Last week, the Prime Minister announced the introduction of Plan B restrictions and described the new rules as “proportionate and responsible” after the emergence of the new Omicron variant.

Under the new rules, people have been asked to work from home where possible. From Wednesday, people will need to use the NHS Covid Pass proving their vaccination status or a negative lateral flow test when entering venues such as nightclubs, indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people, outdoor unseated venues with more than 4,000 people and in any event with more than 10,000 people.

People who have come into contact with anyone who has tested positive will now have to test daily rather than self-isolate, even if they have Omicron.

The measures have been implemented at short notice and have come at a time that is critical for business trade for sectors in retail, hospitality, live events, and travel industries. Many businesses within these sectors are still recovering from previous lockdowns and will be among those most impacted by the introduction of Plan B restrictions.

Chambers across the network have urged the government to come forward with a plan offering financial support to businesses most impacted by plan B as well as offering clear and practical advice for businesses for all impacted businesses.

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “We have written to the Chancellor today because we know from speaking to businesses up and down the country that the Treasury absolutely needs to act on this issue if we are to maintain the strength of our economic recovery. We have put forward a set of policy proposals which are practical, targeted, and commensurate to the level of impact these restrictions will have on businesses.”

Sara Williams, CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “With the rising numbers of Omicron Cases throughout the UK it’s important that the government take action to prevent another period of enforced closures and further devastating economic consequences. However, as plan B will affect several sectors more than others it is critical that the government makes additional grant funding available.
“Last night the Prime Minister announced that all adults in England will be offered a booster jab by the end of the year. It is essential that all businesses play their part in the fight against the new variant in order to prevent further restrictions during this critical trading period. The chambers are urging all businesses to allow staff to take time off to get their booster jabs and continue to ensure that all staff members are testing regularly.”

Brining back free tests kits for businesses would play a huge role in helping businesses maintain a safe working environment and contain the spread of the Omicron variant. We also urge the government to help businesses maintain a positive momentum by providing them with an action plan for current restrictions and for any further restrictions which may be implemented in the near future.

If you require any business support or advice, get in touch with Staffordshire Chambers of commerce on 01782 202222 or email info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk.

We did it! Last night we were named as ‘Chamber of the Year’ at the Business Awards, hosted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

We have got as far as finalists before but to come away as overall winners out of the 53 accredited chambers in the UK is just the best feeling.

The ceremony, which would normally take place at a prestigious venue in London, took place online at 4pm. Myself and many of the Chambers team watched it live in Commerce House and we almost took the roof off when the results were announced.

The award, sponsored by Quest, recognises our work throughout the pandemic and the way we responded to changing circumstances as uncertainty reigned and Government guidelines dictated a new way of working.

Whether we won the award or not I have been so proud of everyone involved with the Chamber and the way we have all pulled together, remained confident and innovated in time of crisis.

By everyone, I mean the Chambers team, our members and patrons, our delivery partners and all the individuals who give up so much of their time as members of our boards and council, sector forums and all the mentors who sprang into action to help businesses through the worst economic upheaval in a generation.

I am also immensely proud of Woolcool and the Efficiency Group, two Staffordshire businesses who were West Midlands regional winners, shortlisted for the awards.

Woolcool were finalists for the ‘Planet Saver’ – Green Business of the Year Award whilst The Efficiency Group are finalists for the ‘Game Changer’ – Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

And after such a wonderful accolade, it’s back to business…..

New Covid restrictions
We have been calling on the UK Government for several months to set out what contingency plans for business would look like if further restrictions were needed this winter. Yet again, firms are now being asked to make changes at the very last minute. Restrictions will also impact on consumer behaviour with knock-on effects which could risk the fragile recovery, order books and revenues.

Many businesses have only just begun to get back on their feet and this move will inevitably damage business confidence. Critically, firms need to know that the Government will support them through this next period.

The Government must once again stand shoulder to shoulder with business and provide a package of support to ensure that we get through a challenging winter without serious damage to our economic recovery.

On work from home
A return to advice that staff should work from home ‘where they can’ will come at a huge cost to many businesses.

While many firms now have well established remote or hybrid working practices, which will provide some resilience, there will be many more that will be badly affected by reduced footfall in towns and city centres.

This will impact on business revenues at a time when many needed to have a prosperous festive season. We need to have grant support in place for all firms affected and their supply chains.

On Covid passports
We need to see full details from Government of how businesses will be expected to implement this policy.

Businesses have said repeatedly that this could prove difficult to implement and police effectively without comprehensive support and clear guidance. The full backing of Government and authorities is needed in enforcing this policy which can often put staff at risk of harassment or even violence.

In addition, they will need to understand urgently where legal responsibility for compliance with the policy sits. Businesses will have a strong preference for legal responsibility to sit with individuals to comply, as it does with facemasks.

On self-isolation changes
The government has said it intends to allow contacts of confirmed Omicron cases to do daily Covid tests instead of self-isolating. This will give businesses providing critical services a chance to maintain staff levels at a time when these are already strained by labour shortages and will help to avoid another ‘pingdemic’.”

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Rugeley-based manufacturer Access Covers LTD have made a £5,000 donation to Flawless Skin Clinic after being wowed by their Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards application.

Access Covers, who sponsored this year’s ‘Most Promising New Start-Up Business’ award category, made the donation to help Flawless Skin Clinic founder Tara Farmer to continue to develop her growing business.

John Tudor, Access Covers MD, said: “We were first introduced to Flawless Skin Clinic during the judging process for the 2021 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards.

“We could see from the get-go that they were trying to set up their business in the right way, but had an issue trying to secure funding.

“We wanted to pass on some of our thanks to the business community and thought this would be a great opportunity to do so.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and would like to thank them for their support and for helping connect us with Flawless Skin Clinic.”

To find out more about our Business Awards, click here.

Over the last few weeks, chambers across the network have engaged in several discussions regarding the consultation for the ‘day one right to request flexible working’. The British Chambers of Commerce has held focus groups in order to collate the best practice guidance for businesses as well as to gather the thoughts of businesses across the nation on how the change in policy concerning flexible working may impact the way that they operate.

The plans to make the right to request flexible working a day one right would mean that British workers would get more choice over when and where they work, aiming to accommodate both staff and employer needs.

In addition to being able to request flexible working from day one, the government are considering whether limiting an employee’s application for flexible working to one per year continues to represent the best balance between individual and business needs. The consultation also looks at cutting down the employer response time to the request from 3 months. If an employer cannot accommodate the request, they would need to consider a few alternative options that they could offer instead.

The consultation looks at a range of flexible working methods such as job-sharing, annualised and staggered hours, working from home and phased retirement.

Sara Williams, CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “During the Covid-19 pandemic, for the first time many employers experienced the benefits that remote working offers for both the individual and the business. For some firms, this new arrangement worked well and therefore the system was maintained even after restrictions eased. Some of our member businesses commented on the way that remote or flexible working improved productivity levels for the business and helped employees with their work-life balance.

“Despite this, it is important to understand that not all firms will be able to implement flexible working arrangements due to the demanding nature of their business. With this in mind, the change in policy regarding the right to request flexible working may put firms under a lot of pressure and may cause businesses in sectors who are less able to offer flexible working arrangements to struggle with recruitment.”

The ability of a business to embrace the widest range of flexible working options will depend upon the size of the organisation, its internal resources, and the nature of the job roles. It is crucial that if the legislation is enforced it retains the employer’s right to refuse a flexible working request that cannot be accommodated by the business.

In a survey that was sent out to businesses across Staffordshire, some employers expressed the need for support with regards to including more flexible working options within their recruitment and retention practices. If you require any business support or advice, get in touch with Staffordshire Chambers of commerce on 01782 202222 or email info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk.

Yesterday I had the honour of hosting a lunch for the Chambers’ Patrons in the Valiant Suite at Port Vale.

It was extra special as this was the first time many of us in the room had met in person for almost two years – and the first time I had met two of our Patrons in person!

Our Patrons are truly representative of the local economy with manufacturing, services, ICT and communications, education, health, automotive, local government, and the Armed Forces all represented on the panel of 24 organisations.

Becoming a Patron of the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce identifies organisations as leading and strategic players in the Staffordshire economy and affords regular access to key influencers and decision-makers in government and other agencies. Through the Chamber’s extensive networks and communication channels, we help raise the visibility of our Patrons’ brand, products, and services.

But it’s the vital support that Patrons give the Chambers and our members that is the real benefit to the local economy. Patrons sit on our Board, Council, and sector forums. They act as mentors, offering their advice and experience to help entrepreneurs innovate and grow their businesses. Patrons also offer the benefit of their experience through seminars, webinars, written articles and by representing the Chambers in the media.

Yesterday I welcomed our two new patrons, Equanns and University Hospital of North Midlands.

Leading energy, services, and regeneration specialist Equanns has been granted planning permission from Cannock Chase District Council and Lichfield District Council, for the significant redevelopment of Rugeley Power Station in Staffordshire. The development will transform the former coal-fired Power Station site, which it owns, into a sustainable, mixed-use development of 2,300 new low carbon homes with a low carbon school.

Tracy Bullock from University Hospital of North Midlands was one of our speakers and she provided an insight into the leadership challenges in running one of the largest hospitals in the country during the Covid pandemic whilst carrying out their day-to-day business of saving lives, medical and emergency care, and patient support.

You can view our prestigious Patron panel and find out more about what they do here on our website.

On Tuesday our Export Documentation Team was formally audited by the BCC, and I’m delighted to announce that not only did we pass with flying colours, but we were classed as exemplary.

Many Chambers struggled to offer a full documentation service during lockdown and periods of working from home, but we took all this in our stride and implemented measures to ensure that we remained fully compliant for all legalities.

On 1st January this year, we also became Customs Agents, helping many companies import and export goods to the EU following Brexit.

I am delighted to say that after 11 months of incredibly hard work we are the second busiest chamber across the whole BCC network and have helped other chambers, who were not as well prepared, to get up to speed with the new legislation and procedures.

More border controls are being implemented from 1st January 2022, so the team have drafted an easy to use reference guide. These new regulations have already been postponed several times so it is likely this could happen again. You can view the UK -EU guide to moving goods from 1st January 2022, here.

Whatever happens businesses in Staffordshire can rest assured that we will continue to work with you, whatever your size or sector to enable you to trade internationally in 2022 and navigate any new rules and regulations that arise.

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce are delighted to announce that we are one of five UK Chambers to be shortlisted for the Chamber of the Year Award.

The Chamber of the Year Award is issued by the British Chamber of Commerce and recognises the success of one of their 53 accredited Chambers from up and down the country during the last 12 months.

Two of our Members, Woolcool and Laundry Efficiency, are also up for awards in the Green Business of the Year and the Entrepreneur of the Year categories respectively. Both businesses have already won the Game Changer awards for the West Midlands region for 2021 and are now hoping to scoop awards on the national stage.

Staffordshire Chambers CEO, Sara Williams, said: “The Chambers has achieved some remarkable things throughout the pandemic, including receiving over 10,000 calls to our business helpline, facilitating over 1,500 places through the Government’s Kickstart Scheme, supporting 127 people to start their own business, helping 189 businesses through our Mentoring for Growth scheme and facilitating over 200 online events and webinars.

“I am extremely proud of what our team has done for our local business community during this period and have my fingers crossed ahead of the awards ceremony – good luck also to Woolcool and Laundry Efficiency!”

The ceremony will be taking place online on the 9 December 2021. Find out more, here.

News of the newly-identified Omicron variant emerged over the weekend following its initial discovery in South Africa. UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has announced that Covid rules are now being strengthened once more.

From Tuesday, face masks will be compulsory in shops and on public transport. Travel restrictions have also been put in place, as well as the re-emergence of red list countries. Anyone entering the UK will require a PCR test by the end of the second day after their arrival as well as having to self-isolate until they receive their result.

All contacts of ‘Omicron’ Covid-19 cases will be required to isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccination status. These changes will come into place from Tuesday 30^th November. The prime minister has stated that there are fears of the new variant being more infectious and less responsive to vaccines. However, the restrictions are said to be temporary and will be reviewed after three weeks.

Sara Williams, CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “There is very little information about the new Covid-19 strain so it is reassuring to see the government take a pragmatic approach in order to attempt to reduce the number of UK cases as much as possible.

“It is essential that the government maintains a clear and consistent approach towards business support in the case that restrictions increase. I encourage businesses who are able to maintain regular operations with staff working from home to implement a hybrid or remote working system. This will reduce the number of people in the office and will help to slow down transmission levels. It is important that during these times we act with caution and consideration and work together to keep everyone safe as well as stop the spread of this new variant.”

If the case numbers continue to grow, it is expected that the government will begin to enact aspects of plan B which include working from home, mandatory face masks and vaccine passports for certain venues. It is vital that at that time the right support is available for firms who are most impacted by these measures.

The country’s economic recovery remains fragile with some businesses still suffering from the impacts of the last 18 months. Maintaining business operations and recovery as well as keeping everyone safe is essential and the chamber will be on hand to cover the latest developments and support our members.

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

On Wednesday of this we held our AGM at the newly refurbished Double Tree by Hilton on Festival Park. It is a lovely addition to the hotel spaces in Staffordshire and the service was impeccable. It was also wonderful to be back in person in front of Members to report on our activities of the most extraordinary and testing of year for business and ourselves.

We reviewed how the Chambers have adapted after face-to-face contact disappeared on 23 March 2020.

Highlights of our interactions with business during this period included over 10,000 calls to our business helpline; facilitating over 1500 places through the Government’s Kickstart Scheme for 18 to 24-year-olds; supporting 127 people to start their own business; supporting 189 businesses through our Mentoring for Growth scheme and facilitating over 200 online events and webinars as you can see, we didn’t stop trying to support the business community of Staffordshire.

Please do take a few minutes to view our annual review video. I think this shows why I am so proud of the team and how we work – in fact, I still get tearful even though I have seen it numerous times!

Wednesday also marked the handover of the Chamber presidency for Staffordshire Chambers and our two local area Chambers in Stafford and the Staffordshire Moorlands.

I would like to thank personally the outgoing Presidents – Matt Hubbard for Staffordshire, Carl Croft for Stafford, and Natalie Hewitt for the Staffordshire Moorlands – for all their support and work on behalf of the membership and all businesses in the county over the past two years. They have worked with the Chambers’ team to ensure businesses were supported through the pandemic whilst working in their own businesses during such tricky times.

We have a superb new president in Kate Beardmore, who has served as Deputy to Matt for the past two years. Kate will be well known to many of you through her role as a director at Chambers’ patron, Synectics Solutions Ltd, and as the outstanding compere of the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards for the past two years. Kate brings energy, experience, and slice of humour to the role and I am sure we will all benefit from her time in office.

It’s also fabulous to welcome Martin Lennon and Rachel Buxton as Presidents of Stafford and Staffordshire Moorlands Chambers respectively. They both share a passion for their area and a very hands-on approach to working with businesses at a local level.
After the AGM, we held a Chamber Council meeting (and welcomed some new faces to this too). The role of the Council is to represent the Members’ interests and to provide direction, through our Forums and their reports, on issues that affect the business community. One of the topics we heard about was the proposals for the Clean Air Zones for Stone-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme and the impact this may have on businesses.

Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme are both set to introduce a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) as a measure to reduce air pollution – something we all passionately believe in as it affects so many people’s health. A similar zone already exists in Birmingham, and many cities and large towns up and down the country are also at an advanced planning stage for the introduction of a CAZ. Once approved, the zones would be in use no later than the latter half of 2024.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has already modelled the use of a CAZ covering Victoria Road in Fenton and the city centre which has shown that measures would be sufficient to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide to within legal minimum levels by the start of 2029, at which time the measures could be removed. Stoke-on-Trent’s City Council’s Leader, Abi Brown, estimates that vehicles using Victoria Road will face a daily charge of between £9 and £35, depending on the size and emissions rating of a vehicle. There are also proposals for ‘bus gates’ which would partially close certain routes such as the A53 at Basford to all traffic except buses during peak hours.

These proposals will have a marked effect on business and there are still unanswered questions around the impact closures in one area will have on other areas of the conurbation. Also, Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle approach seems disjointed which could bring additional access problems. A full business case will be drawn up for both the Councils and the Government to approve and it should include requests for additional funds to support affected drivers.

We are holding a free event about the proposed Stoke-on-Trent CAZ on 13th December where you can hear from the consultants working on behalf of Stoke-on-Trent City Council and find out more about the proposed zone and how it may affect your business. It will be helpful to us too as we can hear what will affect you and we can help to work out impact and mitigation. Click here to book your place.

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222 or call the Stoke and Staffs Growth Hub Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk