News

It can’t have escaped your notice that Wednesday was International Women’s Day, and we hosted our own special event to celebrate the day with over 120 women turning up to the Doubletree by Hilton on Festival Park, sponsored by Brampton Recruitment,  to witness a stellar line up of inspirational women speakers, each with a very powerful message.

Trinidad born but naturalised Stokie, Gabriella Gay opened the proceedings with a powerful poem – ‘In Our Sisterhood’. As well as holding the position of equality and diversity officer of the Keele University Postgraduate Association, Gabriella is the founder of Stoke’s Roaming Poets, a group of local poets who take poetry to the streets, a trustee of the New Vic Theatre, a cultural advocate for Stoke and strong believer in the power of the spoken word.

Stand-up comedian, author and motivational trainer Kirsty Hulse has trained almost 20,000 people to be more confident. Up until the lockdown announcement in March 2020 she was married, living in London, and had plenty of work booked. Three months later she had separated, lost all her work bookings, and moved back to Stoke-on-Trent.  Her message that hardly any of us are born confident and her ‘well yeah’ approach to doing anything certainty struck a chord with the audience.

Next up were JCB Academy Year 13 students Georgia Cobley and Kate Bradbury. There are 180,000 engineers needed annually to plug the gap in STEM related jobs and the JCB Academy has the aim of changing this by developing engineers and leaders with both young women making their contribution by gaining places on degree apprenticeships with Rolls Royce and JP Murphy respectively.

Natalia Pilgui had the perfect life in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Married with two young children and her own educational centre, Only English. When Russian shells started falling on Kharkiv on 24^th March 2022, the family hid in a basement for eight days before deciding to make the six-day journey to the Polish border. Natalia and family ended up in Staffordshire thanks to a sponsor in Uttoxeter. Natalia found Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and the Positive Pathways programme which helps refugees back into employment. She still runs her business online, with colleagues displaced around Europe, and helps other refugees in Staffordshire to regain confidence and a sense of purpose through engagement with Positive Pathways.

Lastly we heard from, Carrie Somers founder of Fashion Revolution, a global movement which arose from the Rana Plaza garment factory disaster in Bangladesh in  April 2013. Fashion Revolution is the world’s largest fashion activism movement campaigning for systemic reform of the fashion industry with a focus on supply chain transparency. Carrie also founded Pachahuti, a fair-trade Panama hat manufacturing business which has a shop in Leek.

I am immensely proud of the contribution that these and countless other inspirational women play in making our community so diverse, innovative and positive.

Staffordshire Chambers reflects this with a 50-50 split between women and men on our board and this carries on through all our areas of activity.

If you missed today’s event, don’t worry as there is still time to book a place on the ‘Confidence Live’ event at the King’s Hall, Stoke on 30^th March. It boasts a line-up of expert speakers, including award-winning journalist, Caitlin Moran, Kirsty Hulse. There are also interactive workshops where you’ll learn proven strategies for increasing self-awareness, setting and achieving goals, and overcoming obstacles. The event is discounted for Chamber members, and you can find out more and book your place here: Confidence Live – 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

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council are inviting local businesses to join them at initial briefing sessions on the development of opportunities for businesses and communities under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

The first hour of the event will be focused on UKSPF followed by information on development of the Arts, Culture & Heritage sector.  There are a number of exciting opportunities being developed alongside the business community.

Interested businesses are asked to book onto the most convenient session by contacting:

• Leek –   info@leektowncouncil.gov.uk :             30pm  – 4.30p.m UKSPF/ 5:00p.m – 7.00 p.m:  Arts, Culture & Heritage –  8th March at Moorlands House –  ST13 6HQ
• Cheadle –   info@cheadletowncouncil.co.uk:  30pm –  4.30p.m UKSPF/ 5:00p.m – 7.00 p.m:  Arts, Culture & Heritage – 13th March at the Cheadle Town Council Chamber  –  ST10 1LG
• Biddulph –  office@biddulph-tc.gov.uk:     30pm  – 4.30p.m UKSPF/ 5:00p.m – 7.00 p.m:   Arts, Culture & Heritage on 15th March at Biddulph Town Hall  –  ST8 6AR

The UKSPF is part of the national Levelling Up agenda and is based on three investment priorities which are Communities and place, Supporting local business and People and skills.

The two-year programme aims to increase life chances for residents and help to build pride in place based on three investment priorities:

• Communities and place
• Supporting local business
• People and skills

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is inviting applications for the first grants and funding opportunities to be made available from the £3.4m UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  Full details of the current funding opportunities can be accessed here.

Staffordshire is a county known for innovation. We make just about everything here, not just our world-famous ceramics (with tableware to hi-tech applications), but automotive components, sheet metal products, textiles, glassware, plastics, food and drink and so much more. When you add in the vibrant service, education, retail, tourism, hospitality and agriculture sectors, there is very little we don’t do and do well here.

It was therefore extremely sad news to hear of the closure of The Staffordshire Business Innovation Centre, or the BIC as it is better known, earlier this week. It has been an integral part of the business landscape for almost three decades, providing expert advice, guidance and funding for countless innovative projects since 1995. Over the years it has supported more than 5,000 companies, worked on dozens of projects and awarded millions of pounds in funding.

The BIC’s work has always been complimentary to the work of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, and we have worked together since they were formed, signposting and recommending each other’s services so that every business had a complete package of support to enable them to grow by bringing innovative products and services to market.

The concern now is that this could be the first of many organisations which support business growth and communities, and which have used European funding to provide great services, that may disappear. And not just those supporting businesses but voluntary organisations which support some of our most vulnerable people.

The Chambers is determined to do what we can to fill the immense hole left by the BIC’s closure and we will assist companies in finding new sources of financial help and expertise to support their creativity and innovation. We will communicate news on new funding opportunities as they appear.

I would like to offer thanks to Geoff Riley and the BIC team on behalf of the entire business community of Staffordshire for their hard work and dedication to keeping Staffordshire at the forefront of innovation and for leaving a legacy which we will do our best to continue – and live up to.

And companies that are innovative, creative, raising the bar on sustainability, using digital brilliantly and are generally doing well in Staffordshire are encouraged to enter the Staffordshire Chambers Awards Awards 2023 – Staffordshire Chambers.

Hopefully, you are getting the new and brilliant Daily Focus newsletter (and if not here’s how you don’t get FOMO Subscribe – Daily Focus (daily-focus.co.uk).  It’s the best way to be fully informed of all the local and national business news, relevant to all sizes and sectors of Staffordshire business and will arrive in your inbox at 8.30am every weekday.

And we want to hear from you so tell us what your business is up to – if you have any news stories, please send them to the Daily Focus team: news@daily-focus.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

Eradicating extreme poverty for all people everywhere by 2030 is a pivotal goal of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As part of our focus on SDG 1, Zero Poverty, we’ve teamed up with VAST who have written a guest blog looking at soaring costs, falling funding and the Impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the voluntary sector.

“As the cost of everything continues to rise, the people in our communities need ever greater support to help them to make ends meet. A new report from Staffordshire University, in partnership with York University and Citizens Advice Staffordshire North and Stoke-on-Trent, highlights the widespread poverty and deprivation issues that families and individuals are facing across the city.

Previously branded as the ‘Capital of Debt,’ people in Stoke-on-Trent have been experiencing financial pressures for years, struggling to maintain a basic standard of living, let alone repaying debt. But the COVID-19 crisis has caused more serious ongoing problems for residents in the local area: rising unemployment and huge numbers of people claiming Universal Credit and other benefits. Now, the cost-of-living crisis is making life even more difficult for even more people. Benefits are too low, wages are too low, inflation is high and rising, and something as simple as keeping warm is costing much more than people can afford.

This ‘Families on the Brink in Stoke-on-Trent: How austerity and the cost-of-living is driving poverty and destitution’ report explains how austerity is “driving the long-term cuts to health, benefits and public services” which is increasing the already critical level of health deprivation and lowering the life expectancy of those living in poverty.

“Millions of households are at financial breaking point: running down savings, going without bare essentials and turning to food banks to get by.” – Dame Clare Moriarty, Citizens Advice Chief Executive.

More and more people are struggling, making tough decisions, and are turning to local community organisations for their help to get them through tough times, but the cost-of-living crisis is affecting charities and voluntary sector organisations too.

In times of crisis, charities, voluntary organisations, and community groups are always there to provide vital support to vulnerable people whether that’s food, household essentials, PPE, volunteers, time, money… the list is endless. During these crises, the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector goes above and beyond to support their communities and make sure that people have what they need. But no matter how big or small their teams, no matter how much support they give to their beneficiaries, and no matter how big an impact they make in those communities, demand is all too often outweighing the resources they have available.

The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector made great things happen during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are flexible and can react to rapid increases in demand far more quickly and effectively than the Public Sector. As a sector, we are more prepared for times of extreme pressure and better equipped to meet the challenges that come with it, but the cost-of living crisis is having a massive impact on people from all walks of life and means that there are more people needing help than ever before.

Although the huge swell in the number of people needing support was not unexpected, not-for-profits are also trying to navigate this crisis too with declining funding and soaring costs. Four-fold increases in heating bills are not unheard of within the sector, and rising inflation means they need to try and find extra money to cover their overheads. In a recent cost-of-living survey[1] VAST found that the biggest concern for charitable organisation in Stoke-on-Trent was utilities and the rise in energy costs with 85% expecting their expenditure to rise.

Most small charities are employing staff on minimum wage. They will have no option but to find money to pay their staff more when this increases, and the staff deserve it. A recent survey by Pro-bono Economics found that charity staff paid 7% less per hour on average than workers in other sectors. This will mean that charities and other VCSE organisations will struggle to retain their staff. Inflation is very rarely built into charity grants and contracts, so funding remains static, and the recipients of that funding must make do and desperately try to make up the difference from other sources. Indeed, given the levels of austerity and savings that must be made by both local and national government many are facing cuts to their funding, not increases.

When our communities struggle, demand for VCSE services rises quickly and many aren’t able to find the additional capacity to cope. As austerity hits, national government is cutting funding to local authorities. These cuts have seen many statutory services cut and less direct support delivered  to fewer communities which puts added pressure on the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector and alternative funding sources cannot automatically increase to meet this sudden extra demand.

Stoke-on-Trent is one of the most deprived areas in the country where more than one-third of children are living in low-income households[2], over 22% of people experience fuel poverty[3] and are facing the horrendous choice of whether to ‘heat or eat,’ and foodbanks are seeing a 500% rise in referrals[4] for emergency food supplies. Stoke-on-Trent Foodbank has reported record-breaking months in both December 2022 and January 2023 with 2,470 people fed in December and 2,671 in January 2023(usually demand peaks in December).  Stoke-on-Trent City Council, like many other local authorities has had to look at saving huge amounts of money in this financial year, and this is likely to only increase over the coming years too. Although there is often a lag to the voluntary sector as contracts are already in place, these cutbacks will be felt by VCSE groups all over the city.

The cost-of-living survey we carried out also found that 65% of voluntary sector groups have seen a surge in demand for their services, and half of organisations don’t have enough resources to meet that demand. To help support these struggling voluntary groups and to enable them to provide crucial support to their communities, in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent City Council we have provided a wealth of cost-of-living advice, information, and help for organisations, as well as residents, under the #StokeonTrentTogether banner.

Originally created to provide support during COVID-19, #StokeonTrentTogether is a one-stop-shop for support across the city and includes VAST’s Community Health Champions and Totally Stoked projects as well as support for Ukrainian refugees and the Stoke-on-Trent Community Directory. The cost-of-living support includes the city’s Stronger Together Through Winter campaign’s Welcoming Spaces network. Welcoming spaces are community spaces (such as a community centres, libraries or places of faith) where people can meet up in a warm place to socialise, and access support relating to the cost-of-living crisis. There are  almost 80 community spaces registered as a welcoming space in many areas of Stoke-on-Trent including in Fenton, Burslem, Bentilee, and Hanley and the number is growing all the time.

VAST is here to help organisations through this struggle and can provide support to help them to navigate the cost-of-living crisis that is affecting the VCSE sector as much as it’s affecting communities. For any voluntary groups need support, they can visit  sottogether.vast.org.uk or email support@vast.org.uk. Our local charities need as much support as they can get, many are looking for additional volunteers and all would appreciate donations.  If you would like to support the wider offer in Stoke-on-Trent you can contribute to the newly established Stronger Together Through Winter Appeal being run by The Community Foundation for Staffordshire that will be used to support local organisations help our communities.  Any businesses wishing to donate a larger amount to this appeal can contact the Community Foundation directly.

[1] VAST Cost-of-Living Survey 2022 | vast.org.uk

[2] End Child Poverty | endchildpoverty.org.uk

[3] End Fuel Poverty | endfuelpoverty.org.uk

[4] The Guardian | theguardian.com

Following on from the release of British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) research which reveals how low business confidence has fallen at the start of 2023, Chambers are calling on the Chancellor to use his Spring Budget to relieve cost and recruitment pressures on business.

Key findings from the firms surveyed in the research are that 65% plan to raise prices due to cost pressures; almost half (47%) say paying energy bills will be difficult when the current business support package ends; more than half (52%) are consistently experiencing difficulties recruiting staff and concerns around regulation and taxation are regularly troubling a third of firms (30%).

The survey backs up findings from the BCC’s most recent quarterly economic survey of more than 5,000 companies (over 150 being from Staffordshire) which found business confidence remains at Covid-crisis levels.

It found that only 34% of businesses believed their profits will increase over the coming year, whilst 36% expected a decline.   A quarter of firms reported a decrease in sales in the last quarter of 2022, with hospitality firms the least likely to report improvements.

This snapshot of the state of play for business at the start of 2023 sets out exactly why the Chancellor must act in his budget to fuel investment in the UK.

We know we have a tough year ahead. With costs piling up on their doorsteps and so much uncertainty on Government policies, there is currently little incentive for firms to risk either their dwindling cash reserves or fresh loans on new projects.

The UK’s finances are tight, but the Chancellor needs to show more faith in the ability and talent of our businesses.

The BCC has set out four key areas where the Chancellor must act in the budget if businesses are to make headway in bolstering the economy in 2023.

• Unlocking talent and easing pressure in the labour market by making childcare more affordable for cash-strapped parents and guardians
• Boosting the UK’s start-ups by further reforming the business rates system to remove the upfront financial squeeze they face
• Setting a framework for Solvency II investment that helps direct funds to SMEs where they can have the most impact, leveraging the opportunities of green innovation
• Funding to help businesses become greener and more energy efficient

If you have any issues and concerns around any of the points above, please get in touch with Declan Riddell at the Chambers: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

All this week in our Daily Focus we have been highlighting the impact of a proposed bus gate and clean air zone (CAZ) on the A53 at Basford and Victoria Road in Fenton respectively.

The planned bus gate in Basford proposes that motorists would not be able to travel westbound on the A53 Etruria Road (Basford Bank) from the A500 junction towards Newcastle-under-Lyme during rush hours i.e., 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm on weekdays.

While we agree with the overarching aim of reducing air pollution and support the importance of protecting and promoting health, there is a real concern about the levels of consistency being applied when it comes to rolling out measures to tackle pollution.

We have written to Government ministers raising major concerns over the plans which the Government want to implement by 2025. The three local authorities involved i.e. Stoke-on-Trent City Council, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council have also made joint representations to ministers seeking support to identify and deliver solutions that are more proportionate to the scale of the pollution that is predicted to exist in 2025.

Air quality on Etruria Road will likely be displaced rather than reduced to what is deemed acceptable. And there are many businesses based along Etruria Road and nearby Festival Park and their employees and customers will find it more challenging to reach the affected businesses each day as highlighted in Daily Focus.

There is real concern about the financial impact on businesses in the proposed CAZ stretching from Fenton to Joiners Square and Hanley as any businesses with vans and lorries which do not meet emissions standards, will be forced to upgrade fleets or pay a charge each time when entering the CAZ area.

If deliveries are made by vans and lorries that do not meet emissions standards, this charge may be passed on to the business based in the CAZ, who will face the dilemma of having to absorb the cost or pass it on to the customer.

We are inviting businesses to have their say on the CAZ and bus gate proposals in our quick poll to aid our representations to local authorities: http://bit.ly/3kl4XXr

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

Newlife are calling on local businesses and organisations to support their Sparkle Day, set to take place on Friday, 3 March.

The awareness day will help to ensure that children living with disabilities and illnesses can receive the vital specialist equipment that they need. Businesses are invited to get involved with a number of initiatives, including a sparkly dress-up day.

Sally Insley, Head of Public Fundraising, Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children, said: “At Newlife, we believe that every child has the right to fulfil their potential and live their very best life. 

“By taking part in Sparkle Day, you’ll help us to raise crucial funds, enabling us to support even more children and their families across the UK.”

From specialist beds, buggies, wheelchairs and sensory toys, every penny you raise will help to change a child’s life. Find out more and get involved, here.