News

Renewable energy investment company, Thrive Renewables, has entered into a joint venture with TopCashback to help fund the next phase of the UK’s Net Zero transition.

The partnership with the UK’s leading cashback site’s impact investing wing, TopCashback Sustainability Ltd, will unlock up to £80 million additional capital to be deployed over four years, directly funding new wind, solar and other renewable assets that clean up the UK energy system, reduce carbon emissions and ultimately help tackle the climate crisis.

Thrive recently announced ambitious growth plans, with aims to double its generation capacity over the next five years.

The deal is the latest joint venture for Thrive, which has a history of taking a collaborative approach to funding, with existing partnerships including European investment funds, renewable energy developers and other investment companies.

The partnership will allow TopCashback Sustainability to continue building its impact investment portfolio. This includes the likes of Highlands Rewilding – a project aimed at re-wilding and re-peopling the Scottish Highlands by increasing biodiversity, green jobs and more – and funds deposited with Tribe Impact Capital, a wealth manager which helps TopCashback make impact investments.

Matthew Clayton, Managing Director of Thrive Renewables, said: “With the Government announcing its ambitions to double onshore wind, triple solar and quadruple offshore wind by 2030, we’re delighted to add TopCashback Sustainability to our growing list of joint venture partners.

“Thrive specialises in providing collaborative capital and we believe that, by working together, we can have a much greater impact – building new clean energy projects that deliver tangible benefits for communities across the UK. We’re facing an urgent climate emergency and need to see rapid progress if we’re to meet our net zero targets. Building on its history of impact investing, working with TopCashback Sustainability means we can increase the number of projects we fund, ultimately helping to accelerate our transition to a cleaner, fairer energy system.”

Oliver Ragg, CEO and co-founder of TopCashback, said: “We are delighted to be embarking on this long-term journey with Thrive, and look forward to seeing what incredible work can be achieved over many years.

“As a company, as well as our mission to ‘Save our Members the Most Money’, we strive to have a positive impact on the wider world. Thinking ahead for our members’ futures means environmental initiatives are more crucial than ever.”

Following on from a successful launch in July, the brand-new Excellence in Staffordshire programme is embarking on a series of monthly meetings (the Enterprise Zone) to enable any Staffordshire business or organisation to access a programme of workshops using tried and tested tools and techniques to unlock potential and improve performance.

Excellence in Staffordshire is a collaboration between performance improvement specialists, Investors in Excellence Group and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

The Enterprise Zone programme comprises eight modules spread over four dates with a choice of morning or afternoon sessions.

19th September is the first of those dates, featuring modules one and two at 9am – 12.30pm or 1pm to 4.30pm.

Module one, Preparation will reflect on the key factors in your work that influence what works and what doesn’t, and the relationship between excellence and performance. Module two, Permission, will focus on learning about vision, inspiration, and engagement as three key enablers of excellence, allowing the opportunity to become the responsible owner of your destiny.

Investors in Excellence Chief Executive Judy Hart said: “We’ve already had a very positive start to Excellence in Staffordshire, not only with the launch but also with subsequent meetings with businesspeople wanting to find out more about the journey to excellence and how they can be involved in this collaborative and inclusive network. The numbers on our waiting list are growing daily.

“People are buzzing about this and, as we promised at the launch, this is not just another network group. We have listened to business’ needs and developed modules that will enable participants to become more aware of their strengths and discover how to motivate and mobilise self and others to play to strengths, motivate teams, steer change, and inspire greater confidence”.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Deputy Chief Executive, Chris Plant added: “Excellence in Staffordshire fits with our drive to grow the local economy through innovation and excellence. We are delighted to be hosting the forthcoming series of the programme’s workshops and events.”

Kevin Hart, Group MD and Programme Director at Investors in Excellence completed his MA in Strategic Human Resource Management at Staffordshire University and is now a senior mentor for their alumni.

Kevin said: “I knew very little about Staffordshire and its businesses when I embarked on my studies at Staffordshire University. However, working with local businesses and organisations, I am captivated by the talent and ambition of the business community and the way in which everyone works collaboratively to improve the local economy and add real value. I’m nuts about Staffordshire and passionate about its diversity and innovation.

“The Enterprise Zone programme offers a safe environment to work together, learning fresh approaches and collaborating in excellence.

“There will also be a special Excellence Zone at the Let’s do Business expo at Uttoxeter Racecourse on 10^th October.”

The eight concise and easy to follow modules come at an affordable total price of £349 plus VAT, normally costing £1199 plus VAT, beginning on 19^th September.

You can book the Excellence in Staffordshire Enterprise Zone, starting 19^th September here: https://bit.ly/3YP7BX6  

For more information email:  iie@investorsinexcellence.com or mba@markbrammar.co.uk

During the next few weeks I will be running through the five key themes of our 2024 Staffordshire Chambers Business Manifesto.

This week, I’m focusing on Green Staffordshire. 

As the impact of climate change is being felt at both a global and local level, more and more businesses are recognising the need for sustainability to play a key role in day-to-day operations.   

Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns across the world are a regular feature in the news but this is being brought closer to home when we see local roads closed due to flooding or trains being slowed down due to a risk of rails buckling under intense summer heat.

‘Net Zero’, ‘Carbon Neutral’ and ‘Carbon Footprint’ have all entered our day-to-day vocabulary but where do businesses go if they wish to embrace sustainability aspirations?   There are many sources of advice and information out there but information overload can lead to confusion.  We aim to provide clear guidance and signposting.  The use of case studies of businesses who have led the way in sustainability, brings this to life and will encourage others to follow suit.

In last week’s blog, I talked about the need to “future proof” training in the area of digital skills.  Ditto for training in green skills and sustainability.  It’s a sector which moves at a fast pace and upskilling must be ready to adapt to new processes and technologies in the area of sustainability.

We know of local Staffordshire businesses who are quite self-sufficient at generating their own energy, through photovoltaic (PV) or solar cells.  The challenge comes with being able to offload surplus energy back into the grid.  We continue to call for the government to commit to ambitious plans for grid upgrades, which will ensure easier grid connectivity and enhanced infrastructure.  Without this commitment, businesses may simply move to other parts of the country which have better connectivity.

Increased government funding is needed to offer support to businesses who can develop green innovations and processes.   This will encourage green entrepreneurship and good practise which can be adopted by others.

The Stoke-on-Trent District Heat Network will deliver heat to buildings in the city, through a closed-loop network of underground pipes, potentially reducing energy costs for customers.  The use of energy from waste and integrating a deep-geothermal well can lead to the delivery of sustainable low-carbon heat. 

You can read our Manifesto in full by clicking on the link:

Business Manifesto 2024 – Flipbook – Page 1 (paperturn-view.com)

If you have any suggestions or feedback regarding our Manifesto, please send an e-mail to:

declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Our Energy, Environment & Sustainability forum is tasked with exchanging information on energy, environmental concerns and sustainability within the private sector.  This forum helps to drive our policy understanding on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability and promotes the development of a sustainable economy in Staffordshire. 

The forum meets again on Tuesday 10th September at 10AM.  The meeting will be hosted online and our guest speakers will include an update on the District Heat Network.  Click here to book your place:

Energy, Environment & Sustainability Forum – Staffordshire Chambers

During the next few weeks I will be running through the five key themes of our 2024 Staffordshire Chambers Business Manifesto.

This week, I’m focusing on Digital Staffordshire.  

Whilst the evolving landscape of digital technology continues to influence the way businesses operate, a sizeable number of residents are still grappling with digital poverty. 

They are effectively excluded from a digital world, where so many tasks are completed online.

The threat of cyber-crime is the stuff of nightmares, given the huge damage which can be caused by online attacks by fraudsters.   

Artificial intelligence or (AI) is a growing topic for discussion.  How can we embrace the technologies which allow computers to perform a variety of advanced functions, including the ability to understand and translate spoken and written language and review data?

Our Manifesto pledges to promote innovative infrastructure/communication technologies to exploit commercial opportunities in the digital ecosystem, sharing best practise case studies of digital innovations, technologies and processes.    

Too many of our local residents are excluded from living in a digital space, due to digital poverty.   Poor digital connectivity means that rural businesses can often find themselves at a disadvantage to their urban peers.  We lend our support for a joined-up strategy to tackle digital poverty, as well as greater investment in rolling out digital connectivity to all areas of our county.   This would include faster, cutting-edge high speed connectivity infrastructure, with 5G and future technology advancements.

As the designated employer representative body for the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), we will continue to push for the upskilling of a current and future workforce, covering both basic digital skills and emerging technologies.  We need to effectively “future proof” the training being rolled out in the area of digital skills.

We will continue to press for more cross sector collaboration with key partners such as universities, training providers and business leaders to identify and exploit wider digital collaboration in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), with take up of applications by the business community.   
 

We will help to raise awareness of the implications of cyber-attacks, offering support and guidance to implement actions to prevent cyber-attacks and grow the number of businesses with Cyber Champions.

You can read our Manifesto in full by clicking on the link:

Business Manifesto 2024 – Flipbook – Page 1 (paperturn-view.com)

If you have any suggestions or feedback regarding our Manifesto, please send an e-mail to:

declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

If you have an interest in the area of digital, we would love to get more businesses engaged with the work being done by our Digital forum in the area of digital skills.  Our Digital Skills Working Group (DSWG) has the aim of creating a localised digital skills pathway for learners to understand what is available on our patch to grow their career within the digital sector.  Again, feel free to get in touch if this may be of interest:

declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Businesses are being invited to run cafes in three of Stoke-on-Trent’s most popular parks.

Local businesses are being invited to submit proposals for the fantastic opportunity to run cafes in three of the city’s most popular parks.

The buildings in Burslem Park and Hanley Park are currently closed, and Westport Lake will be vacant from September. 

They’ve all been used to serve food and drinks to visitors, and the city council is looking for propositions for a new café or restaurant but applicants could potentially also offer other services once planning permission checks have been made.  

Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Visitors enjoy spending time outdoors at these three attractions in our city. They are well-loved spots and bring so much happiness and joy to thousands of people every month. 

“There is now the opportunity for new businesses to come in and meet the demand created by these potential customers.  

“If you’re interested in any of these sites, please contact the agents who will show you around and answer your questions.  

“We’re always keen to help businesses start-up or grow so if you want any business advice please get in touch with our Business Growth team on business.growth@stoke.gov.uk.” 

Find out more information 

The three buildings are advertised through butters john bee estate agents. Applicants are invited to make a final offer by Friday 13 September.  

Use these links to read the details and costs of each building: 

·        Westport Lake is advertised through butters john bee estate agents.  

·        Burslem Park is advertised through butters john bee estate agents. 

·        Hanley Park Pavilion will be advertised through butters john bee estate agents in the next week. 

Staffordshire businesses are being urged to complete the new Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 2024 to help inform policymakers of the challenges facing businesses in our local area.

The QES is a vital tool that enables us to understand the barriers and opportunities facing businesses of all sizes and sectors.

Our best-ever response rate was recorded in Q2 QES, helping us to paint an accurate picture of the local business community landscape, with findings including:

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.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is pleased to announce that leading strategic solutions provider, Emerge, has pledged its support to the Staffordshire business community by becoming Chamber Patrons.

Emerge provide tailored logistics solutions to suit individual supply chain needs, from manufacturer to the consumer. Services include international air and sea shipments, UK fully integrated warehousing, pan-European network logistics, and B2B + B2C final mile delivery on their own extensive fleet of trucks and vans, combined with the services of their pallet and parcel carrier partners. 

Richard Harris, Managing Partner Emerge, said: “Headquartered in Staffordshire, Emerge continues to invest in the community, employing locally and servicing great customers in beautiful central England.

“Joining as a Patron will support and accelerate Emerge within the UK and with our overseas investments.

“We look forward to joining our esteemed fellow Patrons to encourage growth and investment for Staffordshire.” 

As a patron of Staffordshire Chambers, Emerge will be joining a vibrant community of businesses who are dedicated to promoting economic growth and supporting the development of local enterprises.

Rachel Laver, Staffordshire Chambers CEO, said: “Through our comprehensive range of events, services, and resources, we strive to offer our patrons the support and opportunities essential for their success.

“We are certain that Emerge will greatly benefit our network of patrons, and we look forward to working together to promote the success of businesses in Staffordshire and beyond.

“Welcome to the Chamber Patron network, Emerge!”

Becoming a Patron of the Chambers identifies businesses as leading and strategic players in the Staffordshire economy.

Providing regular access to key influencers and decision-makers in government and other agencies, Patronage ensures that you are well-placed to shape the optimum business environment for you and your customers.

Through the Chambers’ extensive networks and communication channels, you can raise the visibility of your brand, products and services.

Our new Staffordshire Chambers Business Manifesto is centred around five key themes. During the next few weeks, I’ll be running through them to help explain what they mean for local businesses. The themes are:

– Connected Staffordshire
– Digital Staffordshire
– Global Staffordshire
– Green Staffordshire
– Skilled Staffordshire

Let’s start with Connected Staffordshire. It’s easy to see why Staffordshire is one of the UK’s most connected counties:

– 40% of the UK population live within a 2-hour drive.
– In just an hour, it’s possible to reach four international airports.
– Hop on a train at Stoke on Trent or Stafford and you will reach London in around 90 minutes.
– The M6 carves its way through the county, offering exceptional north-south connectivity, with the A50 stretching from North Staffordshire, all the way to East Midlands Airport.
 

Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why so many businesses gain from being based in Staffordshire. 

Transport is a key enabler for business, moving both people and goods but like many parts of the UK, congestion on local roads can be a challenge.  Public transport needs to be more accessible and affordable if more of us are to travel to and from work by bus and train. 

A50/A500 is a key economic corridor stretching from Crewe through the urban area of North Staffordshire and on to East Midlands Airport.   The route through North Staffordshire is operating at an estimated 110% of capacity at peak times.  Further east, lengthy traffic queues are a familiar sight at Blythe Bridge & Uttoxeter junctions.  A500 links with junction 15 of the M6 at Hanchurch.  The exit and entry approaches to the junction are no longer fit for purpose and are unable to cope with traffic volumes.

We call for Government to commit to pressing ahead with improvements to the ‘Fifty, Five Hundred’ corridor and also the complete redesign of junction 15 of M6.  Any delay in making this commitment will significantly damage our exceptional connectivity and continue the misery of congested roads and gridlock.

When it comes to rail travel, the West Coast Mainline (WCML) is a vital rail artery connecting London, Staffordshire & the West Midlands, the North West of England and Scotland.  Overcrowding is a common sight on passenger services.    We call for, at the very least, that existing rail service hours of operation , frequency and journey times between Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent and London/Manchester are maintained.  It’s essential for new investment in WCML to be delivered, bringing much needed additional capacity.

Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP) are being rolled out in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire, with the aim of increasing passenger numbers, improving bus service reliability and ultimately, increase passenger satisfaction.  This is welcome news and we hope that BSIP will bring about behaviour change and drive-up passenger numbers in the long term. 

The previous UK Government announced a ban on the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035.   The clock is ticking and we’re calling for a rapid growth in electric vehicle charging points across our region, particularly in areas such as Stoke-on-Trent, where many residents do not have the benefit of off-road parking for vehicle charging.  Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure rollout will also need to support freight and haulage operators, who will rely on getting the power source to where it is needed.

Building on the foundations of Staffordshire’s connectivity, we need to see improved planning processes, coupled with accessible procurement opportunities for all, to support local investment in infrastructure and commercial premises.  A diverse range of commercial premises will hold appeal to all sectors and size of business.  The development of more business incubation space and start up support will retain talent and help to nurture the next generation of businesses. 

We continue our call for support for our local authorities to unlock the planning system, by lobbying for national investment in better resources to ensure much needed developments can be realised and not unnecessarily held up due to lack of planning capacity. 

As a Chamber, we continue to push for local procurement opportunities to be promoted to a wide local audience and our public sector must deliver on both early notice periods to allow businesses to respond and to ensure that payments are made at the earliest possible opportunity.

You can read our Manifesto in full by clicking here.

If you have any suggestions or feedback regarding our Manifesto, please send an e-mail to: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk