Applications for the Government’s Kickstart placement scheme through Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce will close on Friday, 10th December.

The Kickstart scheme has been hugely popular across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, with the Chamber supporting almost 500 businesses with over 1,500 kickstart placements, providing more than £1.6 million worth of grant funding.

Employers can use the scheme to help create new job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long term unemployment. Employers of all sizes can apply for funding which covers:

– 100% of the National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours per week for a total of 6 months.

– National Insurance contributions.

– Automatic enrolment contributions.

Tom Nadin, Head of Project and Business Services, said: “The Kickstart programme has been hugely popular across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. We’ve enjoyed seeing the benefits that young people have brought to local businesses – with many firms taking on multiple placements and employing staff on a permanent basis.

“With a growing skills crisis, the Kickstart scheme is fantastic opportunity for businesses to give young people real life work experience and to spot potential talent for their future workforce.

“As the deadline for applications is looming, I’d encourage any businesses who are interested in taking on a placement to get in touch.”

Applications need to be into us by 10th December 2021 to ensure it can be submitted to the DWP in time.

Any business interested in applying can contact Kickstart@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Business leaders across the UK have reported an increase in difficulty to recruit despite the easing of Covid restrictions. Firms are facing a record number of vacancies at 1.1 million across all sectors, the highest it has been since 2001.

The Office for National Statistics has said that the largest increase in vacancies was in the retail sector as well as in motor vehicle repair. Firms in these sectors have reported that they have at least as many vacancies now as they did before the start of Covid. Despite significant improvements in economic recovery, businesses fear that they will be unable to maintain regular operations due to the shortages of staff. This may consequently damage the economic growth made so far.

Sara Williams, CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “The chambers has worked closely with our forums to understand how we can better support their needs in order to fuel progression. Many firms across Staffordshire have reported concerning levels of staff shortages as well as identifying a skills gap whilst attempting to fill vacancies. This has meant that it is now taking twice as long for businesses to recruit staff.

“It’s great to see businesses taking the initiative to hire apprentices and join the Kickstart scheme. We have seen so many benefits for young people as well as to companies who have invested into younger generations. However, this is not a short-term fix to the problem. Due to the large job market, firms are having to increase the incentives, such as more competitive wages, to prevent employees from moving on to other jobs. Businesses are under huge amounts of pressure, and they need all the support they can get to prevent them from failing.”

The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) has commented on the labour shortages stating that this is affecting the whole economy. IES also commented on the impact that lower migration has had on vacancies causing between a quarter and a third of the shortages. The government’s plan to transition from a reliance on EU workers to a focus on the domestic workforce has contributed to the labour shortage crisis significantly. Despite the initiative being supported by many, the results of this plan will take months if not years to appear. Businesses need a solution now in order to be able to continue supporting the economy.

The Skills Hub based at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce works with businesses to help identify training needs as well as finding funding for paid training for employees. Advisors in the Skills Hub work with members to support them with gaining access to tailored training opportunities, which will ultimately help to close the skills gap within many firms. To find out more or to get in touch with an advisor call 0300 600 1066 or visit www.staffordshireskillshub.org.uk.

If your business has been affected by skills or labour shortages and you require any business support or advice, get in touch with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce on 01782 202222 or email rhoudaelalfy@staffordshirechambers.co.uk.

Share your thoughts on today’s blog by joining the conversation on the Virtual Members Lounge by visiting https://lounge.staffordshirechambers.co.uk/. If you have not registered for the Virtual Members’ Lounge, you can create an account by clicking on this link: https://www.staffordshirechambers.co.uk/wp-login.php?action=lostpassword&fd=1.

The Virtual Members Lounge hit a new milestone this week, as the 50th tendering opportunity was shared with our members.

A range of tendering and procurement opportunities are shared in the VML, including accountancy support, building tending opportunities and company transformation projects.

The VML area is available exclusively to Chamber members, and includes exciting opportunities on the Commonwealth Games and HS2, with the latter on track to release 250 packages of work in the next 18 months, each valued between £4,000 and £158m.

If you’ve not yet signed up to the VML, you can do so on the link below.

Remember to introduce your business on the ‘introduction’ area – it means that we can tag you in suitable opportunities!

Join the VML

The recent chaos in the wholesale gas market is yet another blow for a manufacturing sector struggling with labour shortages and supply chain issues.

The Chamber stands firmly behind the Stoke-on-Trent based British Ceramic Confederation in their plea to the government to help over spiralling gas prices.

The British Ceramic Confederation says some of its members are now considering scaling back production following the spike in gas prices.

Ceramics and other manufacturers have called for a cap on gas prices – like the one benefiting domestic customers – along with guarantees around supply.

Gas usage has rocketed to 65 percent of production costs for several manufacturers, double what it was before the crisis.

The government needs to act swiftly to limit the impact of high market prices immediately and in the coming winter months when demand for gas will be even higher and volatility looks likely to push prices even higher. A change to gas emergency measures to include all manufacturers including ceramics would give protection to their kilns and equipment in the event of a network emergency.

If you are having issues with the cost of energy, whatever the size or sector of your business please contact the Chambers: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

This week the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published the latest trade and GDP figures.

UK exports and imports both fell in August 2021, due mainly to fluctuations in the markets for mechanical power generators, road vehicles and crude oil.

It is quite a concern that the overall trade deficit rose in the three months to August 2021. There are some signs that in the last three months exports to the EU have picked up somewhat but are still £1.8bn less than the same period 3 years ago before Brexit deadlines, the end of the transition period and the pandemic. Imports from the EU were £2.5bn lower in August 2021 than three years earlier.

Labour shortages across the economy, in particular HGV drivers, are identified as a factor in relatively weak imports and exports performance. This further makes the case for Government’s new supply chain task force to find solutions to these issues affecting the UK economy.

Businesses are also becoming increasingly worried about further disruption to trading terms. Concerns are rising about tariffs or loss of trade facilitation measures if there is a major deterioration in EU-UK relationship over the next year. This would adversely affect a still fragile set of import and export data on EU-UK trade.

The ONS GDP figures for August 2021 paints a picture of a slow-down in the UK’s economic recovery after a very strong second quarter.

GDP remains some way off pre-pandemic levels and there are clear indications that the economic headwinds caused by labour shortages and supply chain disruption are beginning to bite.

While some sectors such as arts, accommodation, and hospitality, which opened later in the roadmap, have done well other consumer-based services have seen relatively low growth.

Other sectors, such as construction, have seen a contraction which is very likely down to the issues of shortages of both people and materials.

It is also troubling that the revised GDP data for July is now showing a fall of 0.1 percent having initially been 0.1 percent growth.

These are challenging figures for government and show why the new supply chain task force matters so much.

The increasing pressure that businesses, particularly SMEs, are facing around supply chain costs and disruption, labour shortages, price rises, soaring energy bills and taxes is stifling the recovery.

The focus of October’s budget must now be on creating the best possible environment for businesses to grow and thrive. There must be no further up-front costs piled on business, including a commitment not to raise business rates in the coming year. Government’s priority should be to support firms through the difficult months ahead so they can secure the long-term recovery.

You can read the full ONS trade data here: UK trade – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

You can read the full ONS GDP report: GDP monthly estimate, UK – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Education technology and remote learning specialists, Go Live Services has become the first business to sign up to a brand-new suite of virtual services offered by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

Virtual Office Services does away with the need for a physical office through a range of services such as a virtual receptionist, physical mailbox, virtual inbox, document scanning, video conferencing and use of the Chambers Members’ Lounge for workspace and meetings in a Covid secure environment.

The pandemic has turned working practices on their head with many employees now facing a future working some, or all the time from home and firms adapting to hybrid working, with a blend of home working and time in at the office.

Whilst businesses are adapting their strategies, diversifying their product offering and changing their working processes, the need for excellent customer service remains constant, and maintaining high levels of consistency is a necessity.

Joe Basketts, managing director of Go Live Services said: “I started the business in 2018, offering remote working solutions to schools. Lockdown in 2020 saw business go through the roof and we had increased the team to five people. I live in Stone, but the others are in Wiltshire, Buckinghamshire, Merseyside, and Kirklees. We had a rented office in Keele which we only used six times in 12 months, making it an expensive folly.

“I started to look at alternatives with the big players in the serviced office sector, then by chance I read about the launch of Virtual Office Services in a Chamber email. As soon as I met the Chambers team and saw the facilities, I knew it was right for the business.

“It had a real community feel as opposed to the very ‘corporate’ alternatives. It was also incredible value for money, and it fits well with the company ethos of supporting sustainable practices, right down to the fact there are EV chargers next to the building.

“Every aspect of the package is professional and portrays the image we want to put across to our clients. The Chambers Business Lounge is an impressive workspace, and I am looking forward to working and meeting clients and colleagues there.

Staffordshire Chambers CEO, Sara Williams said: “I am delighted to welcome Go Live Services as our first Virtual Office Services user. We launched the service in response to our members’ demands and to help maintain the service levels and professionalism customers expect. The pandemic has left many businesses reassessing the need for a physical office whilst needing reception services and somewhere for meetings and workspace. I am confident that we supply that solution in Virtual Office Services.”

Basketts added: “I can’t believe the value our business gets through Chamber membership and Virtual Office Services. We have made real cost savings through utilising numerous services including Chamber HR, which we previously paid for but is now part of our membership. I would happily recommend Chamber membership and Virtual Office Services to any business looking to cut overheads without compromising their service.”

Any business interested in finding out more about Virtual Office Services can contact Vicky Frost – vicky.frost@staffordshirechambers.co.uk  

Sara’s Blog – 8^th October 2021

Response to PMs and Chancellor speeches at the Conservative Party Conference and the Kickstart scheme extension

I am all for being optimistic but wonder if it is a high-risk strategy to hope, as the Prime Minister does, that this is just a period of “adjustment” and that rising wages will ride to the rescue, rather than make inflation worse and end up in a dangerous spiral.

Firms are dealing with a cumulative crisis in business conditions as supply chains crumble, prices soar, taxes rise, and labour shortages hit new heights. In the past, even one of these issues would have resulted in interventions and the development of a strategy.

The economic recovery is still new and if it stalls, private sector investment and tax revenues that the PM wants to fuel his vision will be another thing in short supply.

We all want a move to a high wage economy, but this will not happen overnight. It requires government and business to come together to develop a strategy which deals with the current challenges while meeting longer term ambitions and driving up productivity. And there is much to be said for a highly skilled workforce needed for this – whilst not forgetting that there are jobs which are not necessarily highly skilled but are essential to our way of life. People in these jobs need better recompense too.

Right now, targeted immigration may be a sensible way to smooth the critical national skills shortages – and the wages could be quite high for these roles too if market forces operate.  Firms need to be given breathing space to plan and invest in skills and technology needed to bring the future closer.

The PM recognises skills as being fundamental to levelling up and economic prosperity. A more agile skills system is key to boosting business investment in training and innovation. Local Skills Improvement Plans should be rapidly rolled-out to give businesses a stronger voice in skills planning and it is good to see chambers across the country being lead partners in the pilots of this approach.

The PM stated that levelling up cannot be seen as one part of the country against another. It’s about tackling blockages to prosperity in every community and giving every business and every person the same opportunities to grow. It is also about health – the health inequalities in this country are shocking with a difference of 12 years life expectancy between some parts of the county.

The upcoming Budget must focus on injecting momentum and confidence across all regions and nations of the UK, with measures aimed at underpinning a sustained economic revival and addressing longstanding issues. This should include addressing the increasingly onerous cost of doing business in the UK and to finally deliver fundamental reform of our broken business rates system.

While the four-month extension of employer cash incentives for hiring new apprentices is good news for many employers, we would like to see the grant extended to the end of 2022. This will allow more time for those SMEs still recovering from the pandemic to create new apprenticeship opportunities that will increase technical skills in the workplace, tackle skills shortages and boost productivity. We welcome the increased investment in training for developing industries involving AI and innovative technologies as these skills will support employers in key sectors for our economy going forward and we need plans for more support for care workers and those on the factory floor or in the driving ca, too.

Businesses support fiscal responsibility, but decisions should be based on economics, not politics. Ultimately, it is businesses as wealth creators which generate prosperity, create jobs and support communities. The focus should be on creating the best possible environment for businesses to grow and thrive so they can sustainably deliver the tax revenue needed to return our public finances to a sustainable path.

Finally, the Kickstart scheme has been extended for three months to the end of March 2022.

The Chambers administer Kickstart in the Staffordshire and we have already overseen 1440 approved placements. The scheme offers funding of 100 percent of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer National Insurance Contributions and employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions. There is also £1,500 per job placement available for setup costs, support, and training.

If you are interested in a Kickstart placement you can contact the Chamber: kickstart@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

 

 

 

Sara’s blog – 1^st October 2021

Reaction to temporary visas for drivers and food workers & end of furlough – a good time to start a business?

The fuel distribution problems of the last week have brought the fragility of our labour market into sharp focus.

Chambers of Commerce have been warning Government about critical labour shortages for months now – not just in the food and haulage industries but in hospitality, construction, the care sector and elsewhere.  And whilst businesses will welcome that government is finally acting, this scheme does not go far enough.

Government has made clear its priority is to transition from a reliance on EU workers to a focus on the domestic workforce, and businesses have been ready to participate in this, but it is a long-term project rather than a quick fix to current supply chain issues.

A managed transition, with a plan agreed between government and business, should have been in place from the outset. Instead, the supply of EU labour was turned off with no clear roadmap as to how this transition would be managed without disruption to services and supply chains.

Now some action has been taken, but additional testing will take time and the low number of visas offered is insufficient. Even if these short-term opportunities attract the maximum amount of people allowed under the scheme, it will not be enough to address the scale of the problem that has now developed in our supply chains. According to president of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith CBE, this announcement is the equivalent of ‘throwing a thimble of water on a bonfire’.

Government should be prepared to significantly expand the number of visas issued within this scheme and convene a summit that brings business and government together to find both immediate and longer-term solutions to the many challenges facing firms throughout the UK.

Without further action, we now face the very real prospect of serious damage to our economic recovery, stifled growth as well as another less than happy Christmas for many businesses and their customers across the country.

BCC data has shown that 76% of hospitality businesses, and 82% of construction firms have faced recruitment difficulties in recent months. At the same time, three out of four exporters reported no growth in sales in Q2.

Businesses are facing the most difficult environment for a generation. On top of labour shortages – border delays, increased debt and the rising cost of materials, shipping and energy are all putting huge pressure on firms struggling to recover from the pandemic. All these issues are hitting smaller firms the hardest.

Attempts to address the deficit of HGV drivers and poultry workers is a step forward, but these industries are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the huge impact of the current labour shortages. Without a comprehensive plan to tackle this issue across the board we are facing a winter of lost opportunities for our businesses, hampering the UK’s economic recovery.

If these issues are affecting you or you have an opinion to voice then why not join our debate in our Virtual Members’ Lounge:  ‘A Thimble of Water to put out a Bonfire’ – BCC on temporary visas for drivers — Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce

With the furlough scheme finally ending this week many workers may find themselves either out of a job or looking for a change of career direction.

In the pandemic year of 2020 there were over 770,000 new businesses started, a rise of 30 percent on the previous year so now is probably as good a time as any to look to launch a new business as not only are there opportunities opening in the post-Covid economy, but also, there has never been as much support on offer.

The Chamber’s start-up programme is open to anyone looking to start a business and has tailored packages for students, women, and refugees. Once you are started, we then offer all the support you need to grow your business.

We have three dedicated start-up advisors, business mentors and a club for businesses up to three years old – the One2Three club.

I often hear people running their own business say that it is the best decision they ever made. So, if you have a new business idea or just want to explore your options with an advisor you can email start@staffordshirechambers.co.uk  or visit: Leadership Search – Staffordshire Chambers

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

At a time when the news comprises, Covid, shortage of goods and international tensions it is a welcome diversion to take a step back and focus on two uplifting local events that not only celebrate our culture, inventiveness, and foresight, but also offer a vision of rebirth and regeneration, especially to our young people.

Last week saw the unveiling of Stoke-on-Trent’s iconic Spitfire housed in its stunning new glass fronted gallery.

It was particularly poignant that the £5.4M gallery was unveiled on the day which marks the RAF’s victory against all odds in the Battle of Britain. And on Saturday we were treated to a flypast of one of the last of the flying Spitfires.

What a fantastic and fitting memorial to its inventor, Reginald J Mitchell, born in Butt Lane in 1895.

This shy man with little formal training in aerodynamics created many revolutionary aircraft in the Twenties, breaking several speed records along the way.

Mitchell sadly died in 1937, never knowing how famous and iconic his greatest plane, the Spitfire, would become and how it would play such a pivotal role in changing the fortunes of the nation in 1940.

Now thousands of people will be able to see our fully restored Spitfire, sitting proudly in its brand-new glass walled gallery which looks even more stunning when it is lit up at night.

We have yet another world-class attraction in Stoke-on-Trent which is an example of the regeneration happening across the city. It is not just a celebration of our past but a beacon to the future as we rebuild a city fit for the 21st century. We need to encourage our young people to appreciate rewards of following a career in science and engineering, starting with STEM subjects at school.

I wonder what the modest Mitchell would have thought to see his creation, for the second time, as a symbol of hope and triumph over adversity? Hopefully with a sense of real pride and a wry smile.

The seventh British Ceramics Biennial (BCB) is currently taking place, centred at the Goods Yard in Stoke with exhibitions at Air Space Gallery, The Spode Museum and Potteries Museum & Art Gallery

The five-week festival of ceramic art was initiated in 2009 and has grown to be the single largest ceramics event in the UK, a flagship cultural project for Stoke-on-Trent and a catalyst for regeneration. It showcases artworks from the UK’s leading ceramicists alongside work by international artists, in exhibitions and special events held across the city. BCB is underpinned by an exciting year-round programme of artists’ commissions, education, and community engagement projects.

For me, and countless visitors, what makes the BCB special is the opportunity for close contact with thought-provoking work with many artists taking inspiration from Stoke-on-Trent’s extraordinary industrial heritage. It is also closely linked to our ceramic future as we enter a new age of exciting opportunities with the development of the £18M plus global centre for advanced ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent.

Showcasing at the BCB is AWARD 21, is a prestigious exhibition and platform for UK contemporary ceramic art. It presents 10 of the UK’s most innovative ceramic artists who are competing for the £5000 prize.

Other highlights include ‘Fresh’ – a platform for new artists, ‘Stoke Makes Plates’ – with over 250 plates designed by local residents and ‘Generation’ – a project engaging young people with the area’s ceramic heritage.

Of course, there is much more and the BCB is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Entry is free and there is no need to book. More information from: www.britishceramicsbiennial.com

If you want to talk to us about any other business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Businesses will be encouraged by this week’s announcements around measures being taken to protect people from Covid and reduce its spread as we move into the winter season.

But they will be frustrated by the inability of the Government to give them any detail around what circumstances could lead to new restrictions and what support firms could get.

Many businesses have adapted and adjusted to keep our economy moving forward, getting on with the job, despite a lack of clarity around guidance which means they are still negotiating a legal minefield.

Furlough

Businesses want to know what support they will be offered if the worst happens. We would also like to see furlough – and other support measures – put permanently on the shelf so they can be activated if there is a further lockdown. It’s a system that is proven to work in Germany and ensures business has the confidence to keep investing.

We are not expecting the government to have a crystal ball and predict the future in minute detail. We are simply asking that they give businesses the assurance as to what will happen if the pandemic spikes again and that they will not be left behind.

International Travel

It is also vital that any changes to the traffic light system for international travel are communicated to the aviation industry as soon as possible, and well before 1^st October. It remains one of the few sectors unable to fully reopen and government must find additional ways to support it.

The British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) latest economic forecast suggests business investment is falling, and with the new national insurance levy introduced last week, firms need to know there aren’t going to be any more surprises.

A proper contingency plan should give businesses the confidence they need to move on from just surviving to growing, thriving, and leading the way out of the coronavirus crisis.

If you have any concerns around these measures, contact us: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

The UK’s exit from the European Union has thrown up a range of challenges for companies which trade internationally but the approach of Staffordshire Chambers has been to work around barriers to trade ensuring businesses are still able to sell and send goods to EU based customers.

Firms have been able to continue trading overseas through the process of customs declarations, however they may now require further paperwork in the form of a transit declaration to certify that duties need only be paid in the destination country, and not in countries through which goods pass.

We were the first chamber in the UK to offer a transit declaration service, due to us taking the lead in the national training for the service through the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

Our customs team leader, Allison Tomlinson is part of the BCC team delivering the transit documentation training which has led to 40 UK chambers now being able to offer the service.

We were the first chamber in the UK to go live with a transit declaration service on 1^st June and we have been extremely busy issuing certificates, known as T1’s, since then.

Prior to the issue of the T1’s drivers were being help up at ports for up to 24 hours, increasing costs and in some cases, causing delivery deadlines to be missed.

Firms are also benefitting from a guarantee to cover unpaid duties and can benefit from becoming an ‘authorised consignor’.

Authorised consignors can print their own T1 declarations and drivers can head straight to the port and avoid costly hold-ups on arrival. To date a quarter of all the UK’s authorised consignors are based in Staffordshire.

Anyone wanting more information on transit declarations can contact the international trade team on 01782 202222 or visit www.staffordshirechambers.co.uk/internationaltrade

If you want to talk to us about any other business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk