Have Your Say: Q2 2024 Quarterly Economic Survey welcomes business input
Business owners and leaders are being urged to complete the new Quarterly Economic Survey for Q2 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 Policy Update: QES – Measuring economic performance
Last week, we hosted a business round table meeting at Commerce House, with the Bank of England joining a cross-section of local business owners to discuss the performance of the economy.
We brought together a mix of business sectors including manufacturing, housing, transport, financial services and logistics.
In the last few years, recruiting the right calibre of staff has been a real challenge against the backdrop of a very tight labour market. During the meeting, there was broad agreement that recruitment is less of an issue for the more general roles within a business. However, selecting the right calibre of candidate for more specialist roles, continues to be a headache.
Housing rents continue to soar in areas like Stoke-on-Trent, with strong demand for rental properties showing no sign of easing. During last week’s meeting, we heard that the slowdown in the new-build housing market has led to a slowdown in the haulage sector, with reports of some haulage firms going out of business.
There were a number of economic headlines last week. On Thursday, The Bank of England opted to hold the rate of interest at 5.25%. There is ongoing speculation that a cut in the rate of interest may be around the corner. Friday saw the release of ONS figures to indicate a 0.6% growth in the economy during the first three months of the year, effectively lifting the UK out of recession.
It’s fair to say that it’s been a challenging few years for the economy, against the backdrop of a pandemic, eye-watering inflation and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. We’re keen to get your view of business performance, as we roll out our latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES). The QES is the UK’s longest running independent business survey and is widely recognised by The Bank of England as being a valuable measure of how the economy is performing.
All 53 Chambers’ of Commerce across the UK, will be asking businesses in their regions to take part. Results are compiled and shared with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), who will publish an overall summary of national results. Here at Staffordshire Chambers’, we’ll be analysing results in the county and making both regional and national comparisons.
The QES comprises just 24 questions, most of which have a simple tick box response. It takes no more than 60 seconds to complete and by taking part, you’ll help to paint a picture of local and national economic performance. We’re keen for QES responses to be reflective of a wide mix of business sectors and business sizes. Please spare us a minute of your time. Your response can be really valuable. Click here to open QES – Q2, 2024.
- Published in Influence & Network
Rachel’s Blog: Stagnant export figures and taking to the stage at Confidence Live
Figures released today by the British Chambers of Commerce show that most SME exporters are struggling to boost their sales overseas.
The Trade Confidence Outlook for Q1 2024 shows that more than half of all SME exporters, 53%, saw no change in overseas sales, and 23% reported a decrease.
Unfortunately, the forecast looks fragile for 2024 due to ongoing geo-political uncertainty and growing concerns about the resilience of supply chains.
It’s not all bad news, though.
Around a quarter of exporting SME firms (24%) actually reported an increase in sales in Q1.
On a related note, I was delighted to read that Staffordshire Chamber members Bakers Fencing have been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.
The award recognises their exceptional success in international trade, which saw sales grow by 82% during the three-year application period. You can find out more about their story and their huge successes in exports, here.
Bakers Fencing work closely with our International Trade team here at the Chamber who support with export documentation and declarations. If you are interested in learning more about how our International Trade team can support your business, please click here.
The domestic demand for SME exporters remains consistently more buoyant, with 35% reporting an increase in domestic sales Q1 2024, against just 24% for overseas sales.
The EU is still our biggest trading partner, but firms continue to express huge frustration with the complexity and costs involved in trade.
We must look to deconstruct trade barriers with the EU, as the UK’s regulatory divergence increases.
The Government needs to work collaboratively with businesses to establish a framework that makes use of all the advantages the UK has, and to utilise incentives for our global exporters.
Confidence Live
Staffordshire’s biggest celebration of confidence and self-improvement returned to the King’s Hall last week.
I took to the stage to deliver an honest talk on my experiences with confidence and public speaking – something that I’ve always found difficult, but something that I am getting more comfortable with.
It was funny to hear people cheering and whopping as I spoke, so what I said clearly resonated with others and I’ve had some lovely comments since. I think it’s important to show we’re not infallible!
I was followed on stage by a range of brilliant presentations, including presenter and comedian, Katherine Ryan.
The event attracted guests from up and down the country, many of whom would have stayed overnight and eaten locally. It was a welcome boost for our local economy and hospitality sector, and something that we are keen to build on here at the Chamber.
It was a fantastic event and it was great to be in the room with so many businesses and entrepreneurs who were all eager to connect with other industry professionals and gain valuable insights into all things confidence.
We’ve got some brilliant events coming up at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. You can find a full list of them in our events calendar, here.
The Installation of Levison Wood
I thoroughly enjoyed attending the official installation of Staffordshire University’s new Chancellor, Levison Wood last week – and it was even more fitting for it to take place on Staffordshire Day.
Raised in Forsbrook, Levison is a true champion of the Moorlands with a remarkable story, penning eleven best-selling books, travelling and working in over 100 countries and producing a range of critically acclaimed documentaries.
It’s great to have such a high-profile person to inspire local students and show what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
There were some fantastic events taking place across the county to mark Staffordshire Day and I’m already looking forward to next year’s celebrations!
We’ve got so much to be proud of here in Staffordshire – and so much to be excited about in our future.
- Published in News
Royal recognition for Fenton-based Barkers Fencing
Barkers Fencing, the UK’s leading high-security fence and gate manufacturer, has been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.
The award recognises their exceptional success in international trade, which saw sales grow by 82% in the three-year application period.
Barkers now joins over 7,000 UK enterprises that have received this Royal recognition since the Awards were first created in 1965.
Based in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, Barkers design and manufacture a range of steel fencing and gates, much of which is exported globally, to locations including the Falkland Isles, the USA, Japan and New Zealand.
Andrew Rowe, Managing Director, said: “The following words, received from the King’s Award office are surely some of the most momentous and rewarding Barkers have received in our over 160-year history:
“I am delighted to inform you that His Majesty the King has approved the Prime Minister’s recommendation that your company should receive a King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category this year.”
Whilst innovative products such as StronGuard RCS and SecureGuard RCS – patented fences that can stop a 7.5tonne vehicle at 30mph – offer vital perimeter security and protect people and other valuable assets, the experience, passion and work ethic of the employees at Barkers is the real key to their export success.
The 185- strong team at their Fenton site have a winning combination of skills and aptitude, with friendliness, integrity and a ‘customer-first’ attitude.
Andrew added: “Virtually every country in the world has their own fencing industry, but our customers recognise the added value in Barkers specialist products and the technical expertise, experience and friendly service we offer. It’s the whole package that gets exported globally, not just the product.
“To commemorate and celebrate the occasion we will be holding a ‘Barkers Bank Holiday’ for all our team on Friday 24th May. The Kings Award is a just reward for the efforts in manufacturing our incredible products and selling to the world to keep people and properties safe and secure.”
- Published in News
Guest Blog: Emily Whitehead – Fabulous Feasting & Community Cohesion
A light of positivity was spotlighted on Stoke-on-Trent and Hanley recently.
Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts from BBC2 (find on iPlayer) showcased the Portland Inn Project (PIP for short), celebrating the power of community to breathe new creative life into an often overlooked and under valued part of Stoke on Trent. It was a joyous. Why? So many reasons.
The Portland Inn Project CIC (Community Interest Company) is ‘a creative arts project for a community in Stoke on Trent with the aim to achieve community cohesion, economic, social and cultural development by involving the community in the development of a pioneering community space, cultural hub and social enterprise.’
Designed to be an exemplar of people led change in an under represented part of the city of Stoke, it’s already achieved so much. From its first ACE (Arts Council England) funded Summer programme testing future uses of the old Portland Inn pub, PIP has been delivering exceptional community experiences from gardening clubs to their S.M.U.T group (Singles, Mothers and Others Unite Together) ever since. In November 2023, they announced that the renovation of the old pub had finally begun. The much loved ‘Pippin’ has been designed and shaped by the residents of the surrounding streets and already hosts community meetings and the all important gardening club. This inspirational journey has been driven by co directors Anna Francis and Rebecca Davies who lead a team of inspirational humans all dedicated to making a difference in this corner of Stoke on Trent.
It’s no wonder then, that Andi Oliver saw this joy and potential to host one of their episodes at PIP. Andi was on hand to put on a festival for the arts project with a fabulous feast at its centre as they delved into the area’s history and ‘channels its boundless artistic energy’. Andi Oliver also drew in the expertise of local chef Cris Cohen and his team from Feasted who developed a delicious Staffordshire oatcake taco for the party.
In addition to all the exciting achievements above, there’s no denying that seeing Stoke on Trent on the telly in a positive light is a pretty new experience for most of 1 us. Although the episode explores the challenges of the neighbourhood, it is uplifting to see the energy, creativity and hope which we can expect from the episode. As PIP says, ‘we hope you are watching the whole series of delicious food, heartwarming stories & really brilliant people ding great things in their communities…’ What can we take away from a positive story being shared on national television about our city? That it’s possible to make something from very little through community work, positivity and mutual support. We can learn that art and design plays a huge part lifting up the aspiration and hope for people in communities and this can be done on tight budgets & from the ground up. We can also learn that creativity and positivity isn’t dead in Stoke on Trent, a message that is so often lost. What can you do to support PIP or find out more?
• Watch Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts to be inspired and excited. Aired on April 17th at 8pm or on BBC iPlayer.
• Share the episode with all you know to spread the positivity created far and wide.
• Check out Stoke on Trent’s BID socials and website to find more positive stories about what’s happening in Stoke City Centre.
• Head to Airspace in Hanley to purchase one of their ‘Portland Inn Pigeons’. Ceramic pigeons of distinction to raise funds for the Pippin. Alternatively shop online at www.theportlandinnproject.co.uk
- Published in Uncategorized
Declan’s Blog: Transport – Keeping us moving well into the future!
Transport is a key enabler for business, moving both people and goods. Staffordshire enjoys exceptional connectivity with four major airports (Birmingham, East Midlands, Liverpool and Manchester) and three major population conurbations (Greater Manchester, Merseyside and West Midlands), all within an hour’s drive.
Last week, I joined our Chamber Transport forum and received some fascinating updates. Professor Hamidreza Gohari Darabkhani of Staffordshire University told us about the key messages from last year’s Conference of the Parties (COP), which highlighted the need to triple the amount of renewable energy available and double energy efficiency improvements by 2030. The emergence of a new clean energy economy, the close historic relationship between global economic growth indicated by Gross domestic product (GDP) and fossil fuel demand, is being loosened.
The West Coast Mainline and M6 motorway carve through our county in a north-south direction and the A50 offers that vital east-west connectivity.
Our businesses community relies on a road network which is free from congestion and a reliable system of public transport. The damaging effects of climate change mean that we’ll have to think about how our future transport network will look.
Hydrogen gas is now considered to be the most promising fuel of the future and recognised as a key option to realise the net zero greenhouse gas emissions commitments announced by governments around the world. Hydrogen has a number of transport applications including cars, trucks, buses, trains, aviation and shipping. China and South Korea are leading the way in the use of hydrogen in road transport.
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), including low-emission hydrogen-based fuels (e.g. synthetic kerosene), are at the highest levels of technology readiness. The world’s first 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) flight from London to New York, took place in November 2023.
From Transatlantic flights to travelling by bus in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire. Two of our local authorities (Staffordshire County Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Council), also joined last week’s Transport forum and gave us an update on their respective Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP).
Bus passenger numbers have been in decline for many years now and BSIP is seen as a way of getting more of us travelling by bus. BSIP aims to improve both journey times and journey reliability, which in turn, should help to drive up passenger satisfaction and repeat patronage.
Watch out for news of additional bus services being rolled out at specific times of the week – e.g. early morning, late evening and weekend services. Improved connectivity to fit around shift start and finish times will be welcome news for workers.
A number of bus stops will be upgraded with accessibility enhancements, to make it easier to step on and off the bus, improved lighting and CCTV. With an estimated 27% of Stoke-on-Trent households not having access to a car, it’s clear that there is real potential to drive up passenger numbers and this will be achieved through the offer of an efficient and reliable service, which delivers good value for money. Getting more of us out of our cars and onto buses will reduce congestion and help to improve air quality for us all. Watch this space for further BSIP news!
If you would like to join any of our future Chamber Transport forum meetings, please contact:
- Published in Influence & Network
Milestone celebrations for SNfMH charity
Lichfield-based charity Staffordshire Network for Mental Health (SNfMH) celebrated a milestone birthday in style by hosting a charity ball and raising almost £3,000 to help support their vital mental health work in the community.
The event, which took place at the Geroge Hotel in Lichfield, celebrated SNfMH’s 21 years of dedication to improving mental health in Staffordshire.
Ian Scott, Chairman of SNfMH said: “The evening was a huge success.
“After months of planning the SNfMH team delivered an amazing event. Many, many thanks to everybody who supported us on the night.”
Local radio personality and podcaster Ed Nell kept the night rolling with his comedic talent as the compare, ensuring a night filled with laughter and good company.
Executive Operations Manager, Gemma Giles, took to the stage during the evening to shed light on the invaluable work SNfMH does in supporting individuals facing mental health challenges. She also discussed the charity’s impactful work within businesses, promoting strategies for creating healthier and more supportive workplaces.
Attendees raised an impressive £2,976. This fantastic sum will be channelled directly into supporting the delivery of SNfMH’s flagship Toolbox program throughout the Staffordshire community.
Ian added: “Staffordshire Network for Mental Health extends its heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the Big Bash Ball.
“Special thanks go to headline sponsors, Logistics World and Staffordshire Web Design, whose support was instrumental in making the event possible.”
“It’s night like this that continuee to empower individuals in Staffordshire to navigate life’s challenges and achieve better mental well-being.
“Here’s to next year!”
Find out more about the charity, here.
- Published in News
Exclusive webinar to focus on how companies can successfully increase business growth by transforming their IT systems
Chamber member and IT specialist EPX Technical Services is to host a webinar for companies to learn more about growing their businesses safely and successfully.
The webinar, which will take place on June 6th at 2pm, will cover how to recognise the problems of a struggling IT infrastructure, the challenges faced in aligning IT systems with growth trajectory, and provide actionable insights and solutions to growth.
Places at the webinar, How To Update Your IT Infrastructure as You Scale Your Business to Ensure Success, can be booked here. Anyone who can’t make the webinar can sign up via the link and receive a recording they can view at their convenience.
Dan Ellis, CEO at EPX, said: “As a company expands, there is a danger that IT systems and processes are not fit for where the business is heading and can become significant barriers to furthering business growth – stifling innovation and hampering productivity.
“Growth is the goal of many businesses but there are problems that can arise with rapid growth which need to be managed correctly. Our Webinar on June 6th will look at how to scale a business successfully using appropriate operating systems.
“We will explore the challenges posed by inefficient systems and scalability constraints by providing an understanding of the root causes and identifying the solutions to overcome them. We will explain how businesses should be managing SOPs and how to protect assets during growth effectively.
“The session is designed to help companies revolutionise their approach to IT scalability – putting them in the best possible position to enjoy sustainable business success.”
- Published in News
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce launches new Ambassadors Network to recognise referral excellence
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has launched a new Ambassadors Network that will acknowledge and reward the businesses that have referred the greatest number of new members to the Chamber.
To celebrate the launch, a group of our best-referrers were invited to an exclusive lunch celebration at the prestigious Potters Club, Stoke.
Joining the initial network are Lila Connect, the Business Lodge, MB Associates, Training & Business Solutions, M&M Group and AMB Insurance – with more businesses set to be announced in the coming months.
The network forms part of the wider Chamber referral offer, which gives members a hospitality voucher of up to £100 for every business they successfully refer.
Steve Rushton, of Training and Business Solutions, said: “I’ve been involved with the Chamber for a number of years through a previous company, but decided to set up my own business around 18 months ago.
“I had a fantastic introduction with my account manager, Sandra, and since then, I’ve got so much out of the Chamber – whether it’s business support, networking or general guidance to help my business get moving in the right direction.
“I’ve had a lot of new business through the Chamber, who actively send business my way, and I’d like to think I’ve sent a good amount the other way too!
“It’s unlocked so many new opportunities for me and I am delighted to join the Ambassador Network.”
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “The Ambassadors Network embodies our dedication to nurturing meaningful connections within our business community.
“I’d like to personally thank all of the businesses who have formed part of the initial network. They are true Chamber champions and it’s great to see them enjoying so much value from our network.
“By recognising and rewarding those who actively contribute to our membership’s expansion, we aim to create a thriving environment where businesses can flourish.”
Find out more about the Chambers’ referral offer, here.
Keep your eyes out for more Ambassador spotlights in the coming weeks.
- Published in News
GivEnergy opens its first UK manufacturing facility in North Staffordshire
Fast-growing energy storage firm, GivEnergy, has officially opened its first UK manufacturing facility.
Situated on Chemical Lane, Stoke, this cutting-edge facility signifies a pivotal moment for both the UK clean energy sector and for the Staffordshire economy.
The firm held an inaugural launch event held on Friday with a range of guests including Amanda Solloway – Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Aaron Bell MP. Also present were prominent figures from the likes of Octopus Energy, E.ON, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, Keele and Staffordshire Universities, Beat the Cold charity, multiple renewables wholesale leaders, and more.
GivEnergy’s newly-opened facility will primarily manufacture commercial energy storage systems. It also leaves space to bring in the future manufacturing of the company’s smaller products, such as its EV charger. Meanwhile, the factory will simultaneously repair, recycle, and reuse damaged or old GivEnergy battery systems via a custom-built R&D lab.
With both the production of new products and the restoration of old, the facility is a true testament to GivEnergy’s commitment to a greener future. Plus, the site is a physical, working testament to sustainability. With the addition of solar panels and the use of its own commercial energy storage system, the building is not just net zero – it is net positive to the grid.
Jason Howlett, GivEnergy Group CEO, said: “We’re absolutely passionate about turning North Staffordshire into a centre of excellence for the renewables industry”.
“This new manufacturing site is just one part of that mission. We’ve already invested substantially in the region over the past 18 months with a new HQ, additional property acquisitions, and heavy recruitment drives.
“Now, we’re thrilled to be able to continue fostering economic growth and creating highly-skilled job opportunities via a British manufacturing facility.”
GivEnergy’s new manufacturing site will create multiple jobs spanning engineering, warehousing, and R&D. Plus, having this additional (and substantial) site will allow the company to stimulate electrical jobs via an expanded training facility for its approved installer programme.
This will double GivEnergy’s existing training capacity to help meet demand – allowing ever-more qualified electricians become certified to fit battery storage systems.
With operations now underway, GivEnergy plans to leverage these nearshored manufacturing capabilities. The company now looks forward to driving technological advancements in battery storage systems — contributing to the UK’s ambitious climate goals while delivering tangible benefits to customers and society at large.
- Published in News
