News
Life is sweet for couple as their chocolate business grows
A couple from Stafford have seen their chocolate business go from strength to strength despite launching it the year before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Partners Ian Wilson and Rachel Costello launched Cocoa Creations in 2019 after deciding they wanted to change their lifestyle to be able to spend more time with their young son.
Ian was born in Zimbabwe but grew up in South Africa, and also spent a few years of his childhood living in England. He arrived back in the UK in 2002 before adventuring around the world, spending time working in Northeast Africa, the Middle East and Asia before returning to Stafford and setting up as a personal trainer. Rachel was working in social and mental health care as a nurse and then as a carer for dementia patients.
They met in the gym where they trained together and eventually Ian wore Rachel down and she accepted his offer of a date.
Ian said: “We set up Cocoa Creations in 2019 and have been slowly building our dream, one step at a time.
“We needed something that we could both do after the birth of our son. We looked at several options, but eventually hit on the idea for chocolate when I was making some healthy chocolate treats for my clients for Christmas.
“We went to Birmingham for a day of making chocolate truffles and treats and eventually decided on becoming chocolatiers and enrolled on an intense course at Slattery’s in Manchester.
“We came home full of enthusiasm and got on with building Cocoa Creations. We first had to choose which chocolate to use and decided on Callebaut, who offer us some of the best chocolate with the great reassurance of it being fairly traded and without exploitation.
“We also contacted Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce for some advice and guidance and were fortunate to be put in touch with start-up advisor, Aly Davidson. Aly was great and after our first meeting she lined us up with a potential new client who buys from us regularly. Aly also pointed us in the right direction for some much-needed funding. We have loved being a part of her ‘tribe’ and we can’t wait to get down to some serious work with her.”
Ian and Rachel create a range of truffles, chocolate bars and treats as well as fudge and they are also working to launch a vegan range almost as extensive as their regular range and developing ranges designed to stimulate without the ‘after-sugar’ crash and to help women through hormonal cycles.
Ian added: “We have more plans and innovations in the pipeline but nothing we can talk about just yet.”
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce start-up advisor Aly Davidson said: “Ian and Rachel have a passion for their chocolate and their business which shines through. They are determined to run an ethical business and their vegan range means they have a fantastic opportunity to exploit a rapidly growing market. I have no doubt they will go a long way, and importantly have fun doing what they love.”
If you are thinking of starting a business and would like to discuss your plans, contact start@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or call 01782 202222.
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String of awards for local water retailer
Cutting water waste in the UK, increasing awareness around water efficiency amongst organisations – and focusing on employees – has resulted in a string of awards for water retailer Water Plus.
It’s won two British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards, in the West Midlands Region, after it was nominated for Workforce Developer and Green Business of the Year, in the Planet Saver category. It’s the first time the business has been shortlisted – and won British Chambers of Commerce Business Awards.
The company, which has its main office in Stoke-on-Trent, was put forward in the British Chambers of Commerce awards by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.
In a first for their industry, Water Plus also won two National Sustainability Awards for its work with organisations on Water Reduction and its support for projects that prevent carbon emissions being released. It makes four awards, in recent weeks, for the company.
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “We’re delighted that Water Plus has been recognised as one of the leading employers within the West Midlands for developing their employees through a range of resources and programmes. They are also a great example of a business that is focused on helping their customers to cut costs and help the environment by supporting them to cut their water waste and improve efficiency.”
Its work engaging businesses with their water use also saw business customers in a survey this year say it’d saved them energy, saved water and helped with budgeting*. Being more aware of water that’s used helps organisations reduce water waste and risks to supply interruptions on site water pipes.
Water Plus is also part of a Careers Hub in Staffordshire and a Careers Enterprise Programme to encourage people into work in the future. In November – and October, the company had pupils visiting their main office to learn more from those working there about jobs, learning, qualifications and other elements of employment.
The company is also highlighting water efficiency information and tips to school pupils – and other organisations – under their #BeWiseOnWater awareness campaign. During the November visit, this included asking children to turn off taps while brushing teeth, to reduce water waste (and carbon emissions linked to providing the water). Where less water needs to be heated there is also an energy saving too.
Mrs Claire Thomas, Associate Assistant Principal at Christ Church Academy, in Stone, Staffordshire, said: “The initial pupils who visited Water Plus found this very helpful to learn more about different job roles and what it’s like to work in and around offices with a company that has customers all across England and Scotland. It’s brilliant Water Plus have joined the Careers Hub to deliver workshops and visits – to help build interest and curiosity around the world of work to help young people for the future.
“Most pupils I spoke to, after Water Plus staff took part in a Careers Day at the school, said they were much more aware of the importance of saving water. They were able to quote a variety of different methods, including not leaving taps on when brushing teeth and shorter showers. Some pupils also stated that they are much more aware of how privileged they are in terms of their access to clean water.”
Water Plus, which works with organisations including the public sector, providing water retail services, is currently recruiting for roles – and has increased the number of apprenticeships – doubling the number of people on these in the Innovation and Technology area of the business this year. This year, more than 22 people are on apprenticeships, as they develop their skills for the future, including working towards degrees.
Andy Hughes, Chief Executive of water retailer Water Plus, said: “We really value all our people with a passion for delivering great customer service – and the success we have – and these awards – are a reflection of all their work with customers and providing the other great services we can offer to organisations in England and Scotland.
“Water Plus employees can choose to do one day of volunteering each year – and some are choosing to be involved in careers’ insights and workplace skills for young people in Staffordshire as part of this, while others have supported local charity North Staffs Mind by re-painting counselling rooms this year.
“As a leading business in the Staffordshire area, we aim to help prepare and support young and unemployed people from the local area to move into, or return to, the world of work. We’ll do this by helping them to develop a range of skills and provide experiences which improve their confidence and prospects of employability for the future.”
People in customer service teams at Water Plus also work towards National Qualifications in Customer Service, in a programme accredited by best practice leaders The Institute of Customer Service.
Water Plus provides water and wastewater billing and customer service, along with a range of technical water services and information around water efficiency, for organisations of all sizes. The company also won a Green Apple Environment Award in 2021, for its work with organisations around cutting water waste and raising awareness around water efficiency.
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Global Entrepreneurship Week
It’s Global Entrepreneurship Week! Designed to encourage potential entrepreneurs to start their own businesses – the awareness week highlights the positive impact that entrepreneurs can have on the business community and helps people to turn their business dreams into a reality.
Staffordshire Chambers is proud to champion entrepreneurs through our free-to-access Start-Up programme.
All the advice and practical help you need to start a business is available for free with our team of business start-up advisers. The service takes you through business planning, cash forecasting, marketing and market research, legal and financial requirements.
Throughout the week, we will be releasing a series of videos from entrepreneurs who have accessed our Start-up programme and have launched their own businesses. Find the first video, here.
There is ongoing help and mentoring available as your business grows and you expand and employ staff. There are also discounted membership deals for new start-up businesses.
To speak to an advisor, please email start@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or click here.
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Almost half of SMEs facing April cliff-edge on energy bills
A new British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) survey has found almost half of SMEs say they will find it difficult to pay their energy bills once the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme ends on 31 March 2023.
A further 4% say they will not be able to pay their energy bills at all, while 37% predict they will find it difficult to pay even when they are in receipt of Government support.
SMEs that renewed their energy tariffs after April 2022 report more difficulties. These firms were more likely to struggle to pay their energy bills going forward with 60% saying they will face difficulties paying after March 2023, and 7% saying they won’t be able to pay at all. Over half (51%) will find it difficult to pay their bills between now and the end of March, during the period of the Government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme.
Sara Williams, Staffordshire Chambers CEO, said: “Staffordshire businesses remain hugely concerned over the cost of energy and it is particularly concerning that almost half of SMEs believe they will face difficulty paying their bills once the Government support package ends in March.
“Perhaps even more concerning is that 4% of SMEs have stated that they will not be able to pay their bills at all come April 1.
“The Government must prioritise support for these businesses that goes beyond the current offering. Cost pressures can be relieved in other ways, including a reform of business rates to compensate firms that see energy support phased out.
“Ofgem needs greater power to regulate the energy market for businesses, which is already hampered by a lack of market competitiveness.
“There is a blatant lack of business confidence and immediate action is needed to help support the business community so that firms can trade into April with increased confidence.”
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Policy Spotlight with Declan: Stafford Borough Local Plan – have your say
If you live or work in Stafford Borough, you’ve probably noticed the expansion of both residential and commercial developments across the area. A good example of this is the new housing development at Marston Gate on the A34, at the north edge of Stafford, sitting over the way from what will be the new Pets at Home distribution centre.
Stafford Borough stretches from Blythe Bridge in the north, down to Haughton and Brocton in the south and includes the towns of Stafford, Stone and Eccleshall. Stafford Borough Council is now consulting on the Local Plan 2020-2040 Preferred Options document, which seeks views on draft policies and proposals for new development across the borough over the next 20 years.
You have the chance to share your views about how new levels of housing and development should be distributed, as well as the opportunity to comment on proposed development allocations such as Stafford Station Gateway and a new garden community at Meecebrook, near to Yarnfield and Eccleshall. This development will deliver 3,000 new homes and 15 hectares of employment land.
Stafford Borough is a great place to live and work, with exceptional connectivity (particularly by rail) and a highly skilled workforce. The local population is growing and there is a need to strike the right balance in building new homes but also making sure that there is a sufficient supply of employment land across the area.
The chambers will be calling for a high-quality housing mix, including affordable and high value accommodation. Attracting new employers into the area will need to be supported by a broad, sustainable and ‘open door’ strategy for regeneration and inward investment, with more quality employment sites and good connectivity to keep people and goods moving freely across the area.
The consultation runs until 12noon on Monday 12th December and you can share your views through the following link:
https://www.staffordbc.gov.uk/local-plan
If you have an interest in planning and infrastructure, you’d be very welcome to join the Chamber Planning & Infrastructure Forum, which meets again on Thursday 26th January 2023. For further details, please email me :
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Why smart meters are a smart decision for your business this winter
Firms of all sizes are currently confronted by a host of challenges, from soaring energy bills, labour shortages, spiralling inflation, and climbing interest rates.
Did you know that a smart meter could help your business this winter and beyond?
A smart meter could give you valuable insights into how your business uses energy, day and night, helping you to identify ways to reduce your energy use.
Installing a smart meter is also a positive step in taking control of business outgoings. Once installed, smart meters digitally measure how much energy you’re using and send your meter reading directly to your energy supplier at agreed intervals, putting an end to estimated bills.
Firms with 10 employees or less could be eligible. To find out more please click here. You can also contact your energy supplier or broker.
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Sara’s Blog: Remembrance Sunday, Chambers’ Business Manifesto & have your say via our QES
This Sunday is Remembrance Sunday. The current conflict in Europe has only served to reinforce the reason we take time each year to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that we could enjoy the freedom we often take for granted.
On behalf of the Chambers, I thank everyone who gave their lives for us, veterans, our current armed forces and all those who selflessly dedicate their lives to serving others.
BCC Manifesto
The British Chambers of Commerce has sent the Prime Minister a Business Manifesto to get firms through the tough months ahead and then power the UK’s economic recovery.
Businesses are the very bedrock of the economy but currently face a host of challenges which threaten the survival of many; eyewatering energy bills, labour shortages, 40-year high inflation, and rising interest rates. The Bank of England is now also forecasting a two-year recession.
Research indicates business confidence has plummeted to alarmingly low levels, not seen since the height of the pandemic. The political and economic uncertainty over the past few months and the turbulent financial conditions following the Government’s mini-budget have damaged this even further.
We are now on borrowed time, and the new Prime Minister must step up to the plate. Businesses can’t afford to see Government make any knee-jerk decisions that damage long-term growth. It must create stable conditions for businesses to invest and grow, otherwise, we will be starting from a very weak base to power our recovery once global economic conditions stabilise.
The BCC’s latest quarterly economic survey highlighted an alarming drop in business confidence and conditions, with key economic indicators falling back to Covid-crisis levels. One in three firms reported a decrease in cashflow, while 25% reported a decrease in domestic sales.
In the wake of the October fiscal statement, the BCC conducted a snap poll of almost 500 firms, to assess the extent to which the Chancellor’s plans would impact their investment intentions.
Overall, only 6% of businesses said they would increase their investment, while 37% said they would decrease it because of the fiscal statement.
The BCC’s Business Manifesto sets out 17 key policies designed to tackle the challenges facing businesses across the economy, the labour market, international trade and Net Zero.
Top of the list for urgent action are:
Investment in infrastructure
Government must prioritise long-term growth by financing public projects, with a particular emphasis on green and digital infrastructure. As a result of the multiplier effect, investing in public infrastructure, such as the HS2 rail link, will have a high value impact on growth, stimulating local economies and creating jobs across the UK.
Energy support for businesses
Rising energy costs is the number one concern cited by businesses. Government must provide certainty on how the energy support package will work from April so ubusinesses can plan for the future.
Tackling the tight labour market
There are currently 1.2 million unfilled jobs in the UK labour market, meaning businesses are turning work away. Government must promote the creation of a skilled workforce by offering tax breaks to businesses that invest in training and upskilling. The UK also needs an immigration system that caters to the needs of the labour market. A reform of the Shortage Occupation List is urgently required to help businesses fill job vacancies when they cannot recruit locally.
Promoting export-led growth
More than a quarter (28%) of SME exporters reported decreased sales in Q3 of this year. International trade presents significant opportunities for UK businesses to expand and grow. However, barriers to trade must be removed to allow firms realise their full trading potential. The UK Government must work with the European Commission to reach a negotiated solution on business compliance burdens with the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
Business confidence has plummeted to alarmingly low levels, not seen since the height of the pandemic. The political and economic uncertainty over the past few months, and the turbulent financial conditions following the Government’s mini budget have damaged this even further.
In the remaining period of this Parliament, the BCC is urging the Government to strike the right balance for growth without compromising our great public institutions that so many of us rely on.
People run businesses and businesses rely on people. This Business Manifesto offers solutions, including cost-free options, to get our economy moving in the right direction again.
You can view the full Business Manifesto here: Business Manifesto.pdf
Have your say as our Quarterly Economic Survey opens for Q4
And so it is timely that we have just released our own quarterly economic survey for Q4. I do hope that you can complete it to help us inform policymakers on the challenges facing businesses in our area.
The information you provide will help to shape policy thinking as the data is shared with the BCC, Government departments including HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office as well as the Bank of England.
We are keen to hear from firms of all shapes and sizes to create an accurate picture of the current business landscape.
I understand your time is precious, even more so now, so thank you to all those who complete the survey.
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
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Seven steps to improve your business credit score
Being denied credit can be bad news for your business, especially if you need finance in order to grow. If your business has been refused credit or struggled to secure new finance, you’ll know how that can impact your credit rating.
Experian has compiled a list of seven regular habits that form good business practices that can help build towards a higher business credit score.
- View your business credit report to understand the positive and negative factors in your history and plan the best path for progress.
- Make a note of suppliers’ payment terms and plan payments, so they are on time. Poor payment performance can indicate a business struggling to service its debts.
- File annual returns and financial accounts on time. Making more information on your business available helps suppliers, utility providers and lenders to understand it and make appropriate decisions.
- Avoid County Court Judgments. Should one occur, settle it promptly.
- Keep an eye on your personal finances. Directors’ personal credit score can be considered for new businesses when little information is available.
- Appoint a director with a strong history of running companies and a good credit score to help boost your company’s standing.
- Check and monitor the credit status of the companies you work with, so you can anticipate any supply chain problems before it affects your business.
With Experian My Business Profile, you get full visibility of your Experian credit scoring, enabling you to understand what’s affecting your company credit score.
Find out more about Experian ‘My Business Profile’ and the free trial/discount offer.
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BCC Business Manifesto for new Prime Minister
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has sent the Prime Minister a Business Manifesto to get firms through the tough months ahead and then power the UK’s economic recovery.
Businesses are the very bedrock of the economy but currently face a host of challenges which threaten the survival of many; eyewatering energy bills, labour shortages, 40-year high inflation, and rising interest rates. The Bank of England is now also forecasting a two-year recession.
The BCC’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey highlighted an alarming drop in business confidence and conditions, with key economic indicators falling back to Covid-crisis levels. One in three firms reported a decrease in cashflow, while 25% reported a decrease in domestic sales.
In the wake of the October fiscal statement, the BCC conducted a snap poll of almost 500 firms, to assess the extent to which the Chancellor’s plans would impact their investment intentions.
Overall, only 6% of businesses said they would increase their investment, while 37% said they would decrease it as a result of the fiscal statement.
The BCC’s Business Manifesto sets out 17 key policies designed to tackle the challenges facing businesses across the economy, the labour market, international trade and Net Zero.
Top of the list for urgent action are:
Investment in infrastructure
Government must prioritise long-term growth by financing public projects, with a particular emphasis on green and digital infrastructure. As a result of the Multiplier Effect, investing in public infrastructure, such as the HS2 rail link, will have a high-value impact on growth; stimulating local economies and creating jobs across the UK.
Energy support for businesses
Rising energy costs is the number one concern cited by businesses. Government must provide certainty on how the energy support package will work from April so that businesses can plan for the future.
Tackling the tight labour market
There are currently 1.2 million unfilled jobs in the UK labour market, meaning businesses must turn new work away. Government must promote the creation of a skilled workforce by offering tax breaks to businesses that invest in training and upskilling. The UK also needs an immigration system that caters to the needs of the labour market. A reform of the Shortage Occupation List is urgently required to help businesses fill job vacancies when they cannot recruit locally.
Promoting export-led growth
More than a quarter (28%) of SME exporters reported decreased sales in Q3 of this year. International trade presents significant opportunities for UK businesses to expand and grow. However, barriers to trade must be removed in order to allow firms realise their full trading potential. The UK Government must work with the European Commission to reach a negotiated solution on business compliance burdens with the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.
Presenting the BCC Business Manifesto, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said:
“Our research indicates business confidence has plummeted to alarmingly low levels, not seen since the height of the pandemic. The political and economic uncertainty over the past few months, and the turbulent financial conditions following the Government’s mini budget have damaged this even further.
“We are now on borrowed time, and the new Prime Minister must step up to the plate. Businesses can’t afford to see Government make any knee-jerk decisions that damage long-term growth. It must create stable conditions for businesses to invest and grow, otherwise we will be starting from a very weak base to power our recovery once global economic conditions stabilise.
“With a new Government and Prime Minister at the head of the table, it is high time we saw a long-term growth plan that involves investment in people and skills; supports businesses to adapt and thrive; and builds good relationships with our global allies to get British businesses selling again.
“In the remaining period of this Parliament, the BCC urges the Government to strike the right balance for growth without compromising our great public institutions that so many of us rely on.
“People run businesses and businesses rely on people. This Business Manifesto offers solutions, including cost-free options, to get our economy moving in the right direction again.”
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Sara’s Blog: Interest rate rise, International Trade Week & events up to Christmas
The decision to raise the base rate to 3% comes as no surprise following the market turmoil caused by September’s mini-budget.
The Bank of England has laid down a clear marker that it intends to bring inflation down by placing further pressure on consumer demand.
But raising the interest rate is a very blunt instrument to control inflation that is largely the result of global factors, including soaring energy costs and supply chain disruption.
This is further bad news for businesses who find themselves trapped between rising costs of raw materials, energy and borrowing, and weakening consumer demand.
The Bank is now clearly indicating the UK economy is set for a prolonged recession. Chamber research shows that business confidence has been falling at an alarming rate over recent months, driven by runaway inflation.
But even as evidence of a recession mounts, cost pressures on businesses may yet continue as the energy price cap expires next April (See our event Building resilience for your business in a time of recession below).
With the Chancellor and Prime Minister both signalling that the Autumn Statement is likely to result in spending cuts and tax rises, businesses will be extremely worried about what the future holds.
It is crucial that the Government sets out a long-term plan that stabilises the economy and focuses on growth.
Glynn Jones, Deputy Agent, West Midlands and Oxfordshire for the Bank of England will be the guest speaker at our AGM on 30th November. The AGM is open to all Chamber members and you can book here: Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Annual General Meeting – Staffordshire Chambers
More information on the Bank of England’s decision to raise interest rates can be found here.
This past week has been International Trade Week, highlighting all the support and guidance available to potential and seasoned exporters and importers, through the Chambers and The Department for International Trade.
At Staffordshire Chambers, every week is International Trade Week for our International Trade team who offer a complete solution to international trade operations – with award-winning guidance, documentation and declaration support from our expert team who have helped thousands of Staffordshire businesses to trade globally over many years.
Services on offer include export documentation, certificates of origin, EUR1s and attested invoices, customs declarations and a wide range of international trade training.
They also offer advice and guidance on any new legislation and systems such as registration with the new digital customs declaration system (CDS), to be able to import any products into the UK.
To find out more General international trade queries call the International Trade Centre team on 01782 224405 or email allison.tomlinson@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
Now, we may be into the last two months of 2022 but there are still plenty of great Chamber events with opportunities to network, showcase your business or just have fun.
Our next speed networking session takes place on 17th November at Commerce House. If you haven’t been to speed networking before you are in for a treat. It’s a chance to talk to over 40 other businesses in about an hour, presenting yourself and your business and making connections who can help you.
On 24th November you can boost your plans to protect your business at our seminar – Building resilience for your business in a time of recession.
With inflation soaring, interest rates rising and fuel bills increasing, planning is vital.
Chamber patrons and leading national law firm Freeths LLP will deliver an informative webinar giving practical tips on ways that businesses can best protect themselves during a recession.
The Staffordshire Skills Summit takes place on Friday 25th November with discussions around the new Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and an exclusive talk from Kelly Nicholls, the CEO of TechSkills. We now have a real opportunity to catalyse partnership across the skills and employability sector, and I would strongly urge anyone affected by skills shortages and wanting to have a say on the LSIP agenda to attend.
The event takes place at the brand-new Catalyst Building at Staffordshire University and breakfast is included.
Finally, our hugely-popular Chamber quiz, is back – this time with a festive twist. We’ll be hosting Quizmas with DJH Mitten Clarke on 6th December at Port Vale, finding out who’s the smartest Staffordshire enterprise as we welcome back guest host, Matt Hustwit of DJH Mitten Clarke.
Teams of up to six people can enjoy a two-course meal, charity raffle and put their general knowledge to the test.
I would urge early booking events to avoid disappointment. View our full range of events and book here: Events Archives – 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
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