News
Chambers of Commerce unite to support refugees into jobs and help businesses to plug skills gaps
Refugees from countries including Ukraine and Syria are being supported into work across Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire by a partnership between two Chambers of Commerce.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and East Midlands Chamber are working together to develop refugees’ skills, employability and social integration, with the aim of enhancing confidence among individuals who have fled war, violence or persecution to take on jobs here – and in turn help businesses to fill vacancies.
In response to the crisis in Ukraine, members of East Midlands Chamber’s employment services team have made weekly visits to Nottingham Ukrainian Cultural Centre to help refugees arriving in the area.
Staffordshire Chambers Positive Pathways project manager Julie Priestnall said: “We are currently working with many refugees who want to work and make a valuable contribution to their host community. They are highly skilled and capable individuals who hold qualifications and practical experience across many areas of work.
“The impact of Positive Pathways has been enormous – not just on the individuals who have needed our support to give them the confidence to take on jobs but also to the local economy, which has benefitted from their skills to plug gaps in the labour market. Global events mean this type of support is needed now more than ever.”
Some of the barriers to employment faced by refugees include a lack of work references or knowledge of the labour market, not having completed education before fleeing their country or qualifications not being recognised in the UK.
Paul Needham, head of employment services at East Midlands Chamber, which represents Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, said: “Given the extremely tight labour market we are experiencing right now – our research shows that while six in 10 East Midlands businesses attempted to recruit in the first three months of 2023, almost three-quarters (73%) of those struggled to fill roles – we have been engaging businesses about the benefits of adopting inclusive recruitment policies to open up vacancies to a wider pool of people, including refugees.
The team has supported more than 150 individuals with personalised training courses, CV and job application writing, interview preparation, housing and financial assistance, introductions to employers, including Nottingham Venues, Pizza Factory and Smyths Toys. It has also worked with Nottingham-based charity Refugee Roots to provide English language lessons and address mental health barriers.
“Staffordshire Chamber has had great success within its own area, providing further job opportunities that enable refugees to integrate into our society and contribute to the communities they now call home.”
Find out more about Positive Pathways by clicking here.
- Published in News
Sara’s Blog: New trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand and Volunteers’ Week
The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement and the New Zealand-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement came into force on 31st May with the promise of fewer tariffs (on more than 99% of Australian goods exported to the UK and on all UK goods to Australia). The aim is to cut red tape and make it easier for UK citizens to live and work ‘down under’ and in NZ. For UK firms exporting green goods and services to New Zealand, the agreement offers world leading terms.
It is hoped that this will increase bilateral trade with Australia by 53% and New Zealand by 59% although there are concerns that this will be £2.3bn p.a. by 2035 which is only 0.08% of GDP. Trade between the UK and Australia was worth £15.1bn in the four quarters to the end of Q4 2022, while UK trade with New Zealand was worth £2.5bn in the same period.
It is new era of international trade as these are the UK’s first post-Brexit deals to come into force and they come just weeks after the UK concluded negotiations to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a free trade area worth £9tn.
Of course, the success of any free trade agreement comes down to whether businesses use it and across the UK only 10% of firms are currently exporting. If we are to realise the UK’s ambition to be at the forefront of the continuing revolution in life sciences, digital services and green innovation we must look to trade more.
A recent British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey found almost a quarter of firms (23%) said finding a business partner or distributor overseas would encourage them to either start exporting or export more.
There are strong Chambers of Commerce in both Australia and New Zealand that are affiliated to the BCC, and we will be working with them to get the most from these trade deals for all our economies.
Having those contacts, that local market understanding and full recognition of the rules and procedures that apply in a destination country can make all the difference between success and failure.
If you are thinking about selling goods and services to New Zealand and Australia now is a good time to take the plunge.
For help and advice on exporting to Australia and New Zealand or any other countries, contact the team at the Chamber: exportmailbox@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
Volunteers’ Week 2023
2023 marks the 39th year of Volunteers’ Week (1-7th June), as Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce joins thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK. This year’s theme of ‘Celebrate and Inspire’ aims to encourage people to be the change that we want to see and get involved in volunteering in whatever way works for them.
The contribution of volunteers is often unseen, visible only through the incredible impact of their volunteering, so taking the time during Volunteers’ Week to celebrate their efforts and all they contribute to our local communities, the voluntary sector and society, has never been more important.
Staffordshire businesses have a long tradition of putting back into the communities in which they are based through their charitable actions and by encouraging employees to volunteer, be that for a few hours a month or on a more regular basis.
Our local charities, hospitals, schools, and community groups simply could not operate at the level they do without the enormous contribution from volunteers.
And it’s not just the recipients that benefit from volunteering. It is a proven fact that those who volunteer become better team workers and have greater job satisfaction in turn boosting retention and enhancing reputation both as an employer and a socially responsible organisation.
If you would like to get more of your employees involved in volunteering, we can help put you in touch with local organisations and charities that are always looking for willing volunteers.
Contact us via the details below and for more information on Volunteers’ Week click here:
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
- Published in News
Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services: Expert Energy Advice for Staffordshire Business Owners
If you are a Staffordshire Chambers member, you can benefit from Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services provided by Troo. This service is specifically designed to assist Staffordshire Chambers members in reducing their electricity, gas, and water expenditure, ultimately leading to increased efficiency in operations.
Members can receive a free energy health check and potentially save thousands of pounds per year on their business energy. The account managers at Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services are committed to finding you the most cost-effective energy deals by comparing prices across various suppliers.
For registered business members, Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services offers the following:
- A free assessment of current energy contracts
- Assistance in negotiating competitive market rates
- Ongoing account management and advice
In addition to the above, Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services’ advisers can also analyse your electricity and gas bills to identify if you are being overcharged. If you are running a larger operation, on-site audits of your energy and water usage can also be arranged, and if necessary, they can manage on-site works for meter upgrades.
Take advantage of the free initial assessment offered by our advisers by getting in touch today.
Tel: 0800 058 1950
Email: energyservices@sces.co.uk
Visit: www.staffschambersenergyservices.co.uk
Important Notice
The products offered within the Staffordshire Chambers Member Services programme are provided by the suppliers mentioned above and not by Staffordshire Chambers itself. Staffordshire Chambers merely acts as an introducer.
Staffordshire Chambers has exercised reasonable care in selecting the suppliers, taking account of a range of matters, which might include product range, pricing and/or service levels, depending on the service in question.
However, Staffordshire Chambers cannot and does not give any guarantee or accept any responsibility to members as to the value for money or suitability of any particular product. It is the member’s decision whether to select the product, after having taken professional advice if necessary.
Members should note that Staffordshire Chambers may receive commission or other payments from suppliers in respect of their status as “preferred suppliers” and/or in respect of products sold to members.
By using Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services, members agree that Staffordshire Chambers may retain all such payments. Details of such payments will be provided in respect of particular products, or on request.
- Published in News
Sara’s Blog: Inflation easing but cost pressures remain and Let’s do Business 2023
The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released this week show the consumer price index (CPI) rate of 8.7%, indicating that after several false starts, the peak in inflation looks to have passed. This is further evidenced by a significant slowdown in the producer price input rate to 3.9%. It was falls in gas and electricity costs that provided the largest downward contribution to the CPI.
However, lets not get carried away that the problems caused by inflation will suddenly vanish. Prices continue to rise from an already high base, after 18 months of price shocks. Just look at the way food prices continue to soar week on week.
The last 18 months has had a devastating impact on many small firms who were just starting to see activity bounce back following the removal of Covid restrictions.
With the interest rate currently at 4.5%, widespread skills shortages, and trade frictions on the rise, the cost of doing business is the highest in years.
Action by the Government to help with the squeeze on the labour supply, reform of business rates and support on exports would go some way to helping business face the future with more confidence.
We will be continuing to put pressure on the Government to act. In the meantime, if you have any specific issues you would like to raise please contact Declan Riddell: declan.ridell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
You can view the full ONS report here: Inflation and price indices – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
You can also add weight to our argument by completing our latest quarterly economic survey (QES) which gives a snapshot of how business is faring in relation to sales, investment, staff recruitment and training etc.
Results of our QES feed directly into the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) QES which is then discussed at the highest level with Government ministers and the Bank of England.
It takes about five minutes to fill out the QES. Thank you in advance: https://forms.office.com/e/UP2HAthvfg
Save the date and book your stand now – Let’s do Business 2023
Staffordshire’s largest business expo, Let’s do Business returns this year on 12th October at Uttoxeter Racecourse.
With over exhibitors and 1000 visitors on the day it is a great way to showcase your business, make new contacts and catch up with existing ones as well being inspired by our keynote speakers.
This year we are featuring speakers and thought-provoking panel discussions with some of the world’s most renowned experts in the field of AI and data revolution.
The event will also feature an interactive gaming lounge where you can connect with fellow attendees, network and have some fun with a suite of VR and games provided by industry-leading businesses based right here in Staffordshire.
Exhibition stands cost just £249 +vat for members and they are selling fast. Its free to attend as a day visitor but you need to book.
All the information you need can be found here: Let’s Do Business – Staffordshire Chambers
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
- Published in News
Cloud no longer new kid on block
Small businesses need to conquer their fears of cloud technology if they are to thrive in the next decade, experts have warned.
Experts from HostingSystems.co.uk claim many small companies still remain wary of using cloud technology and perceive it as something new and untested.
But the reality is cloud systems have been around for more than 20 years and have been improving throughout that time.
Far from being a technological new kid on the block, the experts say cloud technology is now in its mid twenties and should no longer be perceived as something new.
HostingSystems.co.uk have been specialising in cloud based storage systems since 2001 and the team there say that while most organisations and individuals have now embraced the technology, a sizable number remain sceptical.
Just as many people still like to print off their photos and display them in albums, some companies and organisations still feel they need to pay for expensive servers to store their own data with many still printing hard copies of documents and storing them in filing cabinets.
But cloud storage offers a much more affordable and sustainable alternative to paying for expensive and energy consuming servers.
Juliet Moran, Technical Director of HostingSystems.co.uk said cloud technology had come a long way in the past two decades.
“We have been specialising in cloud based storage systems since the early days of the technology and have 22 years experience of offering solutions to businesses and organisations.
“In the earliest days of cloud technology people were very concerned about storing their data off site in the cloud with many preferring to retain expensive and inefficient servers on their own premises.
“Over the years most people have come to understand the merits of using the cloud and most businesses have now migrated across to this much more efficient technology. As more and more organisations adopt cloud based storage solutions the cost has come down making it even more attractive and affordable compared to traditional data servers.
“Yet there still remains a minority of decision makers within businesses and organisations who are sceptical about cloud storage and perhaps concerned their data is unsafe. The reality is storing data on the cloud is actually far safer than storing it on a server which could fail at any time and may not be properly backed up.
“It really is time to call a halt to cloud technology scepticism and for people to realise that this tech is not the new kid on the block anymore. It’s now a grown up mature technology which has been around for more than 20 years and which has been invested in heavily across all of that time. Over the next decade this technology is set to make further strides and those who haven’t got on board risk being left behind.
“I would urge anyone who isn’t using the cloud for their data storage to overcome their fears and to sign up for this technology right away.
“It really does offer a wealth of benefits including cost savings, more secure backup and greater sustainability. There really is no good reason to avoid cloud based technology in 2023.”
- Published in News
Sara’s Blog: BCC Global Annual Conference
On Wednesday of last week, I visited the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Global Annual Conference with some of our patrons and members.
With over 700 people in attendance, it was the biggest BCC event ever and the line-up of stellar political speakers showed how far the Chambers’ network has come in gaining the ear of current (and possibly future) governments. The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt MP; the Leader of his Majesty’s Opposition, Sir Kier Starmer MP; as well as the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey all gave speeches and answered questions from the audience. It was a real chance to see influence direct from Chamber members to decision-makers in action.
With breakout sessions on skills, the green economy, developing economic growth and trade, delegates got even more chances to talk to each other and influence the conversations on policy.The Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Shevaun Haviland, spoke out in her keynote address, urging Government to put business at the heart of its plans to revive the UK economy.
The BCC’s President is one of Britain’s true digital pioneers, Baroness Martha Lane Fox, who has been at the heart of digital innovation. She closed the conference with an impassioned speech on the transformative power of technology and how, with the Chambers’ support, businesses can tackle the challenges ahead and redesign our future.
Chambers are working to ensure that the UK continues to work hard so that when global investors are deciding where to put their money, they see in the UK the conditions, talent, and access to finance that make it one of the best places in the world to invest. The UK is a leader in green innovation but with the lack of direction by government, we are seeing the US and the EU moving ahead, and fast becoming a far more attractive opportunity for those businesses.
The Conference was also used by BCC to launch a new campaign – Where Business Belongs – and you can view the video (you have to wait a while before I appear!) Where Business Belongs (britishchambers.org.uk)
Mental Health Awareness Week
Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme this year is anxiety.
This comes in a week when the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the number of Britons not working due to long-term sickness has hit a record high of 2.5 million, with the increase largely driven by a steep rise in mental health problems among young people. Neck and back pain and the effects of long Covid are amongst the other contributory factors.
Every one of us experiences anxiety, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.
Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events such as bereavement. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money, the cost of living and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food.
Here at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce we have first-hand experience of the effect of anxiety, especially since the pandemic when all the certainties in life disappeared.
Several of our current member businesses are people who had a complete change of lifestyle due to anxiety or wellbeing issues. By changing tack and launching businesses to fit with their lifestyle they have removed much of the anxiety from their lives, and many are running business to enable others to do the same.
There are good examples in Daily Focus such as Amanda Mikalauskas and Karen Burgess-Jones of Vici Coaching and Julie Bricknall of Inspired Mindset. You can read these stories and many more here: Daily Staffordshire Business News – Daily Focus (daily-focus.co.uk)
The Mental Health Foundation are hoping that focusing on anxiety will increase people’s awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem. At the same time, as keeping up the pressure to demand change – making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from anxiety there is a useful resource from the Mental Health Foundation here: Get help | Mental Health Foundation
We also have a specific member benefit where members can access a 24/7 advice and counselling service as well as face-to-face counselling services provided by Westfield Health. This confidential telephone service provides professional support for wellbeing issues like stress, anxiety, problems at work, as well as guidance and information on a wide range of health and lifestyle matters. Contact membership@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
If you would like to discuss any of the issues and how they are affecting your business please contact our policy adviser, Declan Riddell Declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
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
- Published in News
Afford Rent-A-Car joins Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce as Strategic Partners
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is thrilled to announce the addition of a new strategic partner, Afford Rent-a-Car.
The car and vehicle rental specialists will now unlock a range of exclusive perks including an increased company profile and direct support from the Chambers’ senior leadership team.
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “I am thrilled to have Afford Rent-a-Car join our Strategic Partnership at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
“We are excited about the possibilities this partnership will bring and look forward to working closely with the company to drive success and prosperity in our region.
“The strategic partnerships are an extension of our current membership offer and it’s great to see so many leading local businesses taking up the partnership.”
Afford have four branches spread across Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford and Crewe, and offer a minimum 5% discount for online quotes as well as special offer discounts of up to 20%. Find out more, here.
Businesses interested in exploring the strategic partnership opportunity are encouraged to obtain further information by emailing karena.pawlak@staffordshirechambers.co.uk. Staffordshire Chambers looks forward to welcoming new strategic partners and continuing to champion business excellence in the region.
- Published in News
Declan’s Policy Update
I recently attended the British Chambers’ of Conference (BCC) Annual Global Conference in London. Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is one of fifty-three accredited Chambers across the UK, stretching from Cornwall to Aberdeen and from Northern Ireland to Kent. The BCC Annual Global Conference brings together colleagues from right across the Chambers’ network and beyond.
The Annual Global Conference traditionally includes an impressive line-up of keynote speakers and this year was no different. Opening the Conference, Director General of the BCC, Shevaun Haviland, urged the Government to put business at the heart of its plans to revive the UK economy. Ms Haviland said that companies had been hit by “eye-watering” energy bills, rising interest rates and a “cripplingly tight labour market”. With a General Election less than 18 months away she set out the key issues that matter most to firms, including the Digital Revolution, Global Britain and Green Innovation.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt, MP) was introduced as the first guest speaker of the day. Mr Hunt suggested that the “default” location for workers should be in the office, unless there is a good reason to work from home. Mr Hunt felt that while working remotely had produced “exciting opportunities”, he was worried about “the loss of creativity” when it is permanent and spoke of the importance of those “water cooler” chats between colleagues.
Flexible or agile working has become the norm for many workers since the pandemic but there is a split across various sectors, ever since the easing of lockdown restrictions. Some firms told their staff they needed to return to the workplace, while others opted for so-called “hybrid” working patterns, where staff could come into offices on certain days and work remotely on others.
The Governor of the Bank of England (Andrew Bailey), was the next speaker to appear. Despite signs of a possible loosening of a tight labour market, Mr Bailey warned that further interest rate rises may be needed, in order to curb inflationary pressures on the economy. Mr Bailey went on to describe the UK’s economic outlook as “looking a bit brighter” due to falling energy prices and “greater resilience in the economy than expected”.
During the afternoon session, delegates listened to the Leader of the Opposition (Sir Kier Starmer, MP), who said he wanted to see “robust private sector growth” and a partnership with industry. Sir Kier said that the UK needed a new business model but accepted that this will require “tough choices to be made”. Sir Kier went on to announce aspirations to launch planning reforms, in a drive to “back the builders, not the blockers”.
The Global Annual Conference also welcomed entrepreneur and author (Linzi Boyd), who urged delegates to join a ‘Purpose Economy’. Ms Boyd called for a “quiet revolution”, suggesting that a movement of people joined together as a collective, could create “the biggest quiet party the world had ever seen”, building brands, shifting industries and making a positive change in the world.
In between listening to keynote speakers, delegates joined a number of interactive workshops and worked collaboratively to share good practice around areas such as skills and green innovation.
Through its regional Chambers, the British Chambers’ of Commerce claims to represent tens of thousands of UK businesses employing almost six million people. If your business would like to learn more about the many benefits of Chambers’ membership and become a part of this network, I’d be happy to hear from you: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, News
Staffordshire marketing agency rebrands as digital growth continues
ExtraMile Communications has rebranded to ‘Extramile Digital’ as part of an ambitious growth plan, which will see the Staffordshire-based agency grow by 20% over the next 12 months.
The new name, new website launch and brand identity are part of Extramile Digital’s ongoing expansion. In April and May the company has successfully recruited a new social media manager, content manager, and account manager, with a further three positions in web development, sales and software development currently advertised.
Managing Director Amanda Brooke said: “The change of name to Extramile Digital better reflects our focus as a digital marketing agency.
“The rebrand also supports our drive to attract additional talent in digital marketing to our team as we continue to grow. We have several vacancies currently being advertised. We are proud to offer the chance to work on global digital campaigns for high-profile consumer and business-to-business clients, in a fast-paced, creative and collaborative environment.
“In recent years we have seen growth across our digital services – in web development and digital design, search engine optimisation (SEO), paid search and social campaigns.”
Sales and Marketing Director James Roberts added: “Following our management buyout in August 2021, this feels like the right time to rebrand. It’s a great opportunity to better reflect us as a business, our positioning in the market, and our values as an employer and agency partner.”
The company attributes recent expansion to a combination of increased revenue from existing clients, and a greater national presence. Clients include Garmin, Continental, EV Cargo and Fuchs Lubricants.
Visit the new website at www.extramiledigital.com
- Published in News
Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards finalists to be revealed exclusively in Daily Focus
Finalists for the 2023 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards are being announced in Daily Focus throughout the week.
Readers will be able to find out who has been shortlisted by visiting the website – www.daily-focus.co.uk or by subscribing to receive the news service’s morning mail-out, which is delivered directly to inboxes by 8am.
The finalists in three of the 15 categories will be revealed each day, from Monday to Friday, with supporting articles on a special section of the website and posts on social media platforms promoting the success stories. The results from the first three categories are ready to view online, here.
This is the 11th year of the Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards, which celebrate the outstanding achievements of local businesses who have demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation and contribution to the Staffordshire economy.
A record number of businesses and organisations entered this year, demonstrating the longevity and popularity of the event.
Winners will be announced at a glitzy award ceremony, taking place at DoubleTree by Hilton, Festival Park, in Stoke-on-Trent, on the evening of July 13.
- Published in News