Summary of Manufacturers Forum
During the meeting, a participant asked about the gender split of applicants for the apprenticeship programs. It was noted that there is still an issue with the perception of manufacturing businesses, which discourages some women from applying.
Another participant inquired about the retention of apprentices, and it was mentioned that approximately 10% of the current workforce consists of apprentices, with around 70% of them staying on after their apprenticeships. Those who leave often do so to pursue different career paths.
The forum discussed the mentoring and buddy system, where mentees meet their buddies monthly, and feedback is collected throughout the apprenticeship to help develop employees. The benefits of embedding this system into the workforce were seen, and around 20-25% of a member’s workforce now consists of former apprentices, which enhances the perception of the apprenticeship program.
The forum also discussed upcoming events, including National Manufacturers’ Day and a site tour at the manufacturing site of Stoke Heath prison in Shropshire, focusing on the challenges of manufacturing in prisons.
- Published in Influence & Network
Summary of HR Forum
Vast, a charity focused on the Voluntary sector in Stoke-on-Trent and parts of South Staffordshire, discussed the benefits of employee volunteering, including improved retention, brand awareness, empowerment, team cohesion, and new skills.
Two pathways were discussed – Group Volunteering and Individual Volunteering. Vast offers a Corporate Social Responsibility program for team volunteering.
Participants shared their experiences with volunteering initiatives in their businesses, including giving back strategies and collaborations with educational institutions.
The forum discussed challenges in finding trustees for charities and the need for more support and training in this area.
Participants debated the value of “free” training and the barriers to its effectiveness, as well as funding sources and training opportunities.
Policy updates were shared, including concerns about childcare and the energy crisis. The increase in the minimum wage and its impact on staffing levels was also discussed.
The importance of working towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was emphasized, with examples of gender equality initiatives in some businesses
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Summary of HS2 Forum
The meeting began with a member business explaining vocational training services in Lichfield and Stoke-on-Trent, including training for HS2 construction. Several cohorts of trainees have started the training, and they aim to engage with local education institutions.
A presentation was made about the Responsible Business Scheme (RBS) by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. The RBS supports SMEs and VCSEs in Staffordshire, helping them enhance their economic, societal, and environmental impact. It aligns with various responsible business practices and aims to streamline procurement requirements.
Future HS2 Forum meetings were discussed, considering the two-year delay in Phase 2A construction. They reported disappointment and lobbying efforts to clarify the situation and protect local interests.
The forum also discussed the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
No further HS2 Forum meeting is scheduled until 19.10.23 due to the delay in construction. Ongoing lobbying activities and engaging with local MPs were suggested to address concerns.
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Summary of Charity Forum
The Charity Forum at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce held a meeting to discuss re-invigorating the forum and its role within existing networks. The attendees explored ways to engage more people and discussed the sector’s offer to businesses, including CSR, volunteering, and trustee opportunities.
Volunteering opportunities and the possibility of a stand-alone event were discussed. They also considered ways to encourage wider participation, such as inviting individuals from businesses to share their expectations of charity partnerships. The future of the forum was considered, and ideas were proposed, including a two-part meeting format with speakers and campaign planning.
The development of a portfolio for the charity sector in Stoke on Trent was also discussed. Work will continue to promote the forum and its offerings to members.
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Summary of Digital Forum
The meeting discussed the launch of the 2023 Let’s Do Business Expo with the theme “AI & Data Revolution.” The event is scheduled for October 12, 2023, at Uttoxeter Racecourse, and the keynote speaker will be Katie King. Other speakers and live panel hosts will be announced later, focusing on AI, Big Data, and Ethics. An interactive area showcasing technologies like Chat GPT and VR will be featured.
The possibility of a hybrid approach for the speaker slots was considered, combining in-person and webinar-style presentations. Practical considerations such as electricity points and SME case studies for AI implementation were discussed. Companies specialising in AR, AI, and Big Data were suggested to encourage stand holders.
The Forum also addressed matters arising from previous meetings, including rural connectivity information signposting, the inclusion of Digital as a cross-cutting theme, and updates on funding bids for the Digital Divide. Focus on United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) goals were Gender Equality and Clean Water and Sanitation
Working groups were discussed, with members expressing interest in the Digital Skills and Digital Divide groups. Members pledged to join and further expressions of interest were encouraged.
The meeting concluded with plans to coordinate meetings for the working groups’ members.
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Summary of the Rural Business Forum
During the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of sustainability and how all 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are interconnected. The UK Government’s commitment to Net Zero emissions by 2050 and the need for greater efforts to prevent warming above 1.5 degrees C were discussed. The forum shared views on sustainability in rural areas, including challenges faced, costs, and the need for case studies and tools to measure sustainability performance.
Members discussed the need to prioritise areas of focus, promote case studies, and define sustainability goals for the rural community. The importance of considering sustainability as a cultural, social, and economic issue was highlighted. Measures taken by Canalside Farm to improve sustainability credentials were presented.
Participants proposed developing a list of questions or priorities, promoting case studies, and providing information to encourage businesses to embrace sustainability. The idea of hosting events and visits to showcase sustainability efforts was also discussed. Updates on the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), rural crime, HS2 issues, and Staffordshire County Council’s Rural Economic Strategy were shared.
The meeting concluded with a plan to discuss SDGs at the next forum and circulate a note of SDGs for the upcoming months for further discussion.
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Staffordshire businesses urged to protect themselves from crime through series of videos
A series of hard-hitting videos are being launched to encourage Staffordshire businesses to take advantage of the free Staffordshire Business Crime Helpline to help reduce the risk of business crime.
The videos will showcase examples of crimes that are affecting Staffordshire businesses, the wide-ranging impacts they can have and how preventative measures could have stopped them being a victim. The videos will encourage businesses to contact the helpline to get free support.
Operated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and funded by the Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, the helpline offers expert advice to help local businesses combat various forms of criminal activities.
Through the helpline, businesses gain access to expert advisors who specialise in business crime prevention. These experts provide tailored advice and guidance to identify vulnerabilities, assess risk and develop robust strategies to safeguard business operations.
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers, said: “We are dedicated to supporting businesses in Staffordshire, and we recognise the importance of addressing the challenges posed by business crime. We hope that these videos will hit home with a lot of businesses and they will consider contacting the Helpline, to make simple changes to prevent them being a victim in the future.
“The Helpline provides expert advice and assistance to help local businesses protect themselves from theft, fraud, cyber attacks and general crime – all of which can have massive implications on a business’ operations.”
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams said: “Business crime is a serious issue that can damage people’s lives and livelihoods, and have a negative impact on our wider communities.
“These videos are designed to raise awareness of the help available for businesses through the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, both in protecting themselves from a range of crimes, and giving them the support they need to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.”
The Business Crime Helpline encourage businesses to report incidents to the police to allow officers to identify crime patterns. Crucially, it enables us to give businesses the support that they need to ensure they can resolve any issues and return to normality as quickly as possible.’
The helpline is also open to businesses who have been a victim of crime and all reports can be treated anonymously.
The videos will be launched on social media over the next 3 months and can be viewed on the Staffordshire Chambers YouTube Channel.
Businesses can call the helpline on 01782 900239.
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Declan’s Blog: Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Local Plan – have your say
With a population of more than 123,000, the Borough of Newcastle under Lyme stretches across the north of Staffordshire, extending from the edges of Market Drayton, over to Kidsgrove and Mow Cop. Keele University sits in the heart of the Borough and many businesses have recognised the benefits of being based in Newcastle under Lyme, thanks to the exceptional connectivity offered through the M6 and A500.
Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council is now consulting on the first draft of its Local Plan. A Local Plan identifies where and how many new homes should be built but also locations where businesses may need more land and areas of regeneration and protection. A Local Plan will outline the long-term vision, strategic objectives and development strategy for the Borough and includes policies for determining planning applications.
Having a Local Plan in place will help to support ‘place shaping’ in the Borough and provide certainty for communities, developers, and the Council. It can also help to attract funding, investment and support infrastructure provision in the local area.
ls have outlined that approximately 5,400 homes could be built across more than 40 sites, some of which are in the green belt. The proposals also include a range of ideas for business sites to create new jobs
We know that Newcastle under Lyme Borough is a great place to live and work. The local population is growing and there is a need to strike the right balance in building new homes but also making sure that there is a sufficient supply of employment land across the area.
You have the chance to share your views about how new levels of housing and development should be distributed, as well as the opportunity to comment on proposed development allocations. This is your chance to share your views and influence future growth and development of Newcastle under Lyme Borough.
The consultation runs until Monday 14th August and you can submit your views through the following link:
If you have an interest in planning and infrastructure, you’d be very welcome to join the Chamber Planning & Infrastructure Forum, which meets again on Tuesday 17th October at 9AM. For further details, please email: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
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New survey to offer insights into local salary information to aid recruitment
Staffordshire Chambers has teamed up with Hays Recruitment to launch a new Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire workforce survey for 2023.
The results of the survey will provide local businesses with an insight into salary and employment information so they can make clear decisions when recruiting to help secure the best candidates.
Now in its tenth year, the survey will provide a snapshot of local pay levels, average rates of pay per role, employee benefits and working practices. The survey draws on results from previous years, identifying key labour market changes and trends that will affect your business.
The survey was launched with an Employment and Skill Breakfast on 26 July 2023.
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “As the region continues to see nearly full levels of employment, businesses are still struggling to find appropriate talent to meet their increasing skills needs.
“The launch of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Workforce Survey and the report that will follow will provide businesses with an additional tool to help their recruitment process.
“It will support them in understanding local salary levels for a number of roles and additional benefits on offer, to ensure they are pitching any job opportuntiites at the right level to attract talent. We would encourage as many business as possible to complete the survey to give an accurate picture for the region.”
To complete the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Workforce survey, visit – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FWV8SK7
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Staffordshire Chambers announce trio of ‘Meet the MP’ events
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has announced a series of exclusive ‘Meet the MP’ events, providing an exceptional opportunity for Chamber members to engage directly with local MPs.
These events are aimed at fostering constructive dialogue between Chamber members and MPs, as they work collaboratively to drive positive change and economic growth within the region.
The “Meet the MP” events will be held on the following dates:
- Jonathan Gullis, MP for Stoke on Trent North. The event will take place at Commerce House, Friday, 15th September at 12:30 PM.
Book here. - Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke on Trent South. The event will be held at Valentine Clays, Friday, 29th September at 1:15 PM.
Book here. - Jo Gideon, MP for Stoke on Trent Central. The event will be hosted at Commerce House, Friday, 10th November at 12:00 PM.
Book here.
These exclusive gatherings offer Chamber members an invaluable platform to voice their insights, concerns, and ideas directly to their respective MPs. The discussions will revolve around crucial topics, including regeneration, transport, infrastructure, skills development, and various other issues affecting the local economy.
Through these interactive sessions, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce seeks to facilitate a strong collaboration between the business community and elected representatives. By bridging the gap between the private sector and policy-making, these events aim to yield actionable solutions that will drive sustainable growth and prosperity for the entire region.
Limited spaces are available, so early registration is recommended to guarantee participation. Please note, this is for Chamber members only.
- Published in Influence & Network, News