of furlough, the likely squeeze on hiring intentions from next year’s national insurance hike and slower economic growth could mean that labour market conditions start to weaken over the medium term.

More significant support is needed to help firms access the skills they need when they can’t recruit locally, including supporting the hardest hit sectors through expansion of the Shortage Occupation List.

The Chambers will continue to focus our efforts on working with employers, colleges, and training providers to develop our own talent pipeline to create a workforce fit for the challenge in the jobs we need to fill. We are also continuing with our work with the refugee population to use their existing or newly learned skills to benefit local firms.

If you have any issues around skills or retraining, please contact the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Skills Hub based at the Chamber on 0300 600 1066 Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Skills Hub – Employers, start your search for new skills here (staffsskillshub.co.uk)

You can read the full ONS statistics UK labour market: November 2021 – Office for National Statistics (ons.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

Are you seeking smart solutions for your business? A smart meter could be just the ticket for you.

Smart meters are the new generation of gas and electricity meters which can be an invaluable asset for firms in Legal services, Accounting and bookkeeping, Marketing consultancy, Architecture, IT services, and more.

Businesses across Great Britain are already reaping the rewards by gaining better control of their energy bills. Are you ready to join them?

What can smart meters do for your business?

1. Provide accurate bills enabling better cashflow
2. Make your bills simpler saving time for other tasks
3. Help you to do your bit for the environment

Say goodbye to estimated bills and hello to your new smart meter

Estimated bills can be inaccurate and inefficient which means that you might be overpaying for the services you are using. Stay in control, save money, and save time by only paying for the energy your business uses.

Save time for other tasks

Your company is innovative, trusted, responsible, and engaged so you need business solutions which are the same. The key to greater productivity is to work smarter, not harder. With a smart meter, you can continue to do what you do best, while your smart meter provides accurate bills, without needing to provide manual meter readings. This saves precious time and energy to focus on your business priorities.

By using a smart meter, your business can positively contribute to a cleaner and greener world.

From the moment your smart meter is installed, you are helping create a smart energy system which could ultimately help reduce our carbon emissions as a nation.

Businesses across Great Britain are working to positively contribute to a cleaner and greener world. Using a smart meter is a step in the right direction to help you cut down on energy waste and make your business more sustainable.

Firms with 10 employees or less could be eligible and installations can be arranged at a convenient time to ensure minimal interruption to your business and your clients.

Click here to find out more about what a smart meter can do for your business.

Contact your energy supplier or broker today and see if you are eligible.

The Chamber Business Awards, hosted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is one of the showpiece events in the UK business calendar, recognising and promoting the best of British business through a series of regional heats, culminating in a virtual awards ceremony, taking place online on the 9 December 2021: https://bit.ly/3ofsoiD

I am thrilled that two of our fantastic Staffordshire businesses are West Midlands regional winners, meaning they are shortlisted for the national finals next month.

Woolcool are finalists for the ‘Planet Saver’ – Green Business of the Year Award whilst The Efficiency Group are finalists for the ‘Game Changer’ – Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Both are also recipients of the Queens Awards for Enterprise, Woolcool for ‘Innovation’ in 2018 and The Efficiency Group for ‘Sustainable Development’ in 2021.

It seems that entering awards can become addictive as both are also previous winners of the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards.

Other notable winners of Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards that went on to gain a Queens Award are Synectics Solutions and LA International.

But it’s not just about collecting trophies. Winning awards will raise your profile and boost your business by introducing you to a whole new audience. And the only cost is a few hours of your time.

The finalists are all lined up for the 2021 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards and you can join the celebration via our live streaming of the awards ceremony on Thursday 18^th November. It’s a great opportunity to see first-hand what it takes to impress the judges if you would like to enter in 2022. You never know where it might take you!

Details of the live stream event will be announced on our social media in the next few days.

Yesterday was Let’s do Business, our annual business expo at Uttoxeter Racecourse. It was amazing to be out meeting so many friends and business associates in person at an event after 18 months absence of face-to-face meetings.

Understandably we are all a little cautious about close contact and Covid precautions need to remain in place for some time yet, but it genuinely felt as if the pandemic gloom and pessimism had lifted, and that Staffordshire was sending a clear message that we are open for business and new opportunities.

If you are ready to get back to face-to-face events or want to continue attending our online events you can view or forthcoming event programme: Events Archives – Staffordshire Chambers

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

Last week, the British Chambers of Commerce held a steering group with members across the chamber network focusing on issues regarding the development of adult and youth skills. The session highlighted the key areas in which decision makers need to focus on in order to support business productivity as well as to ensure UK economic progression continues.

Since the start of the pandemic, businesses have reported large-scale shortages of skilled workers which has resulted in a decrease in productivity and business confidence. With recent discussions taking place concerning economic progression, it is essential that businesses are supported in all ways possible to ensure that they have the right resources to maintain business operations as usual. Over the course of the pandemic, it has become increasingly more difficult for young people to get the training and preparation they need to be prepared for the world of work.

Ensuring that there is a clear and accessible link between places of education and businesses will support the development of youth skills and offer greater opportunities for work experience and internships. Additionally, investing in skills bootcamps, T-levels and on-the-job traineeships will provide high quality pathways to rewarding careers across a wide range of industries.

Sara Williams, CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “Businesses in various sectors have really struggled during the pandemic, especially firms that remained closed due to lockdown restrictions. This has amplified financial difficulties, meaning that they will be less able to fund employee training. It is critical that the government addresses the shortage in technical skills and provides funding in order to support businesses with the resources that they need, to prevent further regression in business development.

“It was promising to hear in the Autumn Budget that the government has set aside £560m for adult numeracy skills training. Conversations around skills are often focused on younger generations, however by investing in the skills of adults across the nation, businesses are more likely to be able to fill vacancies at a faster rate with skilled workers. We hope to see the government put businesses at the centre of local skills planning, ensuring that people are trained for sustainable jobs.”

By having the right skills in literacy and numeracy employees will have the opportunity to progress in their chosen careers. This is crucial for businesses as they will find it a lot easier to retain staff and will spend less time and resources on recruiting new employees.

The Staffordshire Business Pledge for Literacy provides a framework for businesses to tackle the literacy challenges throughout the county by working with the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce as well as the National Literacy Trust. This is a great initiative supporting the drive to raise literacy levels in the local community and engage employees in tackling the literacy challenge. You can sign the Pledge, here.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce hosts a quarterly Employability, HR and Skills forum giving members the opportunity to steer the Chambers representations on certain matters. To find out more or to join the forum get in touch by emailing rhouda.elalfy@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or call 01782 202222.

The government recently announced plans to strengthen day one employment rights and increase productivity of businesses. This will mean that British workers will have more choice over when and where they work, introducing more flexibility in the workplace. The British Chambers of Commerce are looking for feedback on how this proposal will affect employers. Join the conversation on the Virtual Members Lounge, here. If you have not registered for the Virtual Members’ Lounge, you can create an account, here.

Timed to coincide with COP26, a new survey of UK and overseas businesses by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has revealed just how challenging net-zero targets will be to hit unless governments work with businesses across the globe on making transitions to reduce their carbon footprint.

The survey reveals what we all know – that translating the deals, headlines and rhetoric from Glasgow into practical, workable solutions is the real challenge.

It revealed that a startling nine out of 10 firms have not done any assessment on a series of key strategies for managing a sustainable transition to net zero and two thirds (61%) said either capital grants or tax allowances would do most to encourage them to reduce their carbon consumption in the long term.

It also found most businesses were either unaware of or were not taking steps to get involved in key net zero strategies. These included the impact of changes to food supply chains (93%), a ‘Just Transition’ to net zero (93%), or the use of ‘nature-based solutions’ (89%). It also gave an indication of which of the UK’s 10 key priorities for a green industrial revolution were most important to them.

It found that 39% recommend prioritising ‘protecting our natural environment’, while 34% favoured ‘greener buildings’, 33% ‘delivering new and advanced nuclear power’, 33% ‘advancing offshore wind’, and 32% ‘driving the growth of low carbon hydrogen’.

There is a real danger that smaller businesses will get left behind unless politicians and business leaders come together to galvanise action.

A good start for all businesses is the BCC Net Zero hub, in partnership with O2, which provides businesses with a one-stop shop on everything you need to know about setting Net Zero targets. Welcome to the Net Zero Hub (britishchambers.org.uk)

In addition, we are here to help Staffordshire firms starting on the journey to net zero, just call or email us at the contacts below.

Let’s do Business is back

I am really looking forward to welcoming all our exhibitors and visitors to Let’s do Business, on November 11^th at Uttoxeter Racecourse, following the hardships of the past 18 months.

This is the Chamber’s flagship event, where we create a platform for anyone who wants to promote their business and network in the local business community. Let’s do Business also puts Staffordshire on the map as the place to come to do business. Networking is one of the most effective ways to promote and build business, and this event is a must for any business looking to connect and share information with new and existing contacts.

The halls at Uttoxeter racecourse will be packed with visitors and exhibitors from all business sectors as well as the Chamber, Growth Hub, and international trade teams, who will be on hand to offer advice and guidance on everything you need to run and grow your business. There will also be workshops, speed networking and our headline speaker, author and motivational speaker, Chris Thrall. His life has taken a few twists since leaving the army, suffering meths addiction and psychosis and working for the Triads in Hong Kong, Chris has a story you must hear.

The spirit of cooperation and the will for us all to work together has never been stronger and Let’s do Business is a great platform for us to do what we all do best – business!

Click here to register for free to attend – Let’s Do Business (letsdobusinessexpo.co.uk)

2021 Staffordshire Business Awards finalists

With less than two weeks to our gala award evening at Uttoxeter Racecourse, I am proud and excited that we have announced the finalists of the 2021 Staffordshire Business Awards. Due to restrictions the event at Uttoxeter is invite only but we will shortly be announcing details of how you can join our live streaming of the ceremony.

You can view the shortlisted finalists on a series of short videos in our Virtual Members Lounge here:

Business Awards 2021 Announced — Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce

Surveying for our latest Quarterly Economic Survey is now open.

This is one of the most important times for businesses across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to complete the Quarterly Economic Survey (QES). The information you provide will have help to shape and influence current policy thinking as the data is shared with the BCC, Government departments including HM Treasury and the Cabinet officer as well as the Bank of England.

We would keen to hear from firms from starts ups to large corporations, as it helps 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 survey.

We understand your time is precious, even more so now, so thank you to all those who complete the survey. The link to the survey is – https://bit.ly/3CyT1p1

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

As the chancellor announced his Autumn Budget last week, many people welcomed the increase in National Living Wage. Workers over the age of 23 are set to have a rise to £9.50 an hour, meaning that full-time workers will be paid an extra £1,074 a year before tax.

The rise is set to help low-paid workers who have been severely impacted by the pandemic as well as encouraging more workers into certain sectors such as hospitality, where they often have to work long and unsociable hours. With the recent surge in vacancies especially in sectors such as retail and healthcare, this announcement has come at the right time rewarding workers who have struggled over the last 18 months.

Increasing the National Living Wage has given hope to workers across the country – but what does this mean for businesses?

Many businesses welcome and support minimum wage and understand that it is a move in the right direction to help solve the current labour shortage. In addition to this, many businesses have already had to increase current salaries which are advertised on job offers in order to attract more applicants.

However, with rising energy costs, higher raw material prices and high levels of debt due to the pandemic and recent tax increases many firms have struggled with their cash flow. The rise in National Living Wage is likely to further impact a firms’ finances, putting them under more pressure.

Sara Williams, CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “As part of the Chambers’ pledge to the UN Global Compact we support the decision to increase the National Living Wage especially after we have seen the way in which low paid workers have struggled over the course of the pandemic. We strongly believe that equal and fair pay for employees encourages greater productivity and momentum, which is exactly what the economy needs right now.

“Despite this increase undoubtedly putting businesses under greater financial pressure, it was great to see the chancellor recognise sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality for the struggles that they have faced over the last 18 months. Rishi Sunak’s announcement of a 50% discount on business rates for these sectors will offer some relief to firms as well as help them to further invest in their growth. This discount will also help make paying a higher minimum wage more feasible.”

Ultimately, an increase in National Living Wage will contribute to the rising costs that businesses are facing across the board. Firms have stated that consumers are likely to face an increase in the cost of goods which will consequently add to inflationary pressures.

It is vital that for the remainder of this Parliament companies are not faced with additional costs. It is now time for businesses to be supported in all ways possible as they rebuild their finances.

If you require any business support or advice, get in touch with Staffordshire Chambers of commerce on 01782 202222 or email info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk.

Share your thoughts on today’s blog by joining the conversation in the Virtual Members’ Lounge.

If you have not registered for the Virtual Members’ Lounge, you can create an account, here.

There is much to welcome in this Budget for the business community in Staffordshire – including the news that Stoke-on-Trent will get support for three projects which will bring to life the City Centre Masterplan.

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak appears to have listened to Chambers’ long-standing calls for changes to the business rates system and this will be good news for many firms. This will provide much needed relief for businesses across the country, giving many firms renewed confidence to invest and grow. It is particularly good to see the hospitality sector getting some support in this area.

Additional investment in skills, infrastructure and better access to finance will be key drivers for our economic recovery and will provide longer-term benefits and opportunities for businesses across the country. It will be interesting to see how a Regional Angels network will benefit businesses here. And the news that digital and cloud investment will be able to gain from R&D Tax Credits is also good news.

However, businesses have been battered by 18 months of the pandemic and problems around supply chain costs and disruption, labour shortages, price rises, soaring energy bills and taxes and there may still be difficult months ahead. If firms face unexpected bumps in the road, the Chancellor must be prepared to take further action to enable the economy to fire on all cylinders again.

Growth forecasts of at least 6 percent for the next two years will offer new opportunities and you can be assured that the Chambers will be doing everything in our power to ensure that Staffordshire firms benefit from this growth.

If you have any issues arising from the Budget please contact us on 01782 202222 or info@staffordshirechamber.co.uk

As COP 26 starts – with a flurry of activity and noise – it is also a good opportunity to review some simple ways to start the journey to minimising our damage to the climate.

We are promoting that businesses (and your staff members homes) will benefit from installing a smart meter. It allows businesses to wave goodbye to estimated billing by securely and automatically sending meter readings to your energy supplier – which is going to be more and more important to us all in the future. Getting accurate bills will help manage cashflow and budgeting, giving certainly of paying for exactly what you are using.

As Glasgow hosts COP26 this year it’s a good reminder of everyone’s responsibility to become more conscious of their environmental impact.  Regardless of whether your business has three employees, or three thousand, we all should be aware of how much energy we’re using, and a smart meter is a step in the right direction.  From the moment your smart meter is installed, you’re helping create a smart energy system which could ultimately help reduce all our carbon emissions.

A smart meter is a positive step in taking control of business outgoings and if your firm has 10 employees or less your business could be eligible for a smart meter.

To find out more please email: info@staffordshirechamber.co.uk You can also contact your energy supplier or broker.  It could be one of the best calls you make this week.

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

Avid gamer Matthew Martin and his wife Corina are enjoying their new venture as joint owners of a mobile fish and chip business following many years of long unsociable hours in the hospitality trade.

The couple, who have a 13-year-old daughter and a four-year-old son decided to go for broke after their working conditions were changed, leaving them extra stress with childcare and less time together as a family.

“It was really all about lifestyle, and fitting around our family”, explains Martin.

“I had been working for a large blue-chip pub chain, but the hours were terrible, so I left and got a job in car sales.  Following redundancy, I joined my wife in catering at MOD Stafford.

“Contractual changes led to some hard thought about the way we worked and prioritised family life.

“We decided to take a leap of faith, take redundancy and start our own business. We had talked about self-employment for a while and had an idea that a mobile fish and chip van would be a good business idea.

“We then contacted Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce where we linked up with start-up advisor, Aly Davidson. Aly was incredibly helpful in helping us with everything we needed to know about starting and running a business.

“The Chamber also helped us to source a loan to buy the van through BizBritain. We bought a second-hand van fitted out with brand new equipment in January 2021 and we were ready to go at the end of March.

“The first outing was really nerve-wracking, we did a couple of test runs in Stafford, but we had no complaints, and we now make regular weekly visits to Seighford, Ranton and Yarnfield as well as taking private bookings and function work at weekends. And we recently got our first five-star review on Trip Advisor.

“We have never worked harder but this is our choice, and we make all the decisions, and importantly it puts us in control and gives us what we always wanted – a positive work-life balance with plenty of time for the family.”

Asked about the business name, gaming fanatic Martin answered: “We tried a few names.  I am a big fan of Call of Duty on my Xbox and as soon as I said ‘Cod of Duty’, Corina said it sounded so right, not only because of my gaming addiction but, because of our background in military catering.”

Aly Davidson said: “It’s great to see Martin and Corina doing so well. They both have an incredible work ethic and drive to make their business a success. I always say there is a business in all of us, and sometimes we just need a wee push to bring it to life.”

If you are thinking of starting a business and would like to discuss your plans, contact start@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or call 01782 202222.