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Digital Forum Blog

A blog by Charlie Houston-Brown Chair of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Digital Forum This Forum exists to drive the growing digital sector in Staffordshire enabling business to freely exchange information, share best practice and discuss digital innovation, information communication technology, the digital skills agenda and artificial intelligence (AI). Like the other Chamber forums, the aim
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Sara’s Blog: UK small business increasingly confident and second Peer Networks launch

I start with a welcome note of optimism this week with a survey of UK small businesses illustrating that are increasingly confident in their ability to grow and power the economic recovery, although many still have fears about the ongoing impact of Covid restrictions. This welcome news comes according to new data published today by
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Ignite learning platform for would-be entrepreneurs, US tariff suspenion and new Chambers website

We have seen unprecedented demand for our start-up advice as more people are taking the leap to self-employment, mainly due the economic effect of the pandemic. In addition to our normal face-to-face start up advice, the Chamber is launching a brand-new innovative platform to equip would-be entrepreneurs with the knowledge to run their own business.
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Sara’s Blog – Home office jobs for Staffordshire and grants for business

It was a welcome news last week when Home Secretary, Rt. Hon Priti Patel MP revealed plans to create more than 500 government jobs in Stoke-on-Trent over the next five years. The Home Office is set to open an Immigration Caseworking Innovation Centre in the city, which will see the department dramatically increase its local
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Sara’s Blog: Planning laws shake up – and have your say in what gets built where for the future

The biggest shake-up to planning rules in more than 70 years was revealed in the Queen’s Speech on Tuesday. And, at the same time, there is chance for businesses to influence what gets built where – and particularly where you might want to build new premises – in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle. The current planning system
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Sara’s Blog: Latest employment figures and Chamber Primary Health Plan

The latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) shows that growth is expected but some sectors are yet to see signs of revival. No big surprises there as we emerge from a third lockdown and our exporting sector comes to terms with the UK – EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement which
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Sara’s Blog: #StaffordshireDay, Future proofing the post-pandemic workforce, the Skills Hub and HR advice

This Saturday, 1st May is Staffordshire Day, a celebration of our wonderful county, its people, places, its creativity, and the business community. As someone who has lived and worked in the county for a mere 10 years, I never cease to be amazed just what the county has to offer. With unrivalled countryside, a creative
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Sara’s Blog: Three competitions highlighting the best of Staffordshire business

My blog this week is all about hard-earned awards for businesses who have gone above and beyond the norm in an exceptional year. On Thursday night this week, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce were privileged to sponsor the ‘Business of the Year Award’ at the Stoke-on-Trent Live Business Awards 2021. The Business Awards seem even more
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Sara’s Blog: Retail and hospitality are back, latest export figures and Ramadan begins

It was fantastic to see people flocking back to the high street and into pubs, restaurants and cafes on Monday, as the long winter lockdown gave way to the long awaited second phase of the Government’s roadmap to recovery. People just wanted to be with other people, to smell the coffee, see and feel the
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Sara’s Blog: Chamber plays key role in creating refugee entrepreneurs

Research shows that entrepreneurship offers refugees economic independence; boosts self-confidence; and brings communities together. Refugees tend to be young adults who are less reliant on state benefits. As their businesses grow it brings more jobs, and generates more taxes, with economic activity far outweighing governmental costs. They have also been found to display key traits
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