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
TopCashback joins Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce as Strategic Partners
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is thrilled to announce the addition of a new strategic partner, TopCashback.
The UK’s leading cashback site, who are based in Stafford, will now unlock a range of exclusive perks including an increased company profile and direct support from the Chambers’ senior leadership team.
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “I am thrilled to have TopCashback join our Strategic Partnership at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
“We are excited about the possibilities this partnership will bring and look forward to working closely with the company to drive success and prosperity in our region.
“The strategic partnerships are an extension of our current membership offer and it’s great to see so many leading local businesses taking up the partnership.”
Businesses interested in exploring the strategic partnership opportunity are encouraged to obtain further information by emailing karena.pawlak@staffordshirechambers.co.uk. Staffordshire Chambers looks forward to welcoming new strategic partners and continuing to champion business excellence in the region.
- Published in News
Staffordshire Chambers announce trio of ‘Meet the MP’ events
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has announced a series of exclusive ‘Meet the MP’ events, providing an exceptional opportunity for Chamber members to engage directly with local MPs.
These events are aimed at fostering constructive dialogue between Chamber members and MPs, as they work collaboratively to drive positive change and economic growth within the region.
The “Meet the MP” events will be held on the following dates:
- Jonathan Gullis, MP for Stoke on Trent North. The event will take place at Commerce House, Friday, 15th September at 12:30 PM.
Book here. - Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke on Trent South. The event will be held at Valentine Clays, Friday, 29th September at 1:15 PM.
Book here. - Jo Gideon, MP for Stoke on Trent Central. The event will be hosted at Commerce House, Friday, 10th November at 12:00 PM.
Book here.
These exclusive gatherings offer Chamber members an invaluable platform to voice their insights, concerns, and ideas directly to their respective MPs. The discussions will revolve around crucial topics, including regeneration, transport, infrastructure, skills development, and various other issues affecting the local economy.
Through these interactive sessions, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce seeks to facilitate a strong collaboration between the business community and elected representatives. By bridging the gap between the private sector and policy-making, these events aim to yield actionable solutions that will drive sustainable growth and prosperity for the entire region.
Limited spaces are available, so early registration is recommended to guarantee participation. Please note, this is for Chamber members only.
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Stafford Chamber of Commerce President’s Charity Lunch raises thousands for local causes
Stafford Chamber of Commerce hosted its President’s Charity Luncheon at Stafford Rugby Club last Friday, 21 July, raising thousands of pounds in support of local sports initiatives.
Highlighting the event’s success were the esteemed guest speakers who captivated the audience with their insights and experiences. The Chamber would like to thank Tim Stimpson, former British and Irish Lion, Mike Hogan, the organiser of the 2023 Rugby League World Cup, and Nathan Hines, the former British and Irish Lion from Gallagher Insurance, for joining us on the day.
The event, which was kindly sponsored by Ansons Solicitors and Samurai, and organised in partnership with LR Partnership Events, included an auction of four tickets to a Premiership match and a Leicester signed shirt, as well as a Four Ball Golf experience at Nottingham Golf Club with none other than Tim Stimpson.
- Published in News
Stafford businesswoman named ‘Virtual Speaker of the Year’ in national awards
Staffordshire-based speaker Grace Marshall has been named Virtual Speaker of the Year at the 2023 Speaker Awards in London.
Grace, 43, from Stafford, was recognised at the international Speaker Awards ceremony, held at London’s Hilton Docklands hotel. The awards honour speakers from all corners of the globe who inspire, motivate and ignite change through the power of their words.
Since 2012 Grace has delivered over 750 virtual workshops and keynote speeches for an extensive global client list, including Sage, 3M, Pearson and BT. Up to 2019 she had delivered 32 virtual sessions, however recent demand for her virtual talks has grown by over 840% to almost 300 virtual speaker engagements.
Grace won the Virtual Speaker category based on her inspiring video talks for Member Masterclass, a series of exclusive content created by Sage, the leader in accounting, finance, HR, and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses. Grace’s videos were commissioned by Sage for its audience of small business owners, accountants, HR and finance professionals. They are live in five countries (UK, Ireland, US, Canada and South Africa) and are soon to be rolled out in France, Germany and Spain.
Grace partners with event companies, marketing agencies, HR and internal communications departments to deliver popular talks on emotional resilience, productivity and work life wellbeing, based on her third book.
The book has been described as honest, uplifting and ‘the antidote to fake positivity’.
Grace explains: “My talks are designed to help people face adversity, navigate uncertainty and overcome overwhelm with more resilience and compassion, as well as to help companies look after their staff through difficult times.
“I address the question; ‘What do you do when things go wrong?’ and encourage us all to look at struggle in a different way – because out of struggle comes innovation, growth and strength.”
To find out more about Grace’s speaking opportunities, please visit www.gracemarshall.com
- Published in News, Uncategorized
Harness the power of AI at Let’s Do Business with keynote speaker, Katie King
Staffordshire Chambers is delighted to announce that renowned author, keynote speaker and AI expert Katie King will be joining us as the headline speaker for this year’s Let’s Do Business.
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.
On Thursday, 12 October, at Uttoxeter Racecourse, Katie will outline how businesses can 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. Book your free delegate space, here.
Business stands are filling quickly! Exhibit your services at Let’s Do Business and enjoy exposure to over 1,000 new customers, clients and suppliers! Book your stand, here.
- Published in News
Sara’s Blog: Inflation slows and the Better World Festival
This week’s inflation data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) illustrates that while consumer price and core inflation remain stubbornly high, businesses’ input prices have fallen.
Inflation fell to 7.9% in the year to June – down from 8.7% in May.
It means the rate of inflation has slowed more than expected largely due to fuel and food prices rising less quickly.
Inflation peaked at 11.1 per cent last year and has been on a downward trend since then but is still well above the Government and Bank of England target of 2 per cent – It may be some time until we see that again!
The Bank of England has raised rates 13 times since December 2021 to try to cool soaring price rises, driving up borrowing costs for millions. However, many leading economists now believe it is now under less pressure to act after inflation slowed.
While firms’ costs are now much higher than a year ago, the fall in the input rate will offer a glimmer of hope that consumer price inflation will soon start to ease. However, the drivers of price rises have shifted with labour costs now the most significant factor. This may slow down the rate of CPI decline – due to the high number of job vacancies.
“The latest British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey in July, of 5,000 businesses, (with 200 of those being Staffordshire businesses) showed that fewer firms are now expecting their prices to rise, and while inflation remains the top concern, the numbers of worried businesses have been falling since the end of 2022.
As we know, the causes of inflation are diverse with most businesses, (68%) now citing labour costs as a key pressure, 63% citing utilities, and 45% citing raw materials. Labour costs will undoubtably remain an issue for business for some time; although the figure has been steadily falling, there are still around a million job vacancies in the UK.
However, for manufacturers, 75% cited raw materials as the main cost pressure, and hospitality firms were far more likely than all other sectors to cite utility costs as a worry.
In general, the QES data shows there has been optimism building in the business community that future price rises might not be inevitable. This week’s ONS findings will be an important factor for the Bank of England to consider going forward.
The next QES will launch in August, and we would really value your input to grow the response rate from our county. It takes about two minutes to fill out the survey. You will get notification of the survey by email and in Daily Focus.
Away from inflation and other worries now.
‘The Better World Festival’ organised by Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, returns to Stoke-on-Trent for its third year on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th July.
It is a free, family-friendly event and I am delighted that Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is sponsoring the Festival with its exciting range of performances across two stages, zones for mindfulness and an artisan market. Its the perfect (free) event for you and your staff to visit for a great family event and I hope that you encourage all of your colleagues, friends and families to go.
The World Music Stage located on Piccadilly is set to showcase acclaimed artists specialising in global music including Royal Bollywood Music Strings, Kotu Drummers and Los Gitanos Kings, with headline spots secured by award-winning DJ Kavita and World folk rap band Mobius Loop. Better World Festival favourites are also set to return, including Jon Walklate, July Julay and Julia Mosley.
Complimenting the musical line-up, Better World Festival will bring together speakers, activists, pioneers, charities, community groups and artisan market vendors with an interest in creating positive change during this weekend event.
This includes our very own, Kate Beardmore, our President, who will be delivering an exclusive insight into ‘Wellbeing Tips for Daily Living’ in the Wellness Area located on Market Square at 2:30pm on the Sunday.
Charities members from Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce will also be exhibiting and showcasing their vital work in the local community.
I do hope you can find time to visit the Better World Festival. You won’t be disappointed!
Better World Festival 2023 – Stoke BID (stokeontrentcitycentre.co.uk)
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 Influence & Network, News