News

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has joined forces with D2NA to launch an exciting new networking opportunity – on wheels!

This unique cycle networking group, open to cyclists of all abilities, combines the thrill of pedalling with the power of professional connections.

Join us on Friday, 29 September from 2:00pm for a picturesque ride where particpants can network on the move, forging valuable connections while enjoying the scenic beauty of the outdoors, all for free!

The group will depart from Pau Run and Ride, Trentham, and enjoy a ride before returning to cool down with coffee and cake, further enhancing the networking experience.

All participants are required to wear appropriate safety equipment, including helmets and any additional gear deemed necessary.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to network, ride, and connect with fellow cyclists.

Book your free space, here.

Axia Solutions, a training provider based in Stoke-on-Trent, has launched a new apprenticeship programme designed to help businesses across the region unlock hidden company potential and maximise value.

The Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship is a blend of Lean and Six Sigma skills that will teach apprentices how to identify improvement opportunities, diagnose issues, develop solutions and implement change.

By the end of the course, apprentices will be highly-skilled problem solvers who can drive the business forward, improving employee and company performance by eliminating resource and process waste.

“We know the power that investing in your workforce has in attracting and retaining staff” said Victoria Harte, Director at Axia Solutions. “Our new Improvement Practitioner programme is a great chance for businesses to invest in their team and gain the skills and tools they need in-house to release potential improvements”

Improvement Practitioners can perform in a wide variety of sectors and functions, including manufacturing, engineering, public sector, IT and finance. By embracing or sustaining a culture of continuous improvement, businesses can increase innovation, improve quality, maximise efficiencies and reduce waste.

The apprenticeship training will be delivered in the workplace, through a blend of remote and face-to-face learning. Each week the learners will have time to develop and embed the knowledge and skills they are learning in training sessions.

In the year to date, 82% of Axia’s leadership and management apprentices have gained a distinction in their End Point Assessment. The Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship sits within the Leadership and Management department at Axia.

“By choosing the apprenticeship option to train their team, companies will benefit from highly skilled trainers supporting the development of business improvement processes,” said Harte. “We want to support employers and employees through the current challenging economic times. This new course is a testament to Axia’s 25-year commitment to investing in Stoke and Staffordshire to help businesses grow.”

To learn more about the Improvement Practitioner Apprenticeship Programme or to get in touch with Axia Solutions, click here.

I am delighted to announce that we will be holding our first Big Economic Conference on 22^nd November.

I am hoping that you will join us will join us at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Festival Park to hear from a panel of guest speakers about the latest economic developments and a valuable forecast of what businesses can expect in 2024.

This is a unique event that will give your business the knowledge needed to thrive in today’s ever-changing economy, while forging new partnerships and collaborations that can open up new avenues for growth and expansion.

We have lined up two brilliant guest speakers will be joining us on the day:

Vicky Pryce is Chief Economic Adviser at CEBR and former Director General for Economics at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, bringing extensive experience from senior economic roles in various sectors including banking and oil. Vicky is an influential author with a diverse range of publications, including her latest co-authored book, “How to be a Successful Economist,” published by Oxford University Press.

Thomas Pugh is RSM’s UK economist analysing key economic events and assessing the effect that they have on middle-market businesses in an accessible way. Regularly quoted and interviewed by the UK’s financial media, Thomas presents his thoughts and insights on the UK economy to businesses and conferences around the country and internationally.

Gain fresh perspectives from renowned speakers and experts, offering you a broader outlook on economic opportunities and challenges.

Book your space here: Staffordshire Chambers launch Big Economic Conference 2023 with Vicky Pryce & Thomas Pugh – Staffordshire Chambers

A business framework for the future

The economy thrives when business and politicians work in partnership and this week the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) have set out how to unlock the power of British business and get the economic growth which benefits everyone.

The BCC is calling for urgent action from politicians to stimulate economic growth across the UK.

Among the key asks are:

• Better planning for business so that firms are not squeezed out of towns and cities.
• Introduction of flexibility in the apprenticeship levy to support everyone in the workplace.
• Strengthened UK-EU co-operation to increase bi-lateral investment levels.
• Dramatic energy grid upgrades to ensure there is sufficient network capacity to meet modern needs.

The action plan is published in a new report to MPs of all parties ‘The Power Of British Business: A Framework For The Future’. It outlines 16 of the BCC’s key policy asks on economic growth, skills and employment, trade and net-zero.

Following three years of economic shocks, latest BCC research shows that more than three quarters of businesses are not increasing investment. Fact that has been borne out in our own quarterly economic survey. Companies are also telling the BCC that inflation and interest rates continue to exert pressure.

The plan outlines a framework for collaborative working between business and politicians. It stresses that public sector projects must not crowd out private investment. Instead, the BCC is calling for pragmatism from politicians so that business can grow.

A better planning system, a flexible apprenticeship levy, strengthened UK-EU co-operation and a dramatic grid upgrade – are all needed urgently.

All too often businesses are squeezed out of towns and cities, as good land is given over to housing. Local communities thrive when businesses are at their heart. Those businesses need skilled workers, and a flexible apprenticeship levy will make sure employers can give staff the training they need.

The European Union remains our closest trading partner. We need to see UK-EU relations strengthened to benefit the tens of thousands of exporters here.

The transition to net-zero presents businesses with opportunities to grow. But access to the national grid is a huge headache for trailblazing companies. We need to make sure there is sufficient network capacity and flexibility for modern energy needs.

Action on these key issues will make a dramatic difference for the tens of thousands of businesses we represent. Businesses need action, certainty and clarity from politicians – now more than ever.

Read the full report ‘The Power of British Business’ The Power of British Business (britishchambers.org.uk)

There is also an opportunity to meet three of our local MPs and raise issues in the coming weeks as our Meet the MP events feature Jonathan Gullis, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central on 15^th September, Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke-on-Trent South on 29^th September and Jo Gideon, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North on 10^th November. Details on our events page: Events from Tue 21st November – Wed 17th April, 2024 – Staffordshire Chambers

And if you have any issues relating from any of the above, please let us know by emailing our policy advisor, Declan Riddell declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk .

Or why not join in the debate by attending our forums which cover every aspect of business including finance, planning and infrastructure, transport, digital and energy, environment and sustainability.

For a full list of forums visit: Chambers Forums – 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

A group of Ukrainians who have found a new home in Staffordshire following Russia’s invasion of their homeland marked Ukraine’s Independence Day by completing a remarkable ascent to the summit of Snowdon – raising money to assist grassroot humanitarian organisations operating in areas of conflict.

Approximately 50 walkers conquered the Miners Path to reach the peak of Snowdon on Ukraine Independence Day, 24 August.

The Independence Day of Ukraine is an annual commemoration of their Declaration of Independence in 1991. This year’s celebration held a special significance as it showcased the indomitable spirit and unity of the Ukrainian community in Staffordshire.

Olga Soloviova, a Ukrainian expatriate residing in Staffordshire since 2014, was the driving force behind the hike. Olga has been actively involved in fundraising efforts for the residents of Dnipro and Kherson, which have been on the front lines of the conflict since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

“I am from Dnipro and arrived in the UK in 2014. When the war started last year, we immediately became sponsors for my husband’s two sisters and their four children”, explained Olga.

“Since then, I have become a liaison person between British and Ukrainians, helped refugees with adjusting to UK life and helped in leading a refugee group for the Stafford area for more than 140 refugees, organising or helping to organise several events for refugees in Stafford.”

In addition to her humanitarian efforts, Olga became involved in the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Positive Pathways programme, cordinated by Julie Priestnall.

Positive Pathways is a business start-up and employability skills program that supports refugees across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. Participants receive business start-up advice and employability skills such as CV writing and interview techniques.

Julie said: “The walk was long and challenging at times, especially on the way down but the group was united throughout the whole day.  We were overwhelmed by the constant support both up and down the mountain and we have raised so far a total of £,1282 which will go to an amazing frontline charity Tarilka- Kherson.

“The group consisted of different ages and abilities from age 7 years to 69 years and everyone had different fitness levels but even for the fittest, it was still a challenge.

“It was a great experience for everyone and the whole group are really proud of their achievements.”

Olga added: “I got involved with Positive Pathways and the Chambers as they were the most responsive and encouraging organisation following to my appeal for help with support for Ukrainians arriving in Staffordshire.

“Julie Priestnall from Positive Pathways has been very supportive, especially with the Independence Day walk. This was invaluable for me as it is my first experience organising this kind event – a hiking trip and a fundraiser all in one!

“We walked to the summit to encourage each other that the dream of independence, peace and united families is achievable no matter how Herculian the task ahead is.

“It was also an opportunity to reflect on the many thousands who have lost their lives or been injured, and on the millions of people in Ukraine and around the world whose lives have been shattered by Russia’s act of war.

“The view to the horizon was magnificent.”

Julie Priestnall added: “Olga and the people she works with have been incredibly supportive of Ukrainians arriving in Staffordshire as well as people back in her homeland since the outbreak of war. It has been a real pleasure to work with Olga in organising this special event to highlight the plight of millions of Ukrainians and I am looking forward to reaching the peak with this wonderful group of people.”

You can learn more about this event and support Ukrainian refugees’ fundraiser at the event’s Facebook group, Walking up Snowdon for Ukraine.

On 25 September 2023, Staffordshire Chambers will join hundreds of UK organisations when we raise an SDG flag to show support for the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This September will mark eight years since the world embraced the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, reflect a shared objective and ambition across all countries to end poverty and hunger everywhere, to combat inequalities within and among countries, to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, to protect human rights and promote gender equality of women and girls, and to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources by 2030.

The 17 Goals are supported by 169 targets and 232 indicators, enabling progress to be prioritised and tracked.

On 25 September Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is joining hundreds of businesses, government departments, and civil society organisations in a global movement to fly an SDG flag to spread awareness of the SDGs and mobilise stakeholders for the 2030 agenda.

In the UK, there have been some significant milestones towards the SDGs. In 2022, the UN Global Compact Network UK released Measuring Up 2.0, a multi-stakeholder report assessing the UK’s performance against the SDGs and their Targets to understand how and where businesses, government, and other organisations should focus efforts for the remainder of this decade of action.

The report found of the 132 Targets relevant to the domestic delivery of the SDGs, the UK is only performing well on 17% of them. It highlighted how persistent inequalities within and between communities in the UK mean that we continue to leave people and places behind. It is because of this. that the 2030 Agenda is more important than ever, and worldwide collaboration between governments, businesses, and civil society organisations essential.

With only 1 in 10 people in Britain familiar with the SDGs, raising the SDG flag this September is key to raising awareness and mobilising stakeholders for action. Join the global movement in championing the SDGs so together the 2030 Agenda can be achieved

Staffordshire Chambers is delighted to reveal the timings for our 2023 Let’s Do Business expo.

Four AI experts will be joining us at Uttoxeter Racecourse on 12 October to deliver the following talks:

Theocharis Kyriacou
10:00 – 10:45
Leveraging Big Data for AI Success: Real-Life Business Case Studies Revealed

Katie King
11:00 – 12:00
Keynote speech on AI, Digital Transformation & the Future of Marketing

Sandra Woolley
13:15 – 14:00
The Challenges and Opportunities of AI for Business Applications

Samir Dani
14:15 – 15:00
Ask the Experts: Your Business Challenges Answered

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the power of AI, including how it can transform and support your business. Find out more about each individual speaker by clicking here.

To book your free delegate place please click here. To showcase your business to over 1,000 new clients and customers, click here.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is thrilled to announce the launch of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire – a groundbreaking initiative aimed at elevating the region’s workforce skills and bolstering economic growth.

This comprehensive plan has received official approval from the Secretary of State and is set to pave the way for significant advancements in the local business landscape.

Created in collaboration with businesses, training providers and local authorities, the LSIP underscores a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a competitive edge for businesses in the region.

The LSIP is tailored to address the unique needs of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, with a primary focus on key sectors including engineering and manufacturing, construction, advanced logistics, health and social care, decarbonisation and energy distribution. It also explores cross-cutting themes such as green and digital skills, acknowledging the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

Building upon the foundation of this groundbreaking LSIP, a Roadmap for Change has been unveiled. This roadmap charts a strategic course of action designed to tackle the skills challenges head-on and stimulate skills development within the region. The key areas of focus within the Roadmap include:

• Strengthening coordination and collaboration between businesses and training providers.
• Creating a simplified and flexible skills system to enhance accessibility.
• Addressing recruitment challenges and enhancing educational offerings.
• Developing Skills Growth Maps that delve into cross-cutting themes.
• Unlocking additional opportunities in apprenticeships.
• Promoting and fostering best practices in the business community.
• Supporting career transitions.
• Advocating for changes at the national level to address structural barriers within the skills system.

The LSIP is a long-term commitment, with plans to extend its impact at least until early 2025. It will undergo annual reviews to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in shaping the local skills landscape.

Sara Williams OBE, Staffordshire Chambers CEO, said: “We believe that investing in skills is an investment in our region’s future prosperity.

“The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan, in partnership with businesses and the community, is a testament to our commitment to unlocking the true potential of our workforce. Together, we’re building a brighter, more skilled tomorrow for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.”

For those interested in learning more about the Local Skills Improvement Plan for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and getting involved in the Roadmap for Change, detailed information can be found here.

This collaborative effort promises to be a game-changer for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, positioning the region as a hub of innovation and skill excellence.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce invites businesses, organisations, and individuals to join hands in this transformative journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future for all.