News

InfraBridge-backed VX UK Holdings Limited (“VX UK”) and Freedom Fibre Limited (“Freedom Fibre”), two of the leading UK alternative local fibre providers, have signed an agreement to combine their businesses.

The combined business will have more than 285,000 premises passed and combine the operations of VX UK and Freedom Fibre into a single group through the acquisition of the UK assets and operations of VX UK by Freedom Fibre.

Both VX UK and Freedom Fibre have a strong regional presence in their respective markets. VX UK has a strong presence in Stoke-on-Trent and the surrounding areas through its unique contract with Stoke City Council, which provides connectivity for local authority premises, underpinning essential local services. VX UK markets its broadband service to local consumers through its LilaConnect brand, alongside a wholesale offering for local ISPs. VX also has fibre assets in Bristol and Colchester.

The new business will operate as Freedom Fibre Limited and will be run by Neil McArthur, Freedom Fibre founder and Chief Executive Officer. Darren Woods, currently Freedom Fibre Chief Financial Officer, will have the same role in the enlarged business.

Freedom Fibre launched in 2020 and offers wholesale-only services on its network and benefits from a long-term wholesale agreement with TalkTalk, a leading UK broadband provider. Freedom Fibre secured its first Building Digital UK (“BDUK”) gigabit tender earlier this year and during 2023 has begun offering a range of B2B products. TalkTalk has been a minority shareholder since 2021 and will remain a shareholder in the combined business.

Damian Stanley, Managing Partner, InfraBridge, said: “The combination of VX UK and Freedom Fibre, with the backing of our shareholders, brings together two of the UK’s leading altnets into a new, stronger company. Our businesses are highly complementary, including our geographic proximity, the quality of our network build and our retail and wholesale go-to-market strategies, and we now have a platform with the support of TalkTalk to provide ongoing connections across the enlarged business.”

Achal Bhuwania, CIO, Equitix, said: “Scale and resources are both critical factors needed to successfully commercialise a UK altnet. This merger of Freedom Fibre and VX UK will contribute significantly to these two critical factors, accelerating the growth of the combined businesses, creating a larger network with both a wholesale and retail network offering for our growing customer base.”

Neil McArthur, CEO, Freedom Fibre, said: “This is a strategic merger which leverages the strengths of both Freedom Fibre and VX UK to create a larger, stronger and more diverse business backed by two significant investors with ambitions for growth. We are delighted to be joining forces with the VX team and are hugely excited about the future potential of this newly combined business.”

The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of Q1 24.

VX UK’s parent company, VNEXT AB, headquartered in Sweden, remains managed by InfraBridge.

VX UK was advised by Houlihan Lokey; Freedom Fibre was advised by Cameron Barney. Weil and Ashurst provided legal advice to InfraBridge and Freedom Fibre, respectively.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Leek Town FC have joined forces to launch a charity football tournament for businesses, aimed at showcasing and celebrating the diverse range of apprenticeships in our county.

This event marks the first-ever apprentice football tournament in Staffordshire, a showcase of the incredible apprentices that have shaped, and continue to shape, the business landscape in the local business community.

Join us at the F. Ball Community Stadium on Friday, 22 March 2024 for a seven-aside football tournament as we raise money for the Chambers’ charities while promoting the fantastic apprenticeships in our region. Teams must have a minimum of three players who are either current or former apprentices.

All profits from the event will be donated to Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s charity members.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with local businesses and like-minded individuals passionate about supporting apprenticeships.

To register your team (maximum of 10 players), please contact kirsty.edwards@staffordshirechambers.co.uk. Teams are secured on a first come, first served basis.

Team entry fees are £120 + VAT per team which includes light refreshments and a buffet.

Register your team before the deadline of 29 February 2024 as we kickoff to a tradition that celebrates the bright future of apprenticeships in Staffordshire.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Jack Brereton MP welcomed local businesses into the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday to facilitate direct conversations with decision-makers about the issues currently impacting businesses in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

Representatives from the British Chambers of Commerce hosted a roundtable with businesses in the morning, helping to facilitate discussions around trending business issues that will inform the Chambers’ wider lobbying work.

The roundtable was followed by meetings with Lee Rowley MP, Minister for Housing, and James Sunderland, PSS to the Home Secretary. The group then observed discussions in the public gallery, followed by a tour of Westminster.

Stoke-on-Trent South MP, Jack Brereton, was pleased to sponsor the Chamber’s event in the Houses of Parliament.

Declan Riddell, Policy Adviser for Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “As advocates for local businesses, our policy team is dedicated to actively advocating for the best interests of businesses in Staffordshire.

“These events help to facilitate conversations with decision-makers, allowing members to put forward their concerns to help drive change.

“We would like to thank Jack Brereton, MP for hosting this event, providing our members with the platform to articulate their need for ongoing government support.”

Jack Brereton MP said: “It was such an honour to be able to welcome the Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce, local businesses, and organisations into Parliament.

“Stoke-on-Trent is a city on the up and I am keen to see levelling up not just in Stoke-on-Trent but across Staffordshire. I have been pushing for support for new and existing businesses to attract further investment into our area. Stoke-on-Trent serves as an example of the vast talent Staffordshire as a county has to offer and we must support both businesses and their workers.”

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, business leaders and members of local organisations into parliament on what is a rather special day. Today, I have put forward a Bill to Parliament, the ‘High Streets (Designation, Review and Improvement Plan) Bill’, in my efforts to support our high streets and local businesses. To have this coincide with visit from the Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, business leaders, and local organisation representatives was fantastic.”

Local businesses helped Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to raise over £1,500 for Chamber charities at the annual Christmas quiz at Vale Park on Tuesday night.

The highly-competitive event, sponsored by DJH Mitten Clarke, saw teams of six compete for the coveted Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Quizmas trophy, with Dains Accountants taking home the top prize.

Teams put their general knowledge to the test with a range of rounds including ‘guess the voice’ and ‘who is behind the headline’, while enjoying a festive buffet and open networking.

The Chambers’ hugely-popular charity raffle returned, with prizes including England football tickets, a luxury gin hamper and Premier tickets to the Midlands Grand National – all kindly donated by the local business community.

The money raised will be added to the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce fundraising pot and will be split across our charity members at the end of the year.

In a landmark collaboration, two pillars of the Staffordshire business community, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and the prestigious Potters’ Club, have joined forces to offer an exclusive corporate membership opportunity to Chamber members.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, the region’s leading business support organisation representing a diverse network of 1000 plus member companies, has partnered with the Potters’ Club, renowned since its establishment in 1951 as the foremost members’ club and fine dining restaurant in the region.

Under this exciting alliance, Staffordshire Chamber members will receive a complimentary Potters’ Club membership. This collaboration aims to add to the raft of valuable benefits available to Chamber members, by providing them with access to the unparalleled facilities and exceptional dining experiences offered by the Potters’ Club.

Margaret Michell, President of the Potters’ Club and former President of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “This is a fantastic collaboration for both organisations and for all members. I know first-hand the benefits of Chamber membership, and I love the fantastic facilities and food offered by the Potters’ Club. I am certain that Chamber members will appreciate this valuable addition to the benefits of their Chamber membership, and this unique co-operation will allow a new group of members to discover our excellent facilities.”

Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “This partnership underscores our commitment to providing unparalleled value and opportunities for our members. The combination of the Chamber’s extensive business support and the Potters’ Club’s premium facilities creates a synergy that will undoubtedly contribute to the success of our local business community.”

Staffordshire Chamber members can now enjoy access to the Potters’ Club facilities, allowing up to 10 members of each company to utilise the Club for remote working spaces, business meetings, or leisurely lunches, as well as for social and family meals and events. Members can simply provide their name and business name at The Potters’ Club reception.

It is quite concerning that as the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) in Dubai gets underway, a survey of 1,000 businesses – mostly SMEs – by the British Chambers of Commerce Insights Unit shows 40% of companies do not know any details about the UK’s net zero target.

• 7% are not aware of the UK government’s target at all, while 33% are aware but know no details. Last year 13% were not aware, and 48% had no details.
• There is business uncertainty about the impact of the UK’s net-zero policy changes announced in September. Around a quarter (24%) say the postponement of various targets will have a negative impact, while a third (31%) say the postponement will have a positive effect on their business.
• Around a quarter (24%) of firms report some form of exposure to severe weather events.

Over 1,000 businesses were surveyed for the research, with 96% of respondents SMEs. Similar research last year showed 61% of firms either not aware or having limited knowledge of the Government’s targets.

It’s hardly a surprise that businesses are confused when saving electoral seats seems to have taken priority over saving the planet. Look how the Conservatives narrowly held Uxbridge in the recent by-election, against a run of crushing reversals, solely due to their opposition to the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).

And with the PM, Foreign Secretary and the King and countless other delegates all travelling to the summit on separate private jets it does make you wonder how we will ever achieve net zero.

There is a huge challenge ahead to raise awareness in the business community about the UK’s 2050 net-zero target. Many firms are simply unaware of it or have only a cursory understanding.

Business must be at the heart of tackling climate change. Staffordshire Chambers works hard to improve understanding among our members, but companies need clear leadership from politicians.

Chambers of Commerce and businesses need a consistent net-zero framework that is clearly explained to them. The transition to net zero provides businesses with huge opportunities to grow and diversify. But awareness is key.

From flooding to heatwaves, a significant number of companies are seeing severe weather have a real impact on their business. Standing still on tackling climate change is no longer an option.

We would like to see three outcomes from COP28. We need clarity of frameworks to drive action. We need to see action to prepare for increasing exposure to severe weather events around the world. And finally, we want to see more support for the innovation and expansion of green technologies.

We always strive to set an example at Staffordshire Chambers and we have some exciting news around reporting on our carbon use. More to follow on that in next week’s blog!

In the meantime if you want to know more about net zero or have issues around how it is affecting your business please contact our policy advisor Declan Riddell: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

AGM

Yesterday was the 74^th AGM of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. It was also my 12^th and last AGM as CEO.

It’s always a real pleasure to hear a recap of the Chambers’ activities over the previous year and reflect on just how much we have achieved.

The AGM also marked the end of term of office for the Staffordshire Chambers President Kate Beardmore.  Kate has led the Chambers’ board through an extremely challenging period. Starting at the tail end of the pandemic Kate probably thought the only way was up. I’ve no need to reiterate what the past 18 months have brought us, and we all know the immense pressure felt by business and households.

However, having Kate around for the past two years has made it a lot easier. Always cheerful and with time for everyone, Kate’s knowledge of business and charity and her passion for the role and for Stoke and Staffordshire is obvious. Her heart and mind are openly set on making Staffordshire better so that every single person living here benefits.

Kate hands over the presidency to Steve Timmis who shares Kate’s passion and I know there could not be a safer pair of hands than his to take Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce forward.

We also have two new presidents for Stafford and Staffordshire Moorlands in Geoff Barton and Tom Wilkinson.

There are so many of you who freely give of your time to serve on our board, council, local area boards and council. A big thank you to you all. That is what makes us a truly democratic member led organisation and that makes me humbled and proud.

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

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce held its 2023 AGM at the Doubletree by Hilton, Festival Park on Wednesday, welcoming new Chamber and LAAB presidents.

The event marked the end of an era as the Chambers’ CEO Sara Willaims OBE oversaw her last AGM in charge following her announcement to retire back in September.

Kate Beardmore handed over the presidency of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to incoming president Steve Timmis, director of Stoke based accountancy firm, Sempar. The new local area Chamber presidents for Stafford and Staffordshire Moorlands are Geoff Barton from Canalside Farm Shop & Café, Great Haywood and Tom Wilkinson, director of Alton based Beta Commercial Finance.

The meeting started with a presentation from guest speaker, Graeme Chaplin, Agent for the Bank of England West Midlands Agency and a member of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee.

His presentation covered inflation, interest rates, labour market and wages and business investment and spending.

Graeme Chaplin, Agent for the Bank of England West Midlands Agency and a member of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee

Outgoing Chambers president Kate Beardmore then reported on the year to April 5^th, 2023, and significant events since then, referring to the Chambers continuing engagement and representation on behalf of businesses and the wider community.

Kate Beardmore said: “It is testament to the Chambers’ amazing team and the range of relevant benefits and services, that despite worsening economic conditions membership is roughly where it was this time last year at around 1000 firms including 28 patrons.

“More people are using the members lounge at the Chambers’ headquarters, Commerce House and there has been a marked uptick in firms using our four protection and peace of mind benefits, Chamber HR, health & safety, legal and tax services.

“We continue to facilitate a busy and varied programme of events from networking events, meetings with our MPs and member forums right up to our big headliner events, Confidence Live, Let’s do Business and the Chamber Business Awards and last year we facilitated 239 events attended by over 3000 people.

“For me personally, the proudest moment of 2023 was gaining The King’s Award for Promoting Opportunity which recognised our social mobility programmes that help people from disadvantaged backgrounds into successful working lives. This includes Positive Pathways which supports local refugees into employment, and our Boosting Women in Business programme.”

Other highlights included the launch of the Daily Focus website and newsletter in association with Stoke based creative agency, i-creation, which now has over 11,000 individual subscribers and the Chambers’ appointment as the designated employer representative body for the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).

Paying tribute to Sara Wiliams, Kate Beardmore said: “There is so much that Sara has achieved in her time at the Chambers, all of which has centred around her deep-rooted belief in enabling and building confidence, particularly in the Chambers’ work to empower women, drive sustainability and encourage diversity.

“Sara leaves the Chamber in a really good place in terms of people, finances and governance and whoever the board choose as her successor has a firm foundation to support and nurture talent and truly represent the business community in Stoke and Staffordshire.”

As part of the formal proceedings of the AGM, Kate Beardmore handed over the presidency of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce to incoming president Steve Timmis.

Steve said: “I am really excited to be taking on the presidency at such a pivotal moment and I am looking forward to working with fellow board directors to build on Sara’s incredible legacy.

“Like any business we will be looking at what the Chamber needs to do to thrive. Luckily, due to the Chambers’ sound financial and reputational footing we will be able to be act strategically rather than just reacting to external conditions.  I will also be looking at what we can do to create new income streams.

“Sara has made the Chamber a force for inclusion and diversity and has taken the lead in sustainability and environmental issues. It is crucial that the Chamber continues to lead the way in these matters.”

Staffordshire Chambers CEO, Sara Williams OBE, has appeared on the first episode of the recently-launched “Why Women Don’t Play Golf” podcast.

The monthly podcast, hosted by Strategi Solutions CEO Wendy Dean, strives to challenge stereotypes and amplify women’s voices in business and beyond.

Wendy said: “I would like to thank Sara for joining us on the first podcast. I look up to Sara as a leading light in Staffordshire (and beyond), as a woman who gets stuff done.

“She has been a great mentor to me over the last few years and I was very flattered when she agreed to partake in the first episode, especially as she has such a busy calendar at the moment. What a joy it was to discuss her career to date as a woman who has always pushed boundaries.”

“My first experience of this kind of media is that it gives an opportunity to share pearls of wisdom and thoughts of a world that might not normally be open to everyone.

“I really hope you enjoy it and look forward to sharing others each month.”

Listen to the episode in full on Spotify, here spoti.fi/3SVtdhQ

Aspiring entrepreneurs are being urged to join our next Boosting Women in Business cohort that launches on Thursday, 30 November.

Through a series of events, workshops and one-to-one support, we offer a safe and supportive environment where you can learn to understand the value of your skill set and how these skills can translate into running your own business.

The first session takes place at Commerce House this Thursday, 30 November from 10 am-2 pm.

Our programme will give you the fundamental knowledge you need to transition into the world of self-employment.

Tom Nadin, Head of Projects at Staffordshire Chambers, said: “As an organisation, we believe that enterprise, self-employment and growing businesses are a great way to help people change their lives.

“This is a unique opportunity to join a programme that offers tangible support to local entrepreneurs, many of whom have gone on to launch their own successful business in Staffordshire.”

If you’re interested in launching your own business, please email kirsty.edwards@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

National law firm Freeths has been crowned Best Technology Team of the Year at the prestigious British Legal Technology Awards 2023.

Hosted by Netlaw Media, the annual awards acknowledge and reward excellence in Legal Technology and IT Security across the UK and International Legal Sectors.

With over 300 people in attendance, Freeths were crowned winners amongst stiff competition, all displaying strong leadership, innovation and technology in the field.

With 10 categories overall, Judges recognised the firm for its incredible growth and transformation over the last five years.

Freeths CTO Richard Hodkinson, said: “The result represents a milestone in market recognition of our efforts which has been very much a collective effort. The win was based on not just the activity over the last year but reflected on the totality of work that’s gone in by the Freeths team over the last few years in what has been transformational – Freeths IT department by any measure does not resemble that of five years ago.

“The team’s continued focus and dedication in supporting the endeavours of the firm’s partners has been incredible. A well-deserved win.”