News
Sara’s Blog: Taking time out to make efficiency savings, review funding and finances and two great employee travel benefits
I always find the summer holidays are a good time to do a bit of housekeeping at work.
For example, reviewing what your business pays for gas, electricity and water is one task we all need to do but it gets pushed to the back of the list as day-to-day tasks take priority.
Earlier this year the Chambers entered a new partnership with leading utilities cost consultancy Troo to offer Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services to members.
The service is designed to provide expert advice to Staffordshire-based business owners to help you reduce electricity, gas and water expenditure, resulting in increased operational efficiency.
The team at Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services know the market and know the suppliers and they do all the hard work saving you time and probably a headache due to the confusing array of tariffs and suppliers out there.
As part of this new partnership, Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services offers a free energy health check to members. This service enables business owners to potentially save thousands of pounds per year on their energy bills.
I am confident that this partnership will benefit Staffordshire businesses and organisations and contribute to the economic growth of the county
Registered business members of Staffordshire Chambers can take advantage of the following services provided by Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services:
- A free assessment of current energy contracts
- Assistance in negotiating competitive market rates
- Ongoing account management and advice
Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services’ advisers can also analyse electricity and gas bills to identify if members are being overcharged. For larger operations, on-site audits of energy and water usage can be arranged, and if necessary, they can manage on-site works for meter upgrades.
You can find out more by taking advantage of the free initial assessment offered by the Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services advisers by calling: 0800 058 1950 or emailing: energyservices@sces.co.uk www.staffschambersenergyservices.co.uk
Another great service worth checking out is our partnership with Swoop to bring you access to funding across grants, loans, equity and commercial mortgages with our Finance Finder platform.
Finance Finder has a dedicated business hotline open during working hours, templates and tools to speed through applications, finance updates, news and alerts to keep you updated with funding and grant opportunities.
You can also access a free and impartial financial health assessment to help you find cost savings and efficiencies.
It is a really easy platform to use and you can get started by registering here: Get Started – Swoop Group (swoopfunding.com)
And whilst we are on the subject of saving money…..
Did you know that as a member of Staffordshire Chambers you automatically benefit from a massive discount on AA Roadside Assistance and a discount on car parks at most major UK airports?
Whether you have a small or large fleet of cars or a single commercial vehicle, we can help you to keep your vehicles on the move with Chamber Roadside Assistance.
In partnership with the AA, we will ensure you keep motoring at an exclusive competitive price – you can receive up to 67% discount on the cost of business breakdown cover. Several of our staff take advantage of the discount so I know it is a genuine money saver.
We also have a deal with APH airport car parking which slices a further 15% from their already competitive rates. APH offer valet parking and free transport to and from your terminal to get your holiday off to the right start.
And both discounts can be passed on to your employees, making great benefits to add to their package.
Contact info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk for details of both the AA and APH discounts
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in News
Asia-Pacific Trade Bloc Deal a boost for export prospects
Reacting to the signing of the Accession Protocol, paving the way for the UK’s accession to the CPTPP in 2024, Staffordshire Chambers International Trade Centre Manager, Allison Tomlinson said:
“The upcoming inclusion of the United Kingdom into this trade bloc brings the total to twelve nations, constituting 15% of the world’s economic output.
“This move will create fresh opportunities for our enterprises in both internal and external investment alongside the other eleven nations, commencing from the latter half of the upcoming year.
“Out of the current eleven members, the UK has secured individual trading arrangements with nine, leaving Malaysia and Brunei outstanding. Hence, these new terms will be of particular significance for traders operating within these markets.
“Such multinational trade pacts are rare, and they introduce novel prospects within a swiftly growing sector of the global economy.
“We observe a specific advantage for small and medium-sized businesses, as they can benefit from reduced expenses when importing components from fellow member countries for integration into products intended for export.
“Additionally, the provisions for data flows, which are increasingly vital for international trade, are quite favorable.
“We will closely examine the Accession Protocol upon its release in the upcoming days. Nonetheless, the accession presents positive prospects for UK businesses seeking to venture into or expand within these markets, offering heightened confidence and more advantageous trading conditions.
“We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the UK Government and other stakeholders to ensure that firms enjoy the most favorable access to this thriving market within the framework of global trade.”
- Published in News
Full line-up of speakers revealed for Let’s Do Business expo
Staffordshire Chambers is delighted to reveal our full line-up of speakers for the 2023 Let’s Do Business expo.
Joining us at Uttoxeter Racecourse on 12 October, the four speakers will all explore the ways that AI developments can transform your business. This year’s speakers include:
Katie King
Katie King is a published Author, Keynote Speaker and Consultant on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in marketing and CX, as well as, STEM, leadership and business transformation.
Delegates will enjoy an exclusive insight into AI, digital transformation, and the future of marketing from Katie, who was recently voted a ‘Top 10 AI influencer’.
Katie will share her insights on how businesses of all sizes and across all sectors can harness AI ethically for competitive advantage. She will outline how they can take exploit new tools and processes across their marketing, sales, CX and HR, and provide insights into how they can get started, cost-effectively, using her Scorecard for Success.
Sandra Woolley
Sandra Woolley is the visionary Computer Science Research Director at Keele University.
With a background as Deputy Director at Keele University’s prestigious Digital Society Institute, Sandra is leading the charge in shaping the future of AI and technology with a conscience. This exclusive talk, delivered collaboratively by Sandra and Samir Dani, will explore new developments within the field of AI as well as the challenges with their applications. Businesses will be given an insight into the opportunities to harness these technologies for new business models, streamlining operations, and bringing transparency and traceability to organisational processes.
Samir Dani
Samir Dani is the Deputy Director of Keele Business School and Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management. His expertise span across areas including risk, resilience, sustainability, technology and business models within operations and supply chains.
Samir’s talk will unravel the secrets of transforming challenges into opportunities, crafting business models that thrive amidst the ever-evolving landscape of modern commerce. Whether you’re a business owner, an aspiring AI wizard or are simply curious about the ethical implications of AI, prepare to be inspired as Samir and Sandra the stage to share their insights, experiences and discoveries.
Theocharis Kyriacou
Theocharis will share real-world examples of how AI and Big Data can revolutionise business processes across a range of sectors and business sizes. They will also share compelling case studies on how they worked with local businesses to implement AI and Big Data strategies to streamline their operations, increase productivity, and achieve measurable results. Attendees can learn how these cutting-edge technologies can help improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape.
This year’s AI-themed event, sponsored by Business Lodge, Michelin, The HEX Group and Lexus Stoke, will also feature an interactive gaming lounge where people will be able to connect with fellow attendees, network and have some fun with a suite of VR and games provided by industry-leading businesses based in Staffordshire.
To book your free delegate place please click here. To showcase your business to over 1,000 new clients and customers, click here.
- Published in News
Staffordshire businesses urged to protect themselves from crime through series of videos
A series of hard-hitting videos are being launched to encourage Staffordshire businesses to take advantage of the free Staffordshire Business Crime Helpline to help reduce the risk of business crime.
The videos will showcase examples of crimes that are affecting Staffordshire businesses, the wide-ranging impacts they can have and how preventative measures could have stopped them being a victim. The videos will encourage businesses to contact the helpline to get free support.
Operated by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and funded by the Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, the helpline offers expert advice to help local businesses combat various forms of criminal activities.
Through the helpline, businesses gain access to expert advisors who specialise in business crime prevention. These experts provide tailored advice and guidance to identify vulnerabilities, assess risk and develop robust strategies to safeguard business operations.
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers, said: “We are dedicated to supporting businesses in Staffordshire, and we recognise the importance of addressing the challenges posed by business crime. We hope that these videos will hit home with a lot of businesses and they will consider contacting the Helpline, to make simple changes to prevent them being a victim in the future.
“The Helpline provides expert advice and assistance to help local businesses protect themselves from theft, fraud, cyber attacks and general crime – all of which can have massive implications on a business’ operations.”
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams said: “Business crime is a serious issue that can damage people’s lives and livelihoods, and have a negative impact on our wider communities.
“These videos are designed to raise awareness of the help available for businesses through the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, both in protecting themselves from a range of crimes, and giving them the support they need to resolve any issues as quickly as possible.”
The Business Crime Helpline encourage businesses to report incidents to the police to allow officers to identify crime patterns. Crucially, it enables us to give businesses the support that they need to ensure they can resolve any issues and return to normality as quickly as possible.’
The helpline is also open to businesses who have been a victim of crime and all reports can be treated anonymously.
The videos will be launched on social media over the next 3 months and can be viewed on the Staffordshire Chambers YouTube Channel.
Businesses can call the helpline on 01782 900239.
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Leading construction company Swietelsky become Chamber Patrons
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is delighted to announce that international construction company Swietelsky has committed its support to the Staffordshire business community by becoming Chamber Patrons.
The Swietelsky Group is a leading construction company operating in Central and Eastern Europe with around 12,000 employees. The firm is proud to have a ‘big family’ philosophy, nurturing a supportive and collaborative environment to help drive toward a common economic future. They offer a full range of construction services and are known for their high quality, flexibility and adherence to deadlines.
As a patron of Staffordshire Chambers, Swietelsky will be joining a vibrant community of businesses who are dedicated to promoting economic growth and supporting the development of local enterprises.
Sara Williams OBE, Staffordshire Chambers CEO, said: “Through our extensive network of events, services and resources, we aim to provide our patrons with the support and opportunities they need to thrive and succeed.
“We are confident that Swietelsky will be a valuable addition to network of Patrons, and we look forward to working together to promote the interests of businesses in Staffordshire and beyond.”
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.
- Published in News
Declan’s Blog: Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Local Plan – have your say
With a population of more than 123,000, the Borough of Newcastle under Lyme stretches across the north of Staffordshire, extending from the edges of Market Drayton, over to Kidsgrove and Mow Cop. Keele University sits in the heart of the Borough and many businesses have recognised the benefits of being based in Newcastle under Lyme, thanks to the exceptional connectivity offered through the M6 and A500.
Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council is now consulting on the first draft of its Local Plan. A Local Plan identifies where and how many new homes should be built but also locations where businesses may need more land and areas of regeneration and protection. A Local Plan will outline the long-term vision, strategic objectives and development strategy for the Borough and includes policies for determining planning applications.
Having a Local Plan in place will help to support ‘place shaping’ in the Borough and provide certainty for communities, developers, and the Council. It can also help to attract funding, investment and support infrastructure provision in the local area.
ls have outlined that approximately 5,400 homes could be built across more than 40 sites, some of which are in the green belt. The proposals also include a range of ideas for business sites to create new jobs
We know that Newcastle under Lyme Borough is a great place to live and work. The local population is growing and there is a need to strike the right balance in building new homes but also making sure that there is a sufficient supply of employment land across the area.
You have the chance to share your views about how new levels of housing and development should be distributed, as well as the opportunity to comment on proposed development allocations. This is your chance to share your views and influence future growth and development of Newcastle under Lyme Borough.
The consultation runs until Monday 14th August and you can submit your views through the following link:
If you have an interest in planning and infrastructure, you’d be very welcome to join the Chamber Planning & Infrastructure Forum, which meets again on Tuesday 17th October at 9AM. For further details, please email: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Stafford-based Medi-Spa 28 shortlisted for prestigious Clinic of The Year award – and they need your vote!
Stafford-based Medi-Spa 28 has been named a finalist for The Best Clinic of The Year – Midlands Award 2023 at the International Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards.
The Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards, which is celebrating its 10th year this year, aim to recognise outstanding professionals, services, and brands in the beauty, aesthetics, and personal care industry who have positively transformed and empowered lives through their unwavering commitment to safety and excellence.
Medi-Spa 28, which was featured in Daily Focus in June for its impressive extension plans, has been named as a finalist for demonstrating excellence in providing safe, top-notch treatments to its valued clients.
Daily Focus readers can cast their vote by visiting the Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards website
The Safety in Beauty Diamond Awards is a unique event in the industry, as it aims to honor those who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to safety, excellence, and innovation. This year, Medi-Spa 28 has stood out among its peers, earning a spot as a finalist for The Best Clinic of The Year – Midlands Award 2023.
You can vote for Medi-Spa 28, here.
- Published in News
Sara’s Blog: The Office for Place and summer networking
In a speech on Tuesday, Michael Gove MP, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) announced that The Office for Place will be based in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Office for Place has been brought into being to develop housing strategy for the UK’s towns and cities with a vision to catalyse change across government and communities to support the creation and stewardship of popular, healthy, beautiful and sustainable places by helping neighbourhoods to ask for and deliver new places. The Office for Place will support public sector planners and the British design and development industries to be the best place makers in the world and improve the data on happiness, health, popularity and sustainability for everyone.
Civil servants as well as Government ministers are expected to be based at here, developing plans for housing projects in 20 UK towns and cities as part of a major revamp. Although the precise location of the office and timings for the project have yet to be announced, this is great news for Stoke and for Staffordshire.
Nicholas Boys Smith, interim chair of The Office for Place said: “Nowhere could be more appropriate for the Office for Place’s hometown as the name means place. And Stoke has both a proud past as home to the English pottery industry and every chance for a marvellous and prosperous future.”
I could not agree more! We embrace the past, but we are not stuck there. Our ceramics sector is a fine example of an industry that has lived through tumultuous change, has adapted and is forward facing – and a material that is vital to the new green industries developing everywhere. Yes, we still make plates, mugs and cups but we also manufacture ceramics for additive manufacturing, microbiology, fuel cells, batteries and nuclear power.
We are a city whose goods have been based on home creation forever – every new home needs tiles, crockery and building materials – having The Office of Place based here is very fitting.
And we can offer real examples of what works in communities and what needs to change. I hope that we are also one of the 20 places that will be supercharged and benefit from the expertise – and I suspect that those working here will also have new demands on our housing provision too.
It is quite interesting for me as I worked, once upon a long time ago, for the Association of Community Technical Aid Centres. Community Technical Aid was about getting local people making the decisions about the design of their built and natural environments, making sure they got what they wanted. It would be fantastic if the Office of Place can reinstates some of these principles across the country.
You can read the full statement from Nicholas Boyd Smith: Office for Place – A Statement from the Chair – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Looking to continue networking through the summer?
The school holidays have started and let’s hope the weather picks up soon for anyone holidaying or having days out in the UK.
However, for many people without children of school age its business as usual.
Quieter offices and less meetings mean that the summer is a great time to work ‘on’ your business and perhaps do some networking to build your business contacts.
Our event calendar cools down a little in the summer, but we still have some great events like our Teapot Boat Ride on 10th August.
With an exciting journey by narrowboat through the 1.6-mile Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent and Mersey Canal, followed by a two mile walk back to the start point finishing at The Blue Bell Inn for drinks and nibbles, you will have a great opportunity to network and learn a little of our local history from host Simon Davies from King’s Award-winning business ProtectaPet.
Book your place here: Teapot Boat Ride – Staffordshire Chambers
And don’t forget our Members’ Lounge at Commerce House is open 9am – to 5pm on weekdays. It’s a great place for members to work, meet and network with free Wi-Fi and hot drinks.
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in News
Let’s Do Business early bird stand booking discount ends on Friday
Staffordshire businesses have until this Friday, 28 July to secure their discounted stand bookings for the county’s biggest business show.
Taking place at Uttoxeter Racecourse on 12 October, Let’s Do Business is expected to attract more than 1,000 delegates for a comprehensive day of networking and business insights.
Booking a stand will allow you to spotlight your services to over 1,000 new customers, clients and suppliers. It’s the perfect opportunity to network with like-minded individuals, spotlight your services and ultimately, do business!
The event, sponsored by Business Lodge, Michelin and Lexus Stoke, will also feature an interactive gaming lounge where people will be able to connect with fellow attendees, network and have some fun with a suite of VR and games provided by industry-leading businesses based in Staffordshire.
To book a stand, click here. Discounts are automatically applied at checkout.
- Published in News
New survey to offer insights into local salary information to aid recruitment
Staffordshire Chambers has teamed up with Hays Recruitment to launch a new Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire workforce survey for 2023.
The results of the survey will provide local businesses with an insight into salary and employment information so they can make clear decisions when recruiting to help secure the best candidates.
Now in its tenth year, the survey will provide a snapshot of local pay levels, average rates of pay per role, employee benefits and working practices. The survey draws on results from previous years, identifying key labour market changes and trends that will affect your business.
The survey was launched with an Employment and Skill Breakfast on 26 July 2023.
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “As the region continues to see nearly full levels of employment, businesses are still struggling to find appropriate talent to meet their increasing skills needs.
“The launch of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Workforce Survey and the report that will follow will provide businesses with an additional tool to help their recruitment process.
“It will support them in understanding local salary levels for a number of roles and additional benefits on offer, to ensure they are pitching any job opportuntiites at the right level to attract talent. We would encourage as many business as possible to complete the survey to give an accurate picture for the region.”
To complete the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Workforce survey, visit – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/FWV8SK7
- Published in Influence & Network, News