Sara’s Blog: Inflation slows and the Better World Festival
This week’s inflation data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) illustrates that while consumer price and core inflation remain stubbornly high, businesses’ input prices have fallen.
Inflation fell to 7.9% in the year to June – down from 8.7% in May.
It means the rate of inflation has slowed more than expected largely due to fuel and food prices rising less quickly.
Inflation peaked at 11.1 per cent last year and has been on a downward trend since then but is still well above the Government and Bank of England target of 2 per cent – It may be some time until we see that again!
The Bank of England has raised rates 13 times since December 2021 to try to cool soaring price rises, driving up borrowing costs for millions. However, many leading economists now believe it is now under less pressure to act after inflation slowed.
While firms’ costs are now much higher than a year ago, the fall in the input rate will offer a glimmer of hope that consumer price inflation will soon start to ease. However, the drivers of price rises have shifted with labour costs now the most significant factor. This may slow down the rate of CPI decline – due to the high number of job vacancies.
“The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey in July, of 5,000 businesses, (with 200 of those being Staffordshire businesses) showed that fewer firms are now expecting their prices to rise, and while inflation remains the top concern, the numbers of worried businesses have been falling since the end of 2022.
As we know, the causes of inflation are diverse with most businesses, (68%) now citing labour costs as a key pressure, 63% citing utilities, and 45% citing raw materials. Labour costs will undoubtably remain an issue for business for some time; although the figure has been steadily falling, there are still around a million job vacancies in the UK.
However, for manufacturers, 75% cited raw materials as the main cost pressure, and hospitality firms were far more likely than all other sectors to cite utility costs as a worry.
In general, the QES data shows there has been optimism building in the business community that future price rises might not be inevitable. This week’s ONS findings will be an important factor for the Bank of England to consider going forward.
The next QES will launch in August, and we would really value your input to grow the response rate from our county. It takes about two minutes to fill out the survey. You will get notification of the survey by email and in Daily Focus.
Away from inflation and other worries now.
‘The Better World Festival’ organised by Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, returns to Stoke-on-Trent for its third year on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July.
It is a free, family-friendly event and I am delighted that Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is sponsoring the Festival with its exciting range of performances across two stages, zones for mindfulness and an artisan market. Its the perfect (free) event for you and your staff to visit for a great family event and I hope that you encourage all of your colleagues, friends and families to go.
The World Music Stage located on Piccadilly is set to showcase acclaimed artists specialising in global music including Royal Bollywood Music Strings, Kotu Drummers and Los Gitanos Kings, with headline spots secured by award-winning DJ Kavita and World folk rap band Mobius Loop. Better World Festival favourites are also set to return, including Jon Walklate, July Julay and Julia Mosley.
Complimenting the musical line-up, Better World Festival will bring together speakers, activists, pioneers, charities, community groups and artisan market vendors with an interest in creating positive change during this weekend event.
This includes our very own, Kate Beardmore, our President, who will be delivering an exclusive insight into ‘Wellbeing Tips for Daily Living’ in the Wellness Area located on Market Square at 2:30pm on the Sunday.
Charities members from Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce will also be exhibiting and showcasing their vital work in the local community.
I do hope you can find time to visit the Better World Festival. You won’t be disappointed!
Better World Festival 2023 – Stoke BID (stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk)
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Declan’s Blog: Key priorities for Stafford
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is the voice of the local business community. We’re here to represent the views of our member businesses, on a range of topics. We give our members the chance to come together and meet political leaders and key decision-makers. Last Friday, we invited the MP for Stafford (Theo Clarke, MP), to meet a group of member businesses at our office in the heart of Stafford, at Shire Hall Business Centre.
We know that Staffordshire is a great place to do business and this is epitomised by Stafford, which enjoys exceptional transport connectivity (particularly by rail) and a highly skilled workforce. 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’ve probably noticed the expansion of both residential and commercial developments across the area. A good example of this is the new housing development at Marston Gate on the A34, north edge of Stafford, sitting over the way from the new Pets at Home distribution centre.
Ms Clarke’s constituency centres on the urban area of Stafford but spans a wide area, from parts of Shropshire in the west, across to Great Haywood and Hixon in the east. The businesses who joined us at last week’s meeting came from different parts of the constituency.
Our Stafford Chamber Local Area Advisory Board (LAAB) is a representative group of member businesses from across Stafford Borough and in recent months, the LAAB has developed a list of key priorities for Stafford. These included a call for a focus on developing the centre of Stafford.
Boarded up commercial premises can become such an eyesore in any town and we support action or legislation, to ensure property owners cannot simply board up premises. Bringing health service provision into the centre of town would boost footfall for retailers and hospitality businesses.
Thriving town centres need easy access in and out and this aspiration is supported by improved public transport and secure cycle storage. A mix of commercial premises will bring employees into town and they’ll also spend their money at local retailers and hospitality venues.
Stafford Station Gateway and the Institute of Technology (IoT) are exciting developments which will help to grow our County Town but we’re keen to play our part in pushing for town centre improvements. Work to transform Market Square is taking shape and once completed in the autumn, it should create a space for a real mix of vibrant events.
Other topics discussed, included electric vehicle charging and the transfer of surplus energy generated by a business, with infrastructure not in place to allow this to be transferred to the Grid.
Ms Clarke listened carefully and spoke with all present, before opening up a wider discussion and agreed to take away some of the key points that were raised. We’ll look forward to getting an update.
Ms Clarke was joined by Nigel Huddleston, – Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade. Some of our members have experienced frustrations with exporting to the EU and we took the chance to raise these with the Minister. He agreed to personally look into what has happened and will also get back to us with an update.
If you would like to learn more about the key business priorities for Stafford, please contact me:declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Declan’s Blog: On the right track
Train passenger numbers continue to climb after the pandemic. Trains bring people to and from work and they also move people for work. It’s so important for a rail network to run smoothly, with reliable services getting people to their destinations on time. The customer experience of rail travel is key to ensuring repeat travel and keeping more of us out of our cars and choosing the train.
We were disappointed to hear of recent Department for Transport (DfT) proposals to withdraw Wi-Fi on trains. Rail passengers need Wi-Fi connectivity to allow them to browse the internet for work or leisure. Wi-Fi will allow work on the move, updating reports, ready for that meeting when the train reaches its destination.
We ran a poll of Daily Focus readers and more than 70% of respondents supported our view in challenging any proposals to withdraw Wi-Fi. We have written to the Department of Transport to express our concerns about these proposals.
We have also written to East Midlands Rail to challenge suggestions to withdraw some services on the Crewe-Stoke-Derby route. Known as the ‘North Staffordshire Line’, we see this as a key rail artery linking the east and west of our region, with local stations at Kidsgrove, Longport, Stoke-on-Trent, Longton, Blythe Bridge and Uttoxeter.
When HS2 services eventually reach Crewe, this line will play a pivotal role in moving passengers between North Staffordshire and the Cheshire railway town. Removing services from the timetable will damage passenger confidence and create uncertainty.
I’ve recently attended two rail conferences, one in Birmingham and one in Crewe and thanks to exceptional rail connectivity in the county, the journey by rail to each conference, was an easy one to make.
Avanti West Coast Partnership (WCP) held its Annual Stakeholder Conference in Birmingham, with the message that the recovery plan is working. A new cohort of drivers have been recruited and are being trained. A new Hitachi fleet of trains is being rolled out and the company is more than half way through a programme of refurbishing its Pendolino fleet.
Avanti WCP runs services along the West Caast Mainline, between London, West Midlands, North Wales, the North West of England and Scotland. In Staffordshire, Avanti services stop in Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Tamworth and Lichfield.
The High-Speed Rail Group held its conference at Crewe Hall, with the theme of ‘delivering HS2 in full, spreading prosperity’. One of the speakers felt that being connected to a high-speed network drives growth and carbon benefits.
We are disappointed by the decision to pause the start of constructing Phase 2A of HS2 (between Fradley and Crewe) and it was refreshing to hear one of the speakers describing this stretch as “the link that drives levelling up.”.
Mark Thurston, CEO of HS2 was another guest speaker and whilst acknowledging the pause in construction of Phase 2A, said he’s “determined to hit the ground running in 2025”, when construction will hopefully resume.
HS2 is key to addressing Government objectives of levelling up the UK economy and from a Staffordshire perspective, we hope Europe’s largest construction project will bring jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities to our county.
HS2 is more than just tracks and trains. Construction workers will need accommodation, food and personal protective equipment, to name just a few items on what will be a lengthy shopping list.
Transport is a key enabler for our local economy and if you would like to join the discussion and share your views around transport, please contact:bdeclan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Declan’s blog: have your say in our Chamber forums
Our Chamber forums are a great way for our members to come together and shape our policy and lobbying work. Chamber forums are also a perfect opportunity to grow learning and knowledge of a specific topic. In last week’s Energy, Environment & Sustainability forum, we received an update from Malin of Hattrick, on the topics of greenwashing and green hushing.
We’re all being asked to play our part in trying to limit the impact of climate change on the planet. Businesses are becoming aware of the benefits of having ethical credentials. Reports suggest that ethical spending in the UK went up by almost 25% between 2019 and 2020, in a market which has an estimated value of £122billion. Businesses need to appeal to the demands of their ethical consumers but some are being accused of “greenwashing”. This can be described as a public relations ploy, which is used to make a company or a product appear to be “green” or environmentally friendly, without significantly reducing environmental impact.
Greenwashing will raise the profile of a company’s public image. It will aim to appeal to the ethical values of customers and suggest that buying the product, will neatly align with those values. Greenwashing can often include the likes of nature related imagery and bold claims. Vague claims about the product and “green solutions can leave us bamboozled and distract us from the real issues at hand.
In order to avoid being accused of ‘greenwashing’, some businesses are choosing to remain quiet about their environmental agenda. They may choose to sit quietly instead of highlighting their sustainable initiatives. This is known as green hushing. The most common reason for green hushing is the fear of criticism for not doing enough, and the fear of being accused of greenwashing. This can lead to reputation damage and savvy consumers opting to take their business elsewhere.
Our Energy, Environment & Sustainability forum is tasked with exchanging information on energy, environmental concerns and sustainability within the private sector. The forum helps to drive our policy understanding on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability and promote the development of a sustainable economy in Staffordshire. It’s one of eleven policy forums that we co-ordinate, with each forum meeting up three to four times a year.
Being a member of our Chamber policy forums is a great way to join your fellow members in helping to shape our policy and influence as a Chamber. It’s also a great way to grow your network contacts and with meetings typically held once a quarter, it won’t involve too much in the way of time commitment. Meetings are usually held at our Commerce House office in Stoke-on-Trent and once a meeting has finished, you’ll be very welcome to move to our Members’ Lounge, grab a brew and work from here for the rest of the day!
If you would like to join any of our policy forums, covering the topics of :
• Charity
• Digital
• Energy, Environment & Sustainability
• HS2
• HR, Employment & Skills
• Manufacturers’
• Money Matters
• Planning & Infrastructure
• Rural business
• Social value and procurement
• Transport
….please contact me on:
declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Declan’s blog: manufacturing in Staffordshire
Let’s talk about the powerhouse that is manufacturing in Staffordshire. This sector not only contributes a solid 10 per cent to the local economy but also showcases the region’s exceptional expertise. But as many businesses out there know, it’s not all smooth sailing. We face our fair share of challenges, including skills shortages and those ever-increasing energy costs. At Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce we’ve got some remarkable initiatives lined up to tackle these hurdles head-on.
Our Manufacturer’s Forum meets every quarter and serves as a hub for like-minded businesses to come together and address those common concerns that keep us awake at night. By connecting manufacturers, we create an environment of collaboration and resource-sharing. It’s a space where we can develop local supply chains, tackle challenges collectively, and learn from the triumphs and failures of our peers. The insights we gather from these forums provide invaluable business intelligence, enabling us to effectively lobby on behalf of the local manufacturing sector through the British Chamber network. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with!
At our previous forum, we welcomed representatives from the HEX Group who shared their insights on apprenticeships and how they can be leveraged by local manufacturers to address the skills shortage head-on. Apprenticeships are Staffordshire’s best kept secret for filling that talent gap and nurturing the future stars of manufacturing. By investing in apprenticeship programmes, businesses can tap into the skills and knowledge developed by apprentices, ultimately strengthening their workforce and gaining a competitive edge in the market.
The next forum is set to take place in a rather unconventional setting—a prison! We’re diving deep into how manufacturing activities can thrive under unique circumstances. This presents an exciting opportunity to discuss the challenges and potential benefits of engaging ex-offenders in the manufacturing sector. By embracing this opportunity, local manufacturers can not only address the skills shortage but also contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals into society. If you’re intrigued and want to learn more, register your interest by emailing steven.hopwood@Staffordshirechambers.co.uk
We’re taking over Uttoxeter Racecourse on National Manufacturers Day, the 28th of September, and it’s going to be a night to remember. This event is the perfect opportunity for manufacturers to come together, celebrate their awe-inspiring achievements, and gain inspiration from none other than John Howe, the Managing Director for the UK and Ireland at Michelin. Brace yourselves for an evening filled with remarkable insights and ample networking opportunities that connect you with some of the biggest players in the region. This is your chance to make connections, forge partnerships, and take your business to the next level! For more information, click here:
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Declan’s Policy Update
I was recently invited to join a guided tour of the Smart Energy Network Demonstrator (SEND), at Keele University. SEND can be described as “an at scale environment, providing a platform that allows energy generation, distribution, energy balancing, forecasting and storage to be intelligently carried out across a range of different energy sources”, using the Keele University campus as a genuine ‘living laboratory’.
As you drive along the A50, from Longton heading past the Bet365 Stadium, look to the horizon and you’ll see a pair of wind turbines in the distance. Both are based in the Keele University campus, alongside a bank of solar panels.
SEND has a focus on reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change, whilst driving new research and development. SEND is being delivered in partnership with Siemens and will improve energy management, whllst reducing reliance on energy generated from fossil-fuels. The programme will also aim to reduce energy waste and provide opportunities to trial innovative ways of energy use and management.
Just five miles to the east, Staffordshire University has launched a Micro turbine renewable energy combustor (MiTREC). Staffordshire University has recognised that centralised power generation in power plants produces significant amounts of carbon pollution, with energy lost through transmission. MiTREC programme has developed an innovative biogas fuelled micro-combustor, to generate clean, affordable energy for countries around the world. Working in partnership with Cranfield University and Bladon Microturbine Ltd, mini generators can improve energy efficiency by approximately 20%, whilst helping to lower emissions of carbon dioxide.
MiTREC has recognised that micro-turbine biogas power generation is an appropriate technology to provide decentralised clean, affordable and resilient energy in developing countries such as Sub-Saharan African and South-Asian countries, as well as other parts of the globe.
Climate change is widely recognised as the single biggest global threat. The effects of Climate change are being seen around the world, with rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns. In such challenging times, it’s so refreshing to see that two of our locally based universities are playing their part in using technology to fight the effects of Climate change.
As a Chamber, we’re keen for our member businesses to join the discussion around energy, environment and sustainability. Our Energy forum is tasked with exchanging information on energy, environmental concerns and sustainability within the private sector. We’re keen for businesses to drive their policy understanding on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability and promoting the development of a sustainable economy in Staffordshire. Our Energy forum will meet again on Tuesday 13th June at 10AM. The meeting is hosted virtually on Zoom and if you would like to attend, you can book your place here: Energy , Environment and Sustainability Forum – Staffordshire Chambers
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Declan’s Policy Update
I recently attended the British Chambers’ of Conference (BCC) Annual Global Conference in London. Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is one of fifty-three accredited Chambers across the UK, stretching from Cornwall to Aberdeen and from Northern Ireland to Kent. The BCC Annual Global Conference brings together colleagues from right across the Chambers’ network and beyond.
The Annual Global Conference traditionally includes an impressive line-up of keynote speakers and this year was no different. Opening the Conference, Director General of the BCC, Shevaun Haviland, urged the Government to put business at the heart of its plans to revive the UK economy. Ms Haviland said that companies had been hit by “eye-watering” energy bills, rising interest rates and a “cripplingly tight labour market”. With a General Election less than 18 months away she set out the key issues that matter most to firms, including the Digital Revolution, Global Britain and Green Innovation.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt, MP) was introduced as the first guest speaker of the day. Mr Hunt suggested that the “default” location for workers should be in the office, unless there is a good reason to work from home. Mr Hunt felt that while working remotely had produced “exciting opportunities”, he was worried about “the loss of creativity” when it is permanent and spoke of the importance of those “water cooler” chats between colleagues.
Flexible or agile working has become the norm for many workers since the pandemic but there is a split across various sectors, ever since the easing of lockdown restrictions. Some firms told their staff they needed to return to the workplace, while others opted for so-called “hybrid” working patterns, where staff could come into offices on certain days and work remotely on others.
The Governor of the Bank of England (Andrew Bailey), was the next speaker to appear. Despite signs of a possible loosening of a tight labour market, Mr Bailey warned that further interest rate rises may be needed, in order to curb inflationary pressures on the economy. Mr Bailey went on to describe the UK’s economic outlook as “looking a bit brighter” due to falling energy prices and “greater resilience in the economy than expected”.
During the afternoon session, delegates listened to the Leader of the Opposition (Sir Kier Starmer, MP), who said he wanted to see “robust private sector growth” and a partnership with industry. Sir Kier said that the UK needed a new business model but accepted that this will require “tough choices to be made”. Sir Kier went on to announce aspirations to launch planning reforms, in a drive to “back the builders, not the blockers”.
The Global Annual Conference also welcomed entrepreneur and author (Linzi Boyd), who urged delegates to join a ‘Purpose Economy’. Ms Boyd called for a “quiet revolution”, suggesting that a movement of people joined together as a collective, could create “the biggest quiet party the world had ever seen”, building brands, shifting industries and making a positive change in the world.
In between listening to keynote speakers, delegates joined a number of interactive workshops and worked collaboratively to share good practice around areas such as skills and green innovation.
Through its regional Chambers, the British Chambers’ of Commerce claims to represent tens of thousands of UK businesses employing almost six million people. If your business would like to learn more about the many benefits of Chambers’ membership and become a part of this network, I’d be happy to hear from you: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Declan’s Blog: 1989
….The fall of the Berlin Wall….
….UK music charts dominated by Jive Bunny….
….Port Vale join Stoke City in the second tier of English football, to reignite “El Ceramico” sporting rivalry!….
It was also a year that saw the launch of the British Chambers’ of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) and a third of a century later, QES is still recognised as a valuable source of business trends across the regions and country as a whole. QES is the largest and most representative independent business survey of its kind in the UK and is closely watched by policymakers such as the Treasury, the Bank of England and the Office of Budget Responsibility. It also attracts a significant amount of media attention.
QES covers a number of specific topics, starting with the UK Market and questions on whether current and future sales are up, down or unchanged. Businesses are asked about current and future changes in workforce numbers. The survey moves on to look at questions on cashflow and investment, before closing with an update on business confidence.
Surveys are open during a three week period, from Monday 15th May to Friday 2nd June and can be completed as a paper copy or online:
https://forms.office.com/e/UP2HAthvfg
The surveys can be completed anonymously and once submitted, all responses are collated and shared with the British Chambers’ of Commerce, who will announce headline results in July. From a Staffordshire perspective, we can use the data to make a comparison on trends between national and local data. With the QES aggregated from businesses sourced by the Chamber of Commerce network from across the UK, it continues to be one of the UK’s largest and most representative private business surveys.
QES covers both the manufacturing sector (25% of respondents) and services sector (75%).and a high proportion of respondents from both sectors, are exporters. The survey covers businesses of all sizes, with the vast majority of respondents falling in to the Small and medium sized enterprises (SME) category of under 250 employees. Each quarter, the QES is made available before official statistics (such as GDP growth), and so provides an up to the minute picture of business sentiment.
Your views can make such a difference, so please take the time to complete the latest QES and please encourage your business contacts to do the same. Getting a good mix of survey responses, will help to build a picture of what’s happening here in Staffordshire and will also feed in ai a national level. It takes less than 90 seconds to complete and once again, here’s the online link:
https://forms.office.com/e/UP2HAthvfg
If you have any questions, please contact: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, Uncategorized
Energy Services
Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services: Expert Energy Advice for Staffordshire Business Owners. If you are a Staffordshire Chambers member, you can benefit from Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services provided by Troo. This service is specifically designed to assist Staffordshire Chambers members in reducing their electricity, gas, and water expenditure, ultimately leading to increased efficiency in operations.
Members can receive a free energy health check and potentially save thousands of pounds per year on their business energy. The account managers at Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services are committed to finding you the most cost-effective energy deals by comparing prices across various suppliers.
For registered business members, Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services offers the following:
- A free assessment of current energy contracts
- Assistance in negotiating competitive market rates
- Ongoing account management and advice
In addition to the above, Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services’ advisers can also analyse your electricity and gas bills to identify if you are being overcharged. If you are running a larger operation, on-site audits of your energy and water usage can also be arranged, and if necessary, they can manage on-site works for meter upgrades. Take advantage of the free initial assessment offered by our advisers by getting in touch today.
Tel: 0800 058 1950
Email: energyservices@sces.co.uk
Visit: www.staffschambersenergyservices.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, Membership, Staff & HR
Declan’s Policy Update
Last week, we brought together a group of member businesses to meet with the MP for Staffordshire Moorlands, Karen Bradley, MP. This was a great opportunity to get the views of our members on a range of topics.
We discussed digital connectivity for our rural communities in Staffordshire, which are home to almost 60% of Staffordshire’s residents. We believe that by supporting the development and progression of our rural areas, we can promote rural economic growth.
Access to a reliable digital connection is crucial for businesses in our region. Gaps in broadband and mobile connectivity stifle business productivity and competitiveness. We want to bring an end to ‘digital exclusion’ with rural businesses having access to decent connections allowing them to compete with rivals based in urban areas.
A bid has been submitted to the Restoring your Railways Fund (RYRF), to develop a feasibility study to look at the re-opening of a rail line between Leek and Stoke-on-Trent. Mrs Bradley is chairing a delivery board to look at a full range of options and Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce has lent its support to the scheme. Transport is a such a key enabler and the re-opening of a rail line will help to connect the Moorlands and Stoke-on-Trent, opening up travel for business and leisure.
We talked about plans to redevelop the centre of Leek, with the award of Levelling Up funding. Plans include the refurbishing and re-purposing the first floor of the Nicholson Institute to provide blended, complementary cultural and education facilities (in partnership with Staffordshire County Council and Buxton and Leek College); investment in improved retail facilities and trader opportunities at the Trestle and Butter markets.
Reports of business crime in rural areas have continued to grow in recent years. This was raised with Mrs Bradley, who said that following a remodelling of staffing at Staffordshire Police, there are an increased number of dedicated police officers across Staffs Moorlands and we hope this will lead to a decline in rural business crime.
Meeting with an MP is a great way to discuss common themes and issues which cut across all business sectors but during last week’s meeting, one of our members took the opportunity to raise some specific concerns affecting her business, including a significant rise in the cost of professional indemnity insurance and the process of tendering contracts for small businesses. Mrs Bradley agreed to undertake further investigation into these topics and will report back with her findings.
This week, we’ll be meeting with some more political leaders in our area. On Friday 28thApril, businesses are invited to join our Hustings event at our Commerce House office (ST1 5BE). Current Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council (Cllr Abi Brown) and the current Leader of the Opposition of Stoke on Trent City Council (Cllr Jane Ashworth), will be questioned on their respective policies and aspirations on the eve of the Local Elections, which take place on Thursday 4th May.
You can book your place at our Hustings event, by clicking on the link:
Business Matters: Stoke-on-Trent City Council Hustings Event – Staffordshire Chambers
Please note that pre-booking is essential. Anyone who hasn’t booked, won’t be allowed to attend and online bookings will close by the end of Wednesday 26th April.
When casting your vote in the Local Elections, remember to bring photo ID.
- Published in Influence & Network, News