News
Wellbeing bus to visit Chamber members and staff at Commerce House
The NHS Talking Therapies wellbeing bus is scheduled to visit Commerce House next Tuesday, 24 September, to offer mental health support for Chamber members and staff.
Taking place from 11am to 2pm, the event, organised in collaboration with Pathways, Stoke on Trent College, Potteries Moneywise, and Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent Talking Therapies, will offer support for individuals struggling with stress, low mood, motivation issues or sleep difficulties.
The wellbeing bus will be on-site, offering support and advice on mental health and wellbeing.
In addition, attendees can enjoy complimentary mini beauty treatments provided by a local training provider. The event is designed to offer practical help and relaxation, providing a boost to both mental and physical wellbeing.
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Business leaders urge new Government to stay the course on skills gap solutions
Business leaders and education providers in the Midlands have urged the new Government to ‘stick to the plan’ when it comes to closing the skills gap and helping businesses to develop the labour force they need.
The plea came at an event celebrating the progress made across the region on Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) which was held at the MIRA Technology Institute.
LSIPs were designed by the previous Government to put employers at the heart of skills provision in their local area, to identify skills gaps and work with partners to devise solutions.
In each area of the Midlands, partners have come together – led by an employer representative body – to research needs and then come up with solutions unique to their own local area.
Each LSIP area in the Midlands was given the opportunity to present the progress they had made and what they saw as the next stage of the plan. The event also heard from Dr Mel Collins, head of LSIPs for the Department for Education, who said the model had been written into statute.
The regional LSIPs have been led and supported by a range of partners.
The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire LSIP has been led by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce; the West Midlands and Warwickshire LSIP by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber; The Marches LSIP by Shropshire Chamber; the Leicester and Leicestershire LSIP by East Midlands Chamber; Worcestershire LSIP by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber; South-East Midlands LSIP by Northamptonshire Chamber; and the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire LSIP and Greater Lincolnshire & Rutland LSIP have both been led by the FSB.
The event heard about a wide range of changes and developments that have already been made – from improving softer skills through to enhancing green tech skills for the construction sector.
Adam Whitehouse, founder of Staffordshire Chambers patron TMT First, spoke at the celebration event as an employer who has been part of the LSIP process in the region.
He said: “Attending and speaking at the Midlands LSIP Celebration event was an absolute privilege.
“It was inspiring to see so many dedicated individuals and organisations come together to shape the future of skills development in our region.
“The collaboration and energy on display truly highlight the strength of the Midlands as a hub of innovation and opportunity. I’m proud to have been a part of such an important initiative and look forward to seeing the lasting impact it will have on our local businesses and our current and future workforce talent.”
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Chamber members invited to attend the Royal Air Force Museum’s prestigious Annual Reception
Staffordshire Chambers members have been invited to attend the Royal Air Force Museum’s prestigious Annual Reception next Monday, 23 September.
This exclusive event offers an opportunity to network with key decision-makers and influencers from across the Midlands while learning more about the RAF Museum Midlands’ exciting redevelopment programme and the potential for your organisation to get involved.
The evening will be hosted by Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hiller, Chair of the RAF Museum Board, alongside CEO Maggie Appleton. Set in the surroundings of the Museum’s iconic aircraft hangars, doors will open at 6.00pm, with guests welcomed by a reception featuring fizz and canapés.
Attendees will enjoy after-hours access to the Museum’s collections, witness a poignant sunset ceremony performed by RAF Cosford personnel, and be treated to drinks and bowl food service throughout the evening.
The reception will also offer Chamber members an exclusive insight into the Museum’s mission – inspiring everyone with the RAF story, past, present, and future, through its rich collection and the stories of its people. As part of a transformative £27 million redevelopment project titled Inspiring Everyone: RAF Museum Midlands Development Programme, the Museum is committed to becoming a more valuable resource for the diverse Midlands community, creating enriching opportunities for learning and engagement.
This transformation is designed to create more opportunities for learning, discovery, and skills development, enhancing the region’s attractiveness as a destination to visit, live, and work by offering:
- A new exhibition sharing the critical role of the RAF over the last 40 years, exploring its mission today and imagining its future
- A state-of-the-art Learning Centre that will provide bespoke facilities for lifelong learning programmes welcoming an additional 8,000 learners per year
- A new Collections Hub that will enable the Museum to conserve and share its stored collection with visitors for the first time, while growing the Apprentice programme
- Landscaping improvements co-created with the community to enhance the visitor experience through, outdoor learning, social interaction, and biodiversity
- An Engagement Programme delivering creative, wellbeing and skills development activities rooted in the Museums unique collection.
With the development already over halfway to its funding target, the Museum invites partners to join in this historic transformation. This initiative presents a unique opportunity for businesses to align themselves with a National Museum, and the RAF’s proud legacy, engaging with an expanded and more diverse audience. A range of sponsorship and gift in kind contribution opportunities are available, ensuring that every partnership makes a lasting impact.
To confirm your attendance at the RAF Museum Midlands Annual Reception, click here.
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Thrive Renewables and TopCashback Sustainability establish £80 million joint venture to boost rollout of UK renewables
Renewable energy investment company, Thrive Renewables, has entered into a joint venture with TopCashback to help fund the next phase of the UK’s Net Zero transition.
The partnership with the UK’s leading cashback site’s impact investing wing, TopCashback Sustainability Ltd, will unlock up to £80 million additional capital to be deployed over four years, directly funding new wind, solar and other renewable assets that clean up the UK energy system, reduce carbon emissions and ultimately help tackle the climate crisis.
Thrive recently announced ambitious growth plans, with aims to double its generation capacity over the next five years.
The deal is the latest joint venture for Thrive, which has a history of taking a collaborative approach to funding, with existing partnerships including European investment funds, renewable energy developers and other investment companies.
The partnership will allow TopCashback Sustainability to continue building its impact investment portfolio. This includes the likes of Highlands Rewilding – a project aimed at re-wilding and re-peopling the Scottish Highlands by increasing biodiversity, green jobs and more – and funds deposited with Tribe Impact Capital, a wealth manager which helps TopCashback make impact investments.
Matthew Clayton, Managing Director of Thrive Renewables, said: “With the Government announcing its ambitions to double onshore wind, triple solar and quadruple offshore wind by 2030, we’re delighted to add TopCashback Sustainability to our growing list of joint venture partners.
“Thrive specialises in providing collaborative capital and we believe that, by working together, we can have a much greater impact – building new clean energy projects that deliver tangible benefits for communities across the UK. We’re facing an urgent climate emergency and need to see rapid progress if we’re to meet our net zero targets. Building on its history of impact investing, working with TopCashback Sustainability means we can increase the number of projects we fund, ultimately helping to accelerate our transition to a cleaner, fairer energy system.”
Oliver Ragg, CEO and co-founder of TopCashback, said: “We are delighted to be embarking on this long-term journey with Thrive, and look forward to seeing what incredible work can be achieved over many years.
“As a company, as well as our mission to ‘Save our Members the Most Money’, we strive to have a positive impact on the wider world. Thinking ahead for our members’ futures means environmental initiatives are more crucial than ever.”
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The sky’s the limit as programme sets course to inspire through excellence
Following on from a successful launch in July, the brand-new Excellence in Staffordshire programme is embarking on a series of monthly meetings (the Enterprise Zone) to enable any Staffordshire business or organisation to access a programme of workshops using tried and tested tools and techniques to unlock potential and improve performance.
Excellence in Staffordshire is a collaboration between performance improvement specialists, Investors in Excellence Group and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
The Enterprise Zone programme comprises eight modules spread over four dates with a choice of morning or afternoon sessions.
19th September is the first of those dates, featuring modules one and two at 9am – 12.30pm or 1pm to 4.30pm.
Module one, Preparation will reflect on the key factors in your work that influence what works and what doesn’t, and the relationship between excellence and performance. Module two, Permission, will focus on learning about vision, inspiration, and engagement as three key enablers of excellence, allowing the opportunity to become the responsible owner of your destiny.
Investors in Excellence Chief Executive Judy Hart said: “We’ve already had a very positive start to Excellence in Staffordshire, not only with the launch but also with subsequent meetings with businesspeople wanting to find out more about the journey to excellence and how they can be involved in this collaborative and inclusive network. The numbers on our waiting list are growing daily.
“People are buzzing about this and, as we promised at the launch, this is not just another network group. We have listened to business’ needs and developed modules that will enable participants to become more aware of their strengths and discover how to motivate and mobilise self and others to play to strengths, motivate teams, steer change, and inspire greater confidence”.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Deputy Chief Executive, Chris Plant added: “Excellence in Staffordshire fits with our drive to grow the local economy through innovation and excellence. We are delighted to be hosting the forthcoming series of the programme’s workshops and events.”
Kevin Hart, Group MD and Programme Director at Investors in Excellence completed his MA in Strategic Human Resource Management at Staffordshire University and is now a senior mentor for their alumni.
Kevin said: “I knew very little about Staffordshire and its businesses when I embarked on my studies at Staffordshire University. However, working with local businesses and organisations, I am captivated by the talent and ambition of the business community and the way in which everyone works collaboratively to improve the local economy and add real value. I’m nuts about Staffordshire and passionate about its diversity and innovation.
“The Enterprise Zone programme offers a safe environment to work together, learning fresh approaches and collaborating in excellence.
“There will also be a special Excellence Zone at the Let’s do Business expo at Uttoxeter Racecourse on 10th October.”
The eight concise and easy to follow modules come at an affordable total price of £349 plus VAT, normally costing £1199 plus VAT, beginning on 19th September.
You can book the Excellence in Staffordshire Enterprise Zone, starting 19th September here: https://bit.ly/3YP7BX6
For more information email: iie@investorsinexcellence.com or mba@markbrammar.co.uk
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Government grant issued to Staffordshire business helping plumbing and heating engineers to go greener while bridging skills gap
Industry specialists are helping plumbing and heating engineers in Staffordshire to become more ‘Eco-savvy’, while bridging a ‘sizable’ industry skills gap.
Staffordshire Training Services have been awarded a Government grant – aimed at filling an industry-wide skills gap centred around the installation of heat pumps, as well as meeting policy targets to decarbonise housing.
In the last 12 months the Stafford-based company has already provided air source and ground source heat pump training to just under 100 engineers via the Heat Training Grant, and expects to more than double that by 2025.
Director Gareth Hassall said: “There is a huge skills gap within the industry and has been for quite some time and something needed to be done to meet the demand that is there.
“The heat training grants which the Government announced in 2023, are for training providers in England – and we were successful – which is allowing us to support more eligible engineers.
“Heat pumps can be used to heat homes and produce hot water and are all part of the Government’s wider plans to becoming net zero in the future. They are vital to the industry in going forward and are a critical factor in decarbonating heat, therefore providing this education and qualification is really important to increase qualified installer numbers in the UK – which is why we have also agreed to provide the training for the same fee as the £500 heat grant training vouchers we have received – meaning engineers are actually getting this for free from us.”
Gareth and his team currently provide Air Source, Ground Source, or combined Level 3 accredited qualification courses at their training centre located at the Tollgate Industrial Estate, in Stafford or on site.
Director Matt Ramsell added: “Unfortunately there is a really big skills gap and the Government are aiming to support this with these grants.
“I cannot stress how much it’s worth understanding just what changes are going to be coming to the industry – such as legally binding climate targets – and how ‘air to water’ and ‘ground to water’ heat pump installation numbers will be increasing year on year.
“Thousands of heating engineers will need to learn everything there is to know about the heat pump technology for the future.”
For more information about eligibility, and access to the free training and support provided by Staffordshire Training, please visit their information page.
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Staffordshire Black Business Network to host MPs and business leaders in a ground-breaking recognition dinner
The Staffordshire Black Business Network (SBBN) is set to host a groundbreaking recognition dinner to celebrate the contributions of black-owned and ethnic minority businesses to the Staffordshire business environment and overall economy.
The new MP for Newcastle-Under Lyme, Adam Jogee MP, is among the top political leaders who have confirmed attendance at the dinner event.
As the event will also be a forum for engaging on issues that advance economic growth, equity, diversity, and inclusion, the Vice Chancellor of Keele University, Trevor McMillan OBE FRCR FRSB, has been confirmed as one of the guests of honour.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, 10th October 2024, at Keele Business School, Denise Coates Foundation Building, Keele University, Staffordshire, from 6:30 pm to 9 pm.
Organised with support from the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and Keele Business School, the dinner is part of activities to mark this year’s Black History Month. It will draw participation from the business and academic communities as well as representatives of the political class.
Business leaders from the ethnic minority community in Staffordshire who have made significant contributions to the economic growth and development of the region and, by extension, the United Kingdom will be recognised for their efforts at the dinner.
Key highlights will include the presentation of recognition/award memorabilia and a Keele Business School Research on BAME business resilience. A standing dinner will also be served at the event.
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Declan’s Blog: Green Staffordshire
During the next few weeks I will be running through the five key themes of our 2024 Staffordshire Chambers Business Manifesto.
This week, I’m focusing on Green Staffordshire.
As the impact of climate change is being felt at both a global and local level, more and more businesses are recognising the need for sustainability to play a key role in day-to-day operations.
Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns across the world are a regular feature in the news but this is being brought closer to home when we see local roads closed due to flooding or trains being slowed down due to a risk of rails buckling under intense summer heat.
‘Net Zero’, ‘Carbon Neutral’ and ‘Carbon Footprint’ have all entered our day-to-day vocabulary but where do businesses go if they wish to embrace sustainability aspirations? There are many sources of advice and information out there but information overload can lead to confusion. We aim to provide clear guidance and signposting. The use of case studies of businesses who have led the way in sustainability, brings this to life and will encourage others to follow suit.
In last week’s blog, I talked about the need to “future proof” training in the area of digital skills. Ditto for training in green skills and sustainability. It’s a sector which moves at a fast pace and upskilling must be ready to adapt to new processes and technologies in the area of sustainability.
We know of local Staffordshire businesses who are quite self-sufficient at generating their own energy, through photovoltaic (PV) or solar cells. The challenge comes with being able to offload surplus energy back into the grid. We continue to call for the government to commit to ambitious plans for grid upgrades, which will ensure easier grid connectivity and enhanced infrastructure. Without this commitment, businesses may simply move to other parts of the country which have better connectivity.
Increased government funding is needed to offer support to businesses who can develop green innovations and processes. This will encourage green entrepreneurship and good practise which can be adopted by others.
The Stoke-on-Trent District Heat Network will deliver heat to buildings in the city, through a closed-loop network of underground pipes, potentially reducing energy costs for customers. The use of energy from waste and integrating a deep-geothermal well can lead to the delivery of sustainable low-carbon heat.
You can read our Manifesto in full by clicking on the link:
Business Manifesto 2024 – Flipbook – Page 1 (paperturn-view.com)
If you have any suggestions or feedback regarding our Manifesto, please send an e-mail to:
declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
Our Energy, Environment & Sustainability forum is tasked with exchanging information on energy, environmental concerns and sustainability within the private sector. This forum helps to drive our policy understanding on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability and promotes the development of a sustainable economy in Staffordshire.
The forum meets again on Tuesday 10th September at 10AM. The meeting will be hosted online and our guest speakers will include an update on the District Heat Network. Click here to book your place:
Energy, Environment & Sustainability Forum – Staffordshire Chambers
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Declan’s Blog: Digital Staffordshire
During the next few weeks I will be running through the five key themes of our 2024 Staffordshire Chambers Business Manifesto.
This week, I’m focusing on Digital Staffordshire.
Whilst the evolving landscape of digital technology continues to influence the way businesses operate, a sizeable number of residents are still grappling with digital poverty.
They are effectively excluded from a digital world, where so many tasks are completed online.
The threat of cyber-crime is the stuff of nightmares, given the huge damage which can be caused by online attacks by fraudsters.
Artificial intelligence or (AI) is a growing topic for discussion. How can we embrace the technologies which allow computers to perform a variety of advanced functions, including the ability to understand and translate spoken and written language and review data?
Our Manifesto pledges to promote innovative infrastructure/communication technologies to exploit commercial opportunities in the digital ecosystem, sharing best practise case studies of digital innovations, technologies and processes.
Too many of our local residents are excluded from living in a digital space, due to digital poverty. Poor digital connectivity means that rural businesses can often find themselves at a disadvantage to their urban peers. We lend our support for a joined-up strategy to tackle digital poverty, as well as greater investment in rolling out digital connectivity to all areas of our county. This would include faster, cutting-edge high speed connectivity infrastructure, with 5G and future technology advancements.
As the designated employer representative body for the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), we will continue to push for the upskilling of a current and future workforce, covering both basic digital skills and emerging technologies. We need to effectively “future proof” the training being rolled out in the area of digital skills.
We will continue to press for more cross sector collaboration with key partners such as universities, training providers and business leaders to identify and exploit wider digital collaboration in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), with take up of applications by the business community.
We will help to raise awareness of the implications of cyber-attacks, offering support and guidance to implement actions to prevent cyber-attacks and grow the number of businesses with Cyber Champions.
You can read our Manifesto in full by clicking on the link:
Business Manifesto 2024 – Flipbook – Page 1 (paperturn-view.com)
If you have any suggestions or feedback regarding our Manifesto, please send an e-mail to:
declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
If you have an interest in the area of digital, we would love to get more businesses engaged with the work being done by our Digital forum in the area of digital skills. Our Digital Skills Working Group (DSWG) has the aim of creating a localised digital skills pathway for learners to understand what is available on our patch to grow their career within the digital sector. Again, feel free to get in touch if this may be of interest:
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Businesses are being invited to run cafes in three of Stoke-on-Trent’s most popular parks
Businesses are being invited to run cafes in three of Stoke-on-Trent’s most popular parks.
Local businesses are being invited to submit proposals for the fantastic opportunity to run cafes in three of the city’s most popular parks.
The buildings in Burslem Park and Hanley Park are currently closed, and Westport Lake will be vacant from September.
They’ve all been used to serve food and drinks to visitors, and the city council is looking for propositions for a new café or restaurant but applicants could potentially also offer other services once planning permission checks have been made.
Councillor Jane Ashworth, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “Visitors enjoy spending time outdoors at these three attractions in our city. They are well-loved spots and bring so much happiness and joy to thousands of people every month.
“There is now the opportunity for new businesses to come in and meet the demand created by these potential customers.
“If you’re interested in any of these sites, please contact the agents who will show you around and answer your questions.
“We’re always keen to help businesses start-up or grow so if you want any business advice please get in touch with our Business Growth team on business.growth@stoke.gov.uk.”
Find out more information
The three buildings are advertised through butters john bee estate agents. Applicants are invited to make a final offer by Friday 13 September.
Use these links to read the details and costs of each building:
· Westport Lake is advertised through butters john bee estate agents.
· Burslem Park is advertised through butters john bee estate agents.
· Hanley Park Pavilion will be advertised through butters john bee estate agents in the next week.
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