News

Last week it was announced that we will bid farewell to Staffordshire Chambers’ remarkable leader Sara Williams OBE at the end of the year as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement.

I have worked closely with Sara for the better part of a decade, in which she has been an unwavering source of support, an inspiration and a true trailblazer for the Chamber team and wider business community.

Under Sara’s guidance, we have achieved things that I am immensely proud of, including the Chamber of the Year Award and the King’s Award more recently, both of which underscore Sara’s commitment to excellence.

As Sara embarks on this new chapter, I extend my heartfelt wishes for all the happiness and fulfilment retirement can bring.

Her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire us for many years to come.

All the best in retirement and thank you, Sara.

Sara is now taking a well-earned break for the next two weeks, so she has asked me to step in with the blog in the meantime.

This week the news has been dominated by the slowing of inflation, the Bank of England’s decision to hold interest rates, having raised it for 14 months in a row, and the PM’s announcement of an overhaul of the government’s green commitments.

With clear signs that inflation, including core inflation is slowing down, the decision to pause, and possibly bring to end the current interest rate hike cycle, makes sense.

The sharp increase in the cost of borrowing over the past year and a half has already left many SMEs in real difficulty.

Research published earlier this week by the British Chambers of Commerce’s BCC Insight’s Unit showed that 46% of companies said that the current interest regime was having a negative impact on their business, particularly among the smaller and consumer facing businesses, such as hospitality and retail.

On Wednesday Rishi Sunak made his Net Zero announcement and insisted this would push the “long-term interests of our country” before “short-term political needs”. No surprise then that the plans received a mixed response from both within and outside his party.

The headliners were that the ban on buying petrol and diesel cars will be pushed back to 2035 and plans to force landlords to upgrade the energy efficiency of properties have been scrapped

Grants to help families replace boilers will go up by 50% to £7,500 and there will be an exemption for the homes which will most struggle to switch to heat pumps.

If we are to meet the challenge of making the UK Net Zero by 2050 then we must have pragmatic goals, that business can be confident they will be supported to reach.

Companies want to address climate change but cannot plan for future investment if the goal posts keep moving.

This means political consensus about the goals, combined with pragmatism on the solutions. Constant tinkering with Net Zero policies will only have further negative impacts on business confidence and investment plans.

Other countries and trading blocs are pouring billions into low-carbon technology, and we are getting left behind.

But if we get this right, and play to our country’s strengths then there is huge opportunity for UK Plc. It is vital we have a long-term Net Zero strategy which Government must demonstrate it can stick to.

If you have any issues arising from the PM’s announcement don’t hesitate to get in touch with our policy advisor, Declan Riddell: declan.ridell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

New national business council meets

Last week the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) held ​its inaugural​​ ​meeting of its new Business Council alongside Cabinet Minister, the Rt Hon Michael Gove and Shadow Chancellor, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves.

The new body, compris​ing​​ ​​some of the most ​prominent ​British​​ ​business​es,​ has been brought together to work in partnership with politicians ​to drive the future of the economy​​​ at this ​​crucial​​ time​​​.​

The Business Council will focus on five key challenges and will develop policy​ proposals​ that ​will​​ ​​help ​transform the ​future of the ​UK economy. Its ​initial​​ recommendations ​will feed into a business manifesto in the new year that ​will​ ​aim​ to influence​​​​​​ ​​political party​​​​ ​manifestos ahead of ​the general election.

​The Council will then work to develop follow-up papers – to help the next Government set a business-backed agenda from day one and establish a long-term strategy for growth.​

Business Council members will ​focus ​on at least one of the challenges. The​ challenge themes will​ all ​be ​chaired by ​five ​experienced business​ ​​leaders,​ working with commissions of businesses, experts, Chamber representatives and academics.

They will begin meeting in the coming weeks and will produce their first policy recommendations in early 2024.

​​​BCC President and Business Council Chair, Baroness Martha Lane Fox commented that now more than ever, businesses must come together to tackle the challenges facing the UK economy.​​

​​In the face of economic disruption and with a general election looming the national​ Business Council​ will help the voice of business to be heard loud and clear by policymakers.​

It is a partnership with politicians​,​ ​which aims to find the answers to the key issues facing the UK economy and it was testament to the gravitas of the Business Council that Michael Gove and Rachel Reeves attended the inaugural event.

Chambers and businesses are realistic and understand the financial limitations that the Governments of both today and the next five years will be facing.  But it’s through ​initiatives​​ ​like these that Chambers including Staffordshire can work ​collectively ​to make a real difference for businesses on the frontline of the economy, and give them the tools they need ​to​ ​succeed​.

Businesses in Staffordshire have a real chance to push issues they face to the agenda of the Business Council, and I would urge you to attend our member forums, take part in our quarterly economic survey or get in touch through the usual channels.

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

Applications for the 2023 East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards close today, Friday 22 September.

Submitting a fast and free application can help your business to attract new clients, unlock new PR & marketing opportunities and ultimately boost your bottom line.

There are a total of 10 award categories that businesses and organisations can enter. Find a full list of award categories and sponsors, here.

Entries into multiple categories is also encouraged.

It was also announced that the winners of the Most Promising Start-Up category will receive 12 months free mentoring and a £3k matched-funded investment grant. Find out more, here.

Good luck with your application – and hopefully, we will see you at the Pirelli Stadium for the Gala Awards Evening on 9 November.

Submit your application.

Finest and Future Finest have announced a series of inspiring and thought-provoking events for the remainder of 2023.

Join Staffordshire’s biggest professional services network on the following dates to enrich your career and elevate your professional journey.

Finest Meet and Eat lunch, Fri 20th October, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm, Lunar Restaurant, Barlaston

Join us for our Finest Meet and Eat Lunch at Lunar Restaurant where you can connect with Staffordshire professionals, enjoy a 2-course meal, and expand your network in a relaxed and informal setting. Book here.

Future Pro with Staffordshire University, Thu 26th October, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm, Staffordshire University

Future-Pro is an annual event held in conjunction with each of our local universities that helps to build new relationships between Future Finest, Finest, and final year university students who are considering a career in professional services. Book here.

Future Pro with Keele University, Thu 2nd November, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, Keele University

Join us for our second Future Pro event of the year as we travel to Keele University to meet final year university students considering a career in professional services. Book here.

Finest Coffee Morning, Fri 17th November, 9:30 am – 11:30 am, Commerce House

Enjoy a convenient catch-up with Staffordshire’s largest professional services network by joining us for our free-to-attend coffee morning. This event is kindly sponsored by market-leading coffee experts, Nespresso, who will bring a selection of refreshments that are available to sample free of charge. Book here.

Unlocking your leadership potential: An Introduction to Leading and Managing – Future Finest CPD Workshop, Tue 21st November, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, Commerce House

Delivered with CPD-accreditation, this session, that is free to attend for all Finest and Future Finest members, will help participants to understand the difference between leadership and management – and the value of each.

The session will also explore the four Situational Leadership types and when to use these appropriately. Book here.

Christmas Drinks, Thu 7th December, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, The Potters Club

Join us for our final Finest and Future Finest event of the year where we’ll be coming together for a festive celebration with Christmas drinks, food, and informal networking. Book here.

Nominations are now open for 20 dynamic, influential and forward-thinking business people like you to join our Chamber Council. Joining our Council strengthens your business network, providing invaluable connections for growth and collaboration.

What does the Chambers’ Council do?

The Councils’ primary role is to develop and ratify the Chambers’ policy and lobbying role, to help the Board and the Chambers’ executives to be in touch with business issues and the membership. Council is a sounding board for policy matters and to receive reports of the various Forums to ensure that they too are representing the Staffordshire business community.

What are the time commitments?

Council Members are expected to attend up to five meetings per year. Meetings usually last for around two hours and aim to discuss a range of business issues affecting Staffordshire and usually include a guest speaker.

What is in it for you?

This provides a great opportunity for you to increase your local knowledge and to influence the local business landscape. Together with the Chambers, you will have the power to increase the prosperity of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and the local community by forging outstanding connections and lobbying local authorities and the Government for a better business environment.

Who is eligible?

If you are employed by a business who is a paid-up member of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, you are eligible for nomination.

How do I apply?

If you would like to nominate yourself, please email jade.holloway@staffordshirechambers.co.uk to receive your nomination form papers.

Click here to view the Current members of the Chambers’ Council.

Click here to view Process Information Sheet  

Timeline

Open – Mon 18 September, 9am

Closed – Fri 20 October, 5pm

Applications for the 2023 East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards close this Friday, 22 September.

Submitting a fast and free application can help your business to attract new clients, unlock new PR & marketing opportunities and ultimately boost your bottom line.

There are a total of 10 award categories that businesses and organisations can enter. Find a full list of award categories and sponsors, here.

Entries into multiple categories is also encouraged.

It was also announced that the winners of the Most Promising Start-Up category will receive 12 months free mentoring and a £3k matched-funded investment grant. Find out more, here.

Good luck with your application – and hopefully, we will see you at the Pirelli Stadium for the Gala Awards Evening on 9 November.

Submit your application.

If you follow the Chambers’ media output and socials, then I’m sure you will have already seen the news that I have made the decision to retire at the end of 2023.

I do not intend to repeat myself here as I like to use the blog to inform and opine. And you can read the official press release in our Daily Focus: Sara Williams OBE announces decision to retire – Daily Focus (daily-focus.co.uk)

However, I will quickly reiterate what an absolute pleasure it has been to work with you all.  I could not have achieved anything without the cooperation, support hard work and determination which characterises our community. Nor could I have managed without my amazing team and the scores of people who freely give their time and expertise to serve on the Board of Directors, council, local area boards and member forums.

There, I said I was not going to go on about it! I still have three months left as CEO and there will be plenty of time for goodbyes before I finally depart in December.

So back to business and what a pleasure it was to attend the inaugural Staffordshire University Business Awards at the University’s Catalyst building last night.

Staffordshire Chambers were one of the sponsors and it was so nice to spend a relaxing evening amongst so many friends and Chamber Members. It was especially pleasant to be a guest so the worry about the running order was someone else’s!

The shortlisted entrants and winners were the real stars of the show and well done to the 30 nominees and congratulations to the 10 winners for their outstanding achievements.

A special thank you and congratulations to the staff at Staffordshire University for organising the night. And thank you to Vice Chancellor, Professor Martin Jones and the Director of Communities and Commercial Engagement, Martin Tideswell for your hospitality last night.

I know from personal experience that it takes a real collaborative effort to make a successful awards competition with a huge input of time, effort and money from sponsors, judges, the organising team and of course the entrants.

And finally, we have two very special events next week when we present our first Manufacturers’ Dinner at Uttoxeter Racecourse and a visit to The Hex Group, to celebrate National Manufacturing Day on Thursday 28^th September.

It is right that we celebrate our manufacturing firms which makes up a significant proportion of our economy with diverse products from ceramics to automotive and food and beverages to precision engineering.

The dinner, taking place in the 1907 Suite, will give local manufacturers the opportunity to network, discuss sector issues and celebrate their achievements while hearing from two esteemed speakers, Michelin Tyre MD John Howe, and Vickie Milligan, MD of Cottage Delight.

You can book places here: Manufacturers’ Dinner – Staffordshire Chambers

Earlier in the day there is also the opportunity to join a free tour of precision sheet metal specialist engineers the The Hex Group at their Hixon factory. Places are limited so be sure to book as soon as possible.

Tour of The HEX Group – celebrating National Manufacturing Day – Staffordshire Chambers

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 is excited to announce a new tendering opportunity for local trading providers.

We are seeking proposals from experienced and qualified providers to deliver high-quality training courses aimed at businesses of all sizes. The objective is to enhance the skills, knowledge and competitiveness of local businesses and foster economic growth in the Staffordshire region.

The selected training provider(s) will be responsible for designing and delivering training courses that address a wide range of business topics and skills. Courses should be suitable for participants from various industries and skill levels. The duration of the courses will vary depending on the subject from half-day to a maximum of 3 days.

The training courses should cover topics relevant to modern business practices and can be offered as stand-alone topics or incorporated into a full-day course programs.

Find out more about the tender opportunities, here. Please note – this opportunity is only available to Chamber members in the first instance.

Proposals must be submitted electronically to kelly.edwards@staffordshirechambers.co.uk no later than 13th October.

Late submissions will not be considered.

Applications for the 2023 East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards close in just two weeks!

Submitting a fast and free application can help your business to attract new clients, unlock new PR & marketing opportunities and ultimately boost your bottom line.

There are a total of 10 award categories that businesses and organisations can enter. Find a full list of award categories and sponsors, here.

Entries into multiple categories is also encouraged.

It was also announced this week that the winners of the Most Promising Start Up category will receive 12 months free mentoring and a £3k matched-funded investment grant. Find out more, here.

Good luck with your application – and hopefully, we will see you at the Pirelli Stadium for the Gala Awards Evening on 9 November.

Submit your application.

It’s not been particularly autumnal this week, but the start of a new term means back to school, back to work, back to the busy roads and typically, the summer weather has finally arrived.

I have already noticed the increase in use of our Members’ Lounge this week and it is a pleasure to see people working there as well as networking and meeting, often for the first time.

As business ramps up it is a time to fill the diary between now and the end of the year with events, important meetings and deadlines.

Staffordshire Chambers offers a whole range of events, courses and member forums to boost activity and strengthen networks. Let’s do Business is only a month away and we are already planning the 2023 Staffordshire Business Awards which will no doubt highlight many achievements that will occur in the coming months.

This comes against the backdrop of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) latest quarterly economic forecast which marginally upgrades its 2023 GDP forecast to 0.4%, whilst predicting that economic activity will remain very weak throughout 2024 and 2025.

Whilst the UK economy remains on course to avoid a technical recession, growth is likely to remain so feeble that it will be hard to spot the difference. A growth rate of 0.4% is expected for the whole of 2023, dropping to 0.3% in 2024, and nudging up only slightly to 0.7% in 2025.

Consistently low economic growth such as this is comparable to previous periods of economic shocks and recessions such as the oil crises of the 1970s and financial crash of 2008.

The research shows inflation is the top concern for UK firms, with fewer businesses now expecting their prices to rise over the coming months. The consumer price index is now forecast to take longer to return to the Bank of England’s 2% target – only reaching this goal in the last quarter of 2025.

Economist Vicky Pryce, Senior Member of the BCC Economic Advisory Council, and speaker at our Big Economic Conference on 22^nd November, commented that the BCC forecast shows the UK economy is continuing to “teeter on the edge of a recession” and therefore it will feel like a recession to many people.

The impact this will have on consumer spending, coupled with a poor trade performance, will only generate more uncertainty for firms.

The Bank of England’s own forecasts take a similarly dour view, so firms will be watching closely to see how this feeds into decision-making around interest rates.

There is currently little on the table to provide companies with any crumbs of comfort. As we head towards an election next year, politicians will have to show how they will work with the business community to find solutions.

It sounds rather depressing on paper, but we should be used to it by now. After all over the past few years we have faced a global pandemic, war in Ukraine, a cost-of-living crisis and are dealing with the effects of climate change.

I go back to where I started in that we have built a positive business community in Staffordshire with the Chambers’ members at its heart. If we stay informed and continue to work together, we can get through a few more tough years capitalising on the opportunities from response to climate change, AI and new technology, improving transport infrastructure and reinvigorating our towns and cities.

Finally, a way in which you can get more involved and make business even better in your local area is by joining one of our local area advisory boards in either Stafford or the Staffordshire Moorlands

Nominations are currently open for dynamic, influential, and forward-thinking businesspeople to join the local area advisory boards where they represent their peers and are advocates for the Chambers and the private sector.

Board members are expected to attend up to five meetings per year. Meetings usually last for around two hours, discussion takes place on a range of business issues affecting the respective areas. The meetings also include a guest speaker.

Being a member of a local area advisory board provides a great opportunity to increase your local knowledge and to influence the local business landscape. Together with the Chambers, you will have the power to increase the prosperity of Staffordshire and the local community by forging outstanding connections and lobbying local authorities and the Government for a better business environment.

If you would like to get more involved in your local area, please email jade.holloway@staffordshirechambers.co.uk to receive your nomination form papers.

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

Dynamic, influential and forward-thinking business leaders can now register their interest in joining the Chambers’ Council and/or Local Area Advisory Boards (LAAB) for Stafford and the Staffordshire Moorlands.

By becoming a Council or LAAB member, you’ll be part of a supportive network of leading local businesses that are all keen to address business challenges, share best practices and help the business community to thrive and prosper.

Council and LAAB Members are elected by the Chambers’ membership to represent their peers and work as advocates for the Chambers and the private sector.

Together with the Chambers, they have the power to increase the prosperity of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and the local community by forging outstanding connections and lobbying local authorities and the Government for a better business environment.

Don’t just take our word for it, though! Hear what some of our existing Council and Board members have to say below.

Council and Local Area Advisory Board members are expected to attend up to five meetings per year. Meetings typically last for around two hours and aim to discuss a range of business issues affecting Staffordshire. The meetings include a guest speaker on a topic relevant to the local area and provide a great opportunity to increase local knowledge and to influence the local business landscape.

To register an expression of interest, please email jade.holloway@staffordshirechambers.co.uk