News

Experts from leading wealth management firm, IronMarket Wealth, will unpack what the 2024 Spring Budget means for Staffordshire businesses at an exclusive Budget Breakdown event.

Hosted in collaboration with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the event has been launched to help local businesses to understand the implications of the Budget, widely expected to be the last fiscal event before the next general election. As such, this is the final opportunity for the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, to set new tax policies.

IronMarket Wealth, renowned for its expertise in wealth management, has assembled a team of expert wealth mentors who will join guests at IronMarket HQ, based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, from 5:30pm – 7:00pm on Wednesday, 6 March.

Among the speakers are Wes Wilkes, CEO of NTWRK, and Rob Heath, Director of Wealth. Both speakers will share their first impressions of the budget, offering attendees a unique perspective on the financial landscape.

Guests will be treated to a selection of drinks and nibbles, while enjoying an environment for open conversations and networking among business professionals and likeminded businesses.

Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “As we approach the last fiscal event before the general election, the Budget Breakdown event is a golden opportunity for local businesses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential financial landscape.

“We are expecting tickets for this event to sell our quickly, so book yours now to avoid disappointment.”

Spaces are free and can be booked here.

IronMarket are based at 10 Brindley Court, Lymedale Business Park, Newcastle-under-Lyme, ST5 9QA.

MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, Jonathan Gullis visited Stoke on Trent College’s Burslem Campus to highlight the significance of Apprenticeships in driving the economy forward.

The visit was designed to raise awareness of the benefits of Apprenticeships and coincided with the culmination of a series of events which took place at the College as part of National Apprenticeship Week 2024.

During the visit, Jonathan had the opportunity to meet with several apprentices from a range of construction sector businesses.  He also engaged in some immersive drone training and challenges in the Advanced Construction Centre and participated in a roundtable discussion where he provided an update on his role in Apprenticeship provision and valuable insights into recent developments.

Jonathan Gullis, MP said “It was fantastic to visit Stoke on Trent College’s Burslem Campus on National Apprenticeship Week, meeting with a number of their excellent apprentices and hearing how their courses and hands-on experience are upskilling them for a successful career.

“As co-chair of the APPG for Apprenticeships, I know it is vital we continue to invest in Apprenticeships and encourage more employers to take on an apprentice.

“Lisa and the team at the college are great ambassadors for Apprenticeships and I’m proud to have worked with them to hire two apprentices of my own – Jess and Mya – who work hard day in, day out serving the constituents of Stoke-on-Trent North, Kidsgrove and Talke.”

The event was also attended by local employers Unitas and Carson Powell, who shared insights into their experiences and the positive impact Apprenticeships have had from the perspective of both the apprentice and the employer.

Helen Woolley from Carson Powell said: “Our apprentices are very important to our Company’s succession planning and ensure that we will have the trades’ skills needed for the future. Over the past 15 years we have trained over 50 apprentices. We have enjoyed participating in National Apprenticeship Week with the college as well as having our own Company celebrations.”

Lisa Capper MBE, Principal and CEO of Stoke on Trent College said: “At Stoke on Trent College, our mission is to ensure that all our learners are equipped with skills for the future. We offer Apprenticeships in key sectors such as Health, Construction, and Engineering as well as service industries. 

Apprenticeships offer an ideal pathway to develop practical experience alongside formal training and nationally recognised qualifications. We are proud to collaborate with a diverse range of employers to provide Apprenticeships across priority sectors, contributing to the growth of the local and regional economy. We are also keen to work with government so that we can get the best possible chances for apprentices and help make it easier for employers to participate”

To find out more about Apprenticeships at Stoke on Trent College, visit: www.stokecoll.ac.uk/apprenticeships

The Longton Community Carnival and Pig Walk Parade returns to Stoke-on-Trent on Sunday, April 21st, 2024. This family-friendly event, organised by Urban Wilderness CIC, promises a day filled with festivities, entertainment, and community spirit.

The Pig Walk Parade, a historical celebration deeply rooted in Longton’s heritage, commemorates the journey of Aynsley, Mayor of Longton and owner of Aynsley China, that saw him drive a pig from Trentham to Longton Market, to secure land for Queen’s Park and funds for Longton Hospital.

This year’s parade will once again bring this tale to life, blending world-class artistry with local community engagement.

Laurel Gallagher, Co-Director of Urban Wilderness CIC, stated, “We are delighted to be able to bring back the Carnival and Pig Walk Parade again in 2024. The first year brought nearly 9,000 people into Longton on a Sunday, which was a total joy to see.”

The Longton Community Carnival is not just about celebration; it’s about community empowerment and regeneration. Supported by Arts Council, National Lottery, SOT City Council, and Levelling Up funds, the event serves as a catalyst for cultural and social revitalisation in Longton Town Centre. It provides a platform for local performers, community groups, and volunteers to showcase their talents, join the parade, and contribute to the town’s vibrant atmosphere.

Click here to find out more.

A new partnership sparked by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is helping local businesses to transition to electric vehicles.

EVC Solutions, a leading provider of OZEV-registered EV charging systems, is joining forces with Adept Vehicle Management, a distinguished player in the fleet management industry with over 21 years of experience, to ensure that businesses opting for EV fleets receive comprehensive support in the instillation of charging infrastructures.

It’s hoped that the partnership will help businesses to transition to an EV fleet as conveniently as possible.
Adrian Cooper, business partnering manager at EVC, said: “EVC’s collaboration with Adept Vehicle Management is the perfect partnership for companies with electric fleets or customers with EVs.

“Businesses with electric vehicle fleets need access to charging points, whether for their own vehicles, their staff, or their customers.

“The partnership between EVC Solutions and Adept Vehicle Management is a huge benefit to companies switching to, or growing their electric vehicle fleets.”

Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, added: “Facilitating meaningful connections and propelling innovative partnerships is at the core of Staffordshire Chambers’ mission.

“We are immensely proud to have helped bring together EVC Solutions and Adept Vehicle Management for this transformative collaboration. The strength of this partnership lies not only in their shared commitment to sustainable business practices but also in their ability to simplify the transition to electric fleets for businesses.

“This collaboration will have a significant impact on businesses embracing electric vehicles, and it underscores our dedication to fostering growth and sustainability within our business community.”

Chris Street, chair of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s newest forum – the International Trade Forum – shares an update on the forum, and his feelings on why businesses should get involved.

“I’m frequently asked, why should I bother to Export?…. and it’s a good question.

It initially can be seen as expensive, difficult and complicated for those that have never done it before.

In reality, many organisations start exporting by accident. A customer asks you to supply to an overseas location instead of locally, you are approached by an overseas company who has seen your product or service online or you just put your toe in the water and go to an international trade fair. However it happens, it is often the starting point to an exciting, new adventure for your organisation which in turn can often be very lucrative.

If you or your organisation is exporting for the first time or is a seasoned exporter please join us to share your experiences and ideas at the International Trade Forum so we can together learn from each other and build stronger businesses.

The Forum consists of a diverse range of businesses and organisations who are looking to grow their business overseas and want to share their experiences whilst learning from those that have done it.

The aim of the Forum is to help support local businesses to export more by providing specific advice and ideas. This can involve supporting businesses with issues such as recruitment, language support, visas and legal advice. We also promote Trade Missions and can provide assistance in finding funding support.

In addition the ITF will look to raise issues impacting barriers to export with relevant strands of local and national government to ensure we give our businesses and organisations in our region every chance to succeed and prosper.

If you are interested in Exporting or just want to know more then please join us at the next International Trade Forum Meeting to be held at Commerce House, Stoke on Monday 26th Feb 2024 at 9am.

Please contact Maxine Darrock at maxine.darrock@staffordshirechambers.co.uk to book a place. It’s free and it may be the best investment you can make this year.

Business owners and leaders are being urged to complete the new Quarterly Economic Survey for Q1 2024 to help inform policymakers on the challenges facing businesses in our local area.

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.

Full-service law firm, Freeths, has announced that it is now a certified B Corporation (B Corp) as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and its wider ESG strategy.

B Corp certification is awarded to businesses that demonstrate they meet B Corp’s high standards of environmental and social impact and good governance. This is measured through performance, accountability, and transparency across all areas including employee benefits, charitable work, and supply chain practices.

Freeths will now be working with the environmental company Planet Mark to help the firm to create a net-zero plan, and to establish interim and long term Science Based (SBTi) net-zero targets.

Chris Freeston, Head of the firm’s Banking & Finance Practice, who led the B Corp application for the firm, said: “I’m excited and hugely proud that Freeths has achieved B Corp certification.

“As a responsible business, it is testament to the hard work of our people and it highlights these important issues and embraces the values that are integral to our firm, our people, clients, and our communities.

“At Freeths, we take our commitments to people and the planet very seriously and this status demonstrates our ongoing performance in the field.”

The secret is out! We’re bringing Timpson Group’s pioneering CEO, James Timpson OBE to Staffordshire to deliver a masterclass on all things skills, recruitment and retention.

This groundbreaking event will shake up the way that Staffordshire businesses approach talent acquisition and employee retention, as James shares the strategies that he uses to foster a top-tier workforce.

James will be joining us hot off the release of his new book – The Happy Index: Management tools & leadership advice for creating a happier and healthier workforce – to share the specific qualities and characteristics he values most in potential hires.

With a staggering 5,600 colleagues across 2,000 stores, Timpson Group stands as an example of excellence in creating an outstanding company culture.

James will join businesses at the bet365 Stadium on the morning of March 20, when he will help Staffordshire businesses to understand how they can approach recruitment and retention in the face of a national skills shortage – and share the secret tactics he uses to retain talent.

The room will full of other leading local businesses so it is also a brilliant networking opportunity!

Attendees will also gain a unique insight into the projects and initiatives undertaken by the Timpson Foundation to support education and employment. The positive impact the foundation has had on lives through skills development and employment opportunities is nothing short of inspiring.

This masterclass forms part of the Chambers’ Big Business Breakfast series, aimed at empowering Staffordshire businesses to overcome challenges and celebrate local success stories.

Staffordshire Chambers is continuing to drive collaboration between businesses and education providers to help tackle skill gaps, aligning seamlessly with our local skills improvement plan.

James book is release next Thursday so we will be keeping an eye out for that, too!

Mark your calendars for March 20, and we will hopefully see you at the bet365 Stadium!

Book your tickets, here.

A pioneering CEO is set to visit Staffordshire to deliver a ‘skills solutions’ masterclass that will help local businesses and training providers to attract exceptional employees.

James Timpson, the visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist behind Timpson Group, will share his unique strategies that he uses to help ‘attract exceptional employees’ to the UK’s leading retail service provider, currently employing over 5,600 colleagues across 2,000 stores.

Organisers hope that the event, taking place at the bet365 Stadium on the morning of 20 March, will help to tackle skill shortages that continue to impact businesses across the county.

Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “One thing that tops the agenda in our regular dialogue with businesses of all sizes is a real struggle to recruit and retain the right calibre of candidates.

“Timpson Group are renowned for their brilliant work culture and are the perfect case studies for businesses looking to transform their approach to recruitment and staff retention.

“It’s a great opportunity for businesses to discover the specific qualities and characteristics James values most in potential hires and the tactics he uses to retain talent, while networking with other leading local employers.

“This event continues our fantastic work around the Local Skills Improvement Plan, which brings together local skills providers with businesses to better align learning opportunities for young people.”

Businesses will also gain an insight into the projects and initiatives undertaken by the Timpson Foundation to support education and employment, and discover the positive impact the Timpson Foundation has had on lives through skills development and employment opportunities.

The event forms part of the Chambers’ wider Big Business Breakfast series, designed to empower Staffordshire businesses to tackle the most pressing challenges and champion our business success stories.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has launched a brand-new suite of industry-leading training courses aimed at unlocking the full potential of businesses across the county.

Recognising that a skilled and motivated workforce is paramount for business success, the Chambers has gathered the region’s top trainers to create a comprehensive and convenient one-stop-shop for all training needs.

Leveraging over 200 years of collective experience within the business community, Staffordshire Chambers has meticulously designed new training programmes to address specific skill gaps, allowing businesses to align their employees’ capabilities with organisational needs and goals.

All training courses will be hosted at the centrally-located Commerce House in Festival Park, providing participants with access to complimentary refreshments, free parking, and ultra-fast WiFi. Chamber members will also be entitled to exclusive discounts when booking courses.

Chris Plant, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Deputy CEO, said: “We wanted to collaborate with Staffordshire’s best trainers to create a range of training courses that provide unrivalled value for the local business community.

“Staffordshire Chambers will now offer training programmes that elevate competency and expertise in crucial business disciplines, including core business skills, leadership, finance, HR, and health & safety. The comprehensive approach is designed to empower businesses across various sectors and sizes.

“The advantages of investing in workforce training are underscored by the Chambers, emphasizing its ability to address skill and recruitment challenges, engage employees, increase productivity, unlock new skillsets, improve employee retention, and foster innovation within organisations.

“Our lineup of award-winning trainers bring a wealth of practical knowledge to cater to companies of all sizes – from micro-businesses and SMEs to large international corporations.”

As a not-for-profit organisation, every penny earned by the Chambers will be reinvested to support and nurture the growth of Staffordshire’s economy.

The first five courses taking place at Commerce House are:

Microsoft Excel Beginner – Wed 6 March
Emergency First Aid at Work – Tue 26 March
Microsoft Excel Intermediate – Thu 11 April
Essential Supervisory Skills – Tue 16 April
Introduction to HR for Non-HR Managers – Thu 18 April

Chris added: “Opting for training with the Chambers is not just an investment in workforce development but also a contribution to the organisation’s advocacy and lobbying efforts, which aim to create the most favourable trading conditions for companies in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.”

The Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s dynamic training courses promise to be a catalyst for business growth and success in the evolving business landscape.

To view the new training brochure, please click here, or to book specific courses, please click here.