News

Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce is recognised as being the voice of local business in Staffordshire but what does this really mean? We’re here to represent our members’ views on the local, national and global issues affecting their businesses.

Our nine Chamber policy forums are a great way for member businesses to meet and discuss issues critical to their sector.  These forums enable our members to share knowledge and best practice but also help us to represent them better in our dealings with the media and government. Our forums are recognised by the British Chambers’ of Commerce as being among the most influential in the country.

We deliver nine policy forums, covering the topics of:

• Digital
• Employment, HR and Skills
• Energy, Environment and Sustainability
• Manufacturers’
• Money Matters
• Planning & Infrastructure
• Responsible Business
• Rural Business
• Transport

Each forum is made up of representatives from our Chamber member network and meets up four times a year.  Key topics for discussion are identified, guest speakers are brought in and our forums pick up that role of highlighting the matters that concern our members, at both a regional and national level.   Each forum has its own Chair, who will steer both the meetings and objectives of that particular forum.

We welcome new faces in all of our policy forums but what’s in it for you and your business?   You’ll get informative updates related to the theme of each forum, helping to keep you “in the loop” with local, national and global changes/news.  It’s a chance for your views to be heard and the opportunity to work collaboratively with your fellow Chamber members in influencing our policy role on specific topics.  

You also get the chance to grow your networking contacts in similar sectors.   It could also be a perfect development opportunity for one of your team, helping to empower confidence.  Some of our forum members have gone on to join British Chambers’ of Commerce (BCC) policy groupings, getting their voices heard at a national level.

Being a part of our policy forums is not a huge commitment with no more than four meetings a year.  Meetings typically start at 9AM and last no more than an hour or so.   Each forum meeting will have the option to join remotely on MS Teams, so you don’t need to travel.

2025 will see the launch of our brand-new Staffordshire Chambers’ website and this will include dedicated webpages for each of our policy forums.  These webpages will capture discussions from past meetings and become a ‘go-to’ source of useful information/news in bite sized chunks, with the aim of educating and upskilling our members.

Being the voice of business is what we do but why not get involved and play your part in shaping our policy ad lobbying work.

For further details on our policy forums, please get in touch:

declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is excited to introduce an innovative online training platform exclusively available to its members. Designed to help local businesses support employee development, recruitment, and retention, the new initiative provides members with access to over 220 CPD discounted accredited courses in vital areas such as Compliance, Leadership, Mental Well-being, Inclusivity, Sales, and Customer Service. The platform also allows businesses to evidence their commitment to investing in their people by helping business leaders to build a tailored learning curriculum for each employee.

Mark Jones, Principal Training Consultant at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “This isn’t just about providing training—it’s about supporting our local businesses by helping them build skilled, resilient, and motivated teams. Our flexible platform allows every business to develop staff, while still meeting specific industry requirements. It’s fantastic value for money, offering a full year’s training for only 25% of the typical development spend.”

Members have access to “hot topic” courses designed to meet today’s workplace challenges, including Harassment/Sexual Harassment, Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Mental Health Awareness, and Corporate Social Responsibility. With full reporting flexibility, businesses can track progress and compliance of their staff members with ease.

Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “Investing in people is one of the most impactful steps an employer can take, and Staffordshire Chambers is committed to making that investment accessible and meaningful. We’re proud to launch this programme and offer our members high-quality training that meets both current and future business needs. With over 220 courses available, there’s something here for every one of our members.”

Members are encouraged to book a free one-to-one consultation with Mark Jones, who will help outline a tailored training plan specific to each business’s needs. To book a one to one, please contact mark.jones@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

To view the full list of courses click here.

The Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is delighted to announce that Dr. Eve Davies, CEO of Protectapet, has been elected as Deputy President of the organisation. Eve will serve as Deputy to Steve Timmis, CEO of Sempar Accountancy and Tax, who is entering his second year as President.

The appointment was announced this week during the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Annual General Meeting, held at Commerce House, Festival Park.

Commenting on her appointment, Eve Davies said:
“The Chambers have been instrumental in the growth of Protectapet. I am passionate about giving back to the Chamber to thank them for their support and to help other entrepreneurs and start-ups in the region. I am honoured to support Steve in his role as President. As another business founder and leader, we share similar objectives and ethos, and I am excited to collaborate on driving positive change for the business community.”

Steve Timmis welcomed Eve to her new role, adding:
“I am pleased to welcome Eve as Deputy President. It’s great to have another entrepreneur on board, and I look forward to working together. The Board has built a strong foundation, and over the next 12 months, we aim to make a tangible impact on membership and continue to invest in everything membership stands for.”

Eve brings a wealth of experience and insight as the CEO of Protectapet, a company that she started with husband Simon Davies, and has grown significantly in the last 12 months. Staffordshire Chambers continues to be a driving force for businesses of all sizes in Staffordshire, offering a wide range of services, advocacy, and networking opportunities to local businesses.

The Employment Rights Bill was introduced to Parliament last month and it’s been described as “the biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation”.  The Bill sets out 28 measures from the proposals in the Government’s plan to Make Work Pay (MWP).  Other changes in MWP will come in under existing powers outside of the Bill.   Immediate consultation on four areas will inform Government amendments to the Bill at Committee Stage in January 2025, whilst consultation on other measures will continue during 2025.  The changes are expected to come into force from 2026.

Let’s look at the key changes:

1. Zero hours contracts: The right to reasonable notice of shifts, compensation for cancelled shifts, and right to be offered a contract with guaranteed hours.

2. Flexible working – The 8 reasons for refusal of flexible working requests remain, but there’s a higher bar for employers to justify it.

3. Statutory sick pay – Will be a day one right.  The Bill will remove the three-day waiting period and the lower earnings limit test for eligibility.

4. Family leave – Removes the qualifying period for paternity leave, parental leave, and gives wider access to bereavement leave.

5. Protection from harassment – Expands employers’ duties to prevent harassment of staff, including by third parties.

6. Unfair dismissal – Removes the two-year qualifying period (so employees are protected from unfair dismissal from the first day of employment), subject to a statutory probationary period.

7. Fire and rehire –Unfair to dismiss workers because they refuse to agree to a variation of contract unless the employer can prove it would result in insolvency.

8. Sectoral collective bargaining on pay and conditions: starts with Adult Social Care.

9. Trade unions – Introducing rights for trade unions to access workplaces and repealing the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 and most provisions of the Trade Union Act 2016.

10. Enforcement – Bringing together powers of existing labour market enforcement bodies, along with some new powers, under the Secretary of State and enforcement officers

Looking beyond The Employment Rights Bill, the Government has recognised the complexity of the Single Status of Worker proposal, which aims to improve pay and conditions for working people.  This is not included in the Bill, although the Government remains committed to this as a longer-term priority and plans to consult on a simplified framework in due course.   The Right to Switch Off has probably caught the eye of many but this will now be delivered through a statutory code of practice. 

The Government’s own Impact Assessment estimates that the changes outlined within The Employment Rights Bill, could be an additional cost to business of up to £5bn per year.  There will be an expected disproportionate impact on smaller businesses and low pay sectors such as social care, hospitality and retail.  The net impact on growth is predicted to be ‘small’.  Suggested benefits include improving workforce participation and wellbeing, incentivising higher productivity and creating a more level playing field for good employers.

At a local level, what will the changes mean to your business?  What is the risk and/or impact of these changes for employers and employees across Staffordshire?  These are significant changes to the employment rights landscape and we want to hear from you and how the changes could impact your business.

Please send me your feedback/comments to :

declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

if you’re a member of Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce with an interest in employment law, skills or HR, why not join our next Employment, Skills and HR forum, which meets again on Friday 6^th December at 9AM.  Click below to book your place:

The Skills Hub is excited to announce the launch of its new website, designed to be a one-stop resource for local businesses, individuals, and training providers across Staffordshire.

The website provides an easy-to-use search tool to help users find detailed course information quickly, including options to search by specific skills for targeted development. It offers comprehensive guidance on available courses, including the benefits and career impacts of each, making it simpler for users to choose the right training path.

A directory of local training providers is also available, and the Skills Hub welcomes new providers to join. Additionally, users will find information on funding opportunities and grants, with clear instructions on how to apply, making it easier for businesses and individuals to invest in skills development.

For those interested in apprenticeships, the site includes an apprenticeship brokerage system with direct contact options. Businesses can also book a Training Needs Analysis with Skills Hub advisors to assess and address their unique training requirements.

For more information, please click here.

Businesses across Staffordshire have a unique opportunity to make their voices heard at the highest levels of UK policy-making by participating in the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).

The QES helps to highlight the barriers facing businesses of all sizes and sectors across the county, allowing organisations including Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to address them in their regional and national lobbying efforts.

This is the first post-Budget QES and we hope this will provide us with feedback on business confidence and outlook, in light of the Autumn Budget.

First launched in 1989, the survey has become a cornerstone of business research, compiled nationally by the British Chambers of Commerce and reviewed quarterly by the Bank of England and various Government departments.

Declan Riddell, Policy Adviser at Staffordhsire Chambers of Commerce, said: “It’s almost two weeks since Rachel Reeves delivered her maiden Budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

“Businesses are still digesting some of the announcements, which included a decision to raise Employer National Insurance Contributions (NIC) to 15% and a lowering of the threshold from when payment of NIC is due, from £9,100 to £5,000.

“The Employment Allowance, which allows smaller companies to reduce their NIC liability, will increase from £5,000 to £10,000. Estimates suggest that this announcement could raise an additional £25billion a year for Treasury coffers.”

Have your say and complete the survey, here.

It’s almost two weeks since Rachel Reeves delivered her maiden Budget as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Businesses are still digesting some of the announcements, which included a decision to raise Employer National Insurance Contributions (NIC) to 15% and a lowering of the threshold from when payment of NIC is due, from £9,100 to £5,000.   

The Employment Allowance, which allows smaller companies to reduce their NIC liability, will increase from £5,000 to £10,000.  Estimates suggest that this announcement could raise an additional £25billion a year for Treasury coffers.

We’ve already heard concerns from some of our members, who are facing up to the challenge of meeting significantly higher costs of running a business.  Some businesses may have to look at cutting back on staff numbers or may choose to pass on the cost to customers.   Other reaction suggests that businesses may choose to respond by pausing any plans to award pay rises to existing staff. 

But what has been the impact of the Budget on your business?   We’re keen to get your view of business confidence, as we roll out our latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES).   

The QES is the UK’s longest running independent survey of business sentiment and is widely recognised by The Bank of England as being a valuable measure of how the economy is performing.  All 52 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 28 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 – Q4, 2024.

In the coming weeks, we’re meeting with four of our local Members of Parliament:

15.11.24. – Dame Karen Bradley, MP for Staffordshire Moorlands (Conservative Party)
22.11.24. – Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Labour Party)
22.11.24. – Allison Gardner, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South (Labour Party)
12.12.24. – Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central (Labour Party)

It’s a perfect opportunity to join your fellow members in raising the key issues affecting your business and you can book your place through the events page of our website.

Our ‘Meet the MP’ meetings are open to Chamber members only and advanced booking is essential. 

All eyes will be on The Chancellor of the Exchequer when she reveals the Autumn Budget this Wednesday afternoon.  

Prior to the Budget, we’ve taken the time to write to Rachel Reeves, MP with a list of some of the announcements we hope to hear:

Dear Chancellor of the Exchequer,

Our most recent Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) results suggest a rise in the number of businesses who are pausing investment in plant, machinery and training.   We hear anecdotal evidence of businesses holding back on commitments.  Business confidence is far from certain and we hope this will improve through the announcements you will be making in your Budget.

We have concerns about the future of business support programmes, with the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) due to end on 31st March 2025.   We recognise that the new government may want to proceed with this provision in a different format but we urge the government to provide rollover funding for at least the 2025-26 fiscal year, enabling a smooth switch over and avoiding a catastrophic cliff-edge for business support. 

Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce continues to deliver business support programmes across our region.  We’re best placed to deliver business support, simply because we have that clear understanding of our local economy and the businesses in the region.  Business support programmes serve as a catalyst for future growth.  We ask for clarity and simplification of any future programmes of business support.

We are the appointed deliverer of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and have bridged the gap between the training demanded by business and the training on offer through local training providers.  Further government support is needed to build on this success and we ask for an extension to the Local Skills Improvement Fund, which allows training providers to invest in the skills and technology they need to meet the skills needs of businesses, aligned to our LSIP priorities.  

We lend our supportfor an expansion of full expensing to include leased assets, in recognition of the fact that not all businesses own their machinery or find themselves in a position to buy new plant and other assets.     

Now is a good time to carry out further reform of the business rates system.  This review should look at the idea of annual revaluations cycle and a lowering of the multiplier.  In addition, we would like to see progress in looking at the future relationship between taxation of in-person and online sales.

We welcomed the raising of the VAT registration threshold to £90,000 but even at an increased level, it still serves as a disincentive to businesses wishing to grow.  We call on government to restart the VAT registration review and explore a smoothing mechanism to decrease the bunching effect and limit administrative complexity.

Anecdotal feedback from our members has called for the need to review the current (R&D) tax relief enforcement campaign, ensuring that it acts in a manner which reduces the collateral damage to the economy, the accounting profession, and legitimate claimants.  We hope to see improved accountability and improved HMRC caseworker training.

We would also welcome clear and transparent consultation being delivered by government, when changes to the tax system are proposed.

Kind regards

Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce

Please join us on the morning after the Budget (Thursday 31^st), for our Post Budget Breakfast, In partnership with RSM, a leading audit, tax and consulting advisory firm, and wealth experts, Ironmarket Wealth.  Our expert line up of guest speakers will walk us through the Budget announcements, allowing you to consider how proposed adjustments may affect your financial planning and long-term business viability.  Click here to book your place:

Post-Budget Breakfast with RSM – Staffordshire Chambers

Last week, the government announced the launch of a consultation on its Industrial Strategy and new Advisory Council.  It’s been seven years in the making and claims to create a pro-business environment.  The Strategy will focus on eight key sectors, which offer the highest growth opportunity for the economy and business:

1. Advanced Manufacturing.
2. Clean Energy Industries.
3. Creative Industries.
4. Defence.
5. Digital and Technologies.
6. Financial Services.
7. Life Sciences.
8. Professional and Business Services.

We need your help to decide what it should look like.  We recognise that consistent and reliable policy measures are the best way to ensure that businesses can plan effectively for the future.  

The Industrial Strategy will play a pivotal role in the UK’s future growth agenda but it has to be clear on how it will maximise the country’s competitive advantage, as well as integrating the regional strengths of the different parts of the country.    Digital Staffordshire and Green Staffordshire are two of the five themes within our Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce Manifesto and we need to ensure that digital innovation and green are at the front and centre of investment in infrastructure and skills. 

Our British Chambers’ of Commerce (BCC) colleagues have called for the creation of a new supply chain taskforce, which will support future resilience.  The pandemic and global conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have only served to highlight the UK’s reliance on global markets for energy, communications technology and manufacturing components. 

This public consultation will inform the development of the new Industrial Strategy, as well as the government’s proposed plan to create long-term, inclusive, secure and sustainable growth.  The final industrial strategy will be published in spring 2025.  The government is keen to get the views of business and you have until the end of Sunday 24^th November 2024, to join the consultation and share your views.  Click here for further details:

Invest 2035: the UK’s modern industrial strategy – GOV.UK

The Industrial Strategy is sure to feature in upcoming meetings between our members and local Members of Parliament.  It’s more than three months since the General Election and we’ve been working to connect our member businesses with the newly elected MP from across our patch.  In recent weeks, we’ve met with Leigh Ingham (MP for Stafford), David Williams (MP for Stoke-on-Trent North) and Sir Gavin Williamson (MP for Stone, Great Wyrley & Penkridge).

During November, we’ll be meeting with Dame Karen Bradley (MP for Staffordshire Moorlands), Allison Gardner (MP for Stoke-on-Trent South) and Adam Jogee (MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme).  In December, we’ll be meeting with Gareth Snell (MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central).

In our most recent ‘Meet the MP’ meetings, we’ve had some lively and constructive discussions around areas such as transport, skills, green infrastructure and energy.  Any business can have a 1:1 meeting with their respective MP but joining your fellow Chamber member businesses, creates a real dynamism.   Our Meet the MP meetings are open to Chamber members.  Advanced booking is essential and you can book your place through the events page on our website:

Events from Mon 21st October – Fri 25th October – Staffordshire Chambers