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Our new Staffordshire Chambers Business Manifesto is centred around five key themes. During the next few weeks, I’ll be running through them to help explain what they mean for local businesses. The themes are:

– Connected Staffordshire
– Digital Staffordshire
– Global Staffordshire
– Green Staffordshire
– Skilled Staffordshire

Let’s start with Connected Staffordshire. It’s easy to see why Staffordshire is one of the UK’s most connected counties:

– 40% of the UK population live within a 2-hour drive.
– In just an hour, it’s possible to reach four international airports.
– Hop on a train at Stoke on Trent or Stafford and you will reach London in around 90 minutes.
– The M6 carves its way through the county, offering exceptional north-south connectivity, with the A50 stretching from North Staffordshire, all the way to East Midlands Airport.
 

Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why so many businesses gain from being based in Staffordshire. 

Transport is a key enabler for business, moving both people and goods but like many parts of the UK, congestion on local roads can be a challenge.  Public transport needs to be more accessible and affordable if more of us are to travel to and from work by bus and train. 

A50/A500 is a key economic corridor stretching from Crewe through the urban area of North Staffordshire and on to East Midlands Airport.   The route through North Staffordshire is operating at an estimated 110% of capacity at peak times.  Further east, lengthy traffic queues are a familiar sight at Blythe Bridge & Uttoxeter junctions.  A500 links with junction 15 of the M6 at Hanchurch.  The exit and entry approaches to the junction are no longer fit for purpose and are unable to cope with traffic volumes.

We call for Government to commit to pressing ahead with improvements to the ‘Fifty, Five Hundred’ corridor and also the complete redesign of junction 15 of M6.  Any delay in making this commitment will significantly damage our exceptional connectivity and continue the misery of congested roads and gridlock.

When it comes to rail travel, the West Coast Mainline (WCML) is a vital rail artery connecting London, Staffordshire & the West Midlands, the North West of England and Scotland.  Overcrowding is a common sight on passenger services.    We call for, at the very least, that existing rail service hours of operation , frequency and journey times between Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent and London/Manchester are maintained.  It’s essential for new investment in WCML to be delivered, bringing much needed additional capacity.

Bus Service Improvement Plans (BSIP) are being rolled out in Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire, with the aim of increasing passenger numbers, improving bus service reliability and ultimately, increase passenger satisfaction.  This is welcome news and we hope that BSIP will bring about behaviour change and drive-up passenger numbers in the long term. 

The previous UK Government announced a ban on the sale of all new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035.   The clock is ticking and we’re calling for a rapid growth in electric vehicle charging points across our region, particularly in areas such as Stoke-on-Trent, where many residents do not have the benefit of off-road parking for vehicle charging.  Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure rollout will also need to support freight and haulage operators, who will rely on getting the power source to where it is needed.

Building on the foundations of Staffordshire’s connectivity, we need to see improved planning processes, coupled with accessible procurement opportunities for all, to support local investment in infrastructure and commercial premises.  A diverse range of commercial premises will hold appeal to all sectors and size of business.  The development of more business incubation space and start up support will retain talent and help to nurture the next generation of businesses. 

We continue our call for support for our local authorities to unlock the planning system, by lobbying for national investment in better resources to ensure much needed developments can be realised and not unnecessarily held up due to lack of planning capacity. 

As a Chamber, we continue to push for local procurement opportunities to be promoted to a wide local audience and our public sector must deliver on both early notice periods to allow businesses to respond and to ensure that payments are made at the earliest possible opportunity.

You can read our Manifesto in full by clicking here.

If you have any suggestions or feedback regarding our Manifesto, please send an e-mail to: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is delighted to announce that award-winning technology repair specialists TMT First has committed its support to the Staffordshire business community by becoming Chamber Patrons.

Operating from headquarters in Newcastle-under-Lyme, TMT First provide technology lifecycle services for the circular economy, processing more than 250,000 devices every year.

Through the repair, refurbishment and recycling of mobile devices – keeping technology alive for longer is at the centre of their mission. The business employs more than 150 staff from their 43,000 square foot HQ, where they work with a range of sectors including insurers, manufacturers, mobile and technology retailers, the public sector including the public sector and SMEs.

As a patron of Staffordshire Chambers, TMT First will be joining a vibrant community of businesses who are dedicated to promoting economic growth and supporting the development of local enterprises.

Rachel Laver, Staffordshire Chambers CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome TMT First to our network of Patrons.

“TMT First founder Adam Whitehouse is a strong advocate of the Chamber, and some of our members will recognise after he delivered a fantastic keynote speech at our latest Big Business Breakfast event.

“We are confident that TMT First will be a valuable asset to our network of patrons, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating to advance the interests of businesses in Staffordshire and beyond.”

Becoming a Patron of the Chambers identifies businesses as leading and strategic players in the Staffordshire economy.

Adam Whitehouse, TMT founder, said: “We have always worked closely with the Chambers, and we have experienced first-hand the fantastic support they give to businesses across Staffordshire, ourselves included.

“It’s incredibly important that businesses have a voice and becoming a Patron means we will be at the centre of conversations that will help influence change for the benefit of both our organisation and our local economy. We are proud to have become a Patron and are looking forward to collaborating with the Chamber and its members more closely.”

Providing regular access to key influencers and decision-makers in government and other agencies, Patronage ensures that you are well-placed to shape the optimum business environment for you and your customers.

Through the Chambers’ extensive networks and communication channels, you can raise the visibility of your brand, products and services.

Find out more about becoming a Chamber Patron, here. 

A group of 15 local businesses are set to pilot Staffordshire Chambers’ innovative new Responsible Business Accelerator (RBA) programme, designed to drive ethical practices and enhanced sustainability outcomes in organisations across the county.

Recently-introduced procurement legislation means that businesses must now demonstrate compliance with social value objectives when they are tendering for new opportunities.

The RBA programme will help to simplify the process, allowing businesses to showcase their sustainability efforts through a set of achievable and meaningful outputs.

Participants in the RBA programme will have access to a comprehensive library of pledges designed to enhance impact across four key priority areas: governance, employment and skills, green and sustainable practices, and championing local communities.

And once the programme is completed, businesses will unlock a range of benefits, including alignment with international standards, compliance with procurement legislation, enhanced talent attraction, effective impact communication, readiness for accreditations, and a sustainable, long-term transformation.

EV charging specialists EVC Solutions are one of the Staffordshire businesses leading the charge for the pilot phase of the innovative RBA programme.

Managing Director Nigel Ryan said: “EVC Solutions whole business model has been created to reduce the Carbon Footprint associated with passenger cars; Light Goods Vehicles and small trucks.

“As an EV Charging Specialist, this is what we do every day.

“At the same time, it makes absolute sense for our business to maximise our opportunities to be a responsible company in all ways that we operate and to contribute back to society in ways that use our skills and resources effectively and as locally as we can.”

Nigel hopes that the programme will be the perfect tool for him to manage all of their ESG programme activities in one place.

He added: “Having looked at the RBA that Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce has designed and developed, we think we’ve found the perfect solution to that need and we are very much looking forward to contributing to it’s success.”

The RBA offers participants a comprehensive action library, tailored recommendations, and resources to support their sustainability journey.

Businesses will be allocated with a Responsible Business Advisor who will provide guidance, insights, and practical assistance throughout your journey.

Businesses interested in finding out more about the RBA are asked to email josh.dennis@Staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce’s Social Value Forum and Charity Forum have merged to create a new forum with a unified approach to social value and charitable activates.

The newly-formed Responsible Business Forum is set to drive more comprehensive and cohesive efforts in responsible business practices across the region.

Comprising both private sector businesses and non-profit organisations, the Forum is dedicated to promoting and advancing responsible business practices across Staffordshire.

Our mission is to encourage collaboration and dialogue among diverse stakeholders to drive positive social, environmental, and economic impacts.

Key focus for 24/25 include:

• Advocate for the integration of responsible business practices into the core operations of member organisations, emphasising principles of sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice exchange among private sector businesses and non-profit organisations, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement in responsible business initiatives.
• Review and promote recognised and consistent measures of social value that are accessible and affordable for businesses and non-profit organisations, enabling them to quantify and communicate their social impact effectively.
• Provide a platform for networking and partnership building, enabling cross-sector collaboration to address shared challenges and opportunities related to responsible business. We encourage local thinking and connection with local communities to ensure the building of capacity locally.
• Serve as a resource hub for information, tools, and resources that support the implementation of responsible business practices.

The first meeting is scheduled for 10 September. Anyone interested in joining the forum is asked to email sarah.colclough@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Staffordshire businesses, organisations and charities helped to raise £13,000 for good causes at the inaugural Knot a Sports Day event.

The event took place on Friday, 28 June, at Staffordshire University and saw 27 teams representing various local businesses compete in a fun-filled day of traditional sports games.

With over 200 participants, the event featured classic activities such as tug of war, hungry hippos, and a pedal cart derby, plus a range of other events.

The funds raised will support the vital work of numerous local charities, including Affordable Food Stoke, The Hubb Foundation, The Gingerbread Centre and Alice Charity.

Josie Morris, MD of Woolcool and one of the event’s organisers, said: “We are thrilled with the success of the inaugural Knot a Sports Day and the incredible support from our local business community. We wanted to create a day that was inclusive and fun for all, whilst raising money for amazing local causes.

“The funds raised will make a genuine difference in this area, and we are grateful to all participants, charities, volunteers and sponsors for their generosity and enthusiasm. We are looking forward to next year!”

Knot a Sports Day was designed to welcome participants of all abilities from all sectors of business to engage in a range of traditional and creatively reimagined sports and mental challenges.

The event was organised by a group of prominent businesswomen from Staffordshire who wanted to raise money for local charities through a fun and inclusive event that would also help businesses to network and make new connections.

Organisers of Knot a Sports Day are already in the process of planning for next year’s event, which promises to be even bigger and better.

Businesses are invited to register their interest ahead of general sale by completing this form.

St Modwen Logistics has combined with another sector specialist to create a new industrial and logistics warehousing company serving thousands of customers UK-wide. 

Indurent has been formed after St Modwen Logistics joined with Industrials REIT in a bid to complement strengths and tap an undersupply of industrial and logistics space in key locations across the nation. 

The new operation has a portfolio comprising more than 27 million sq ft of industrial and logistics space, ranging from urban light industrial units to developments utilised for national distribution, production or manufacturing. 

This includes a number of sites across Stoke-on-Trent and the rest of Staffordshire. 

The new company will serve a diverse customer base of more than 2,000 businesses.

It combines St. Modwen Logistics’ expertise in large-scale, strategically located logistics properties with Industrials REIT’s experience in managing multi-let industrial estates.

The newly integrated business, which is owned by investment funds managed by Blackstone is led by Chief Executive Julian Carey. 

He said: “This is an incredibly exciting milestone which brings together a market-leading customer focused operating platform and proven development capability to create Indurent, a fully integrated industrial and logistics company that can support our customers at all stages of their lifecycle.   

Continue reading via Daily Focus.

Applications are now open for the 2024 East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Business Awards.

This hugely-popular annual celebration, which is now in its 14th year, spotlights the achievements of businesses in East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire – recognising their hard work, innovation and success during the last 12 months and beyond.

There are a total of 10 award categories that businesses and organisations can enter. Find a full list of award categories and sponsors, here. Entries into multiple categories is also encouraged.

Dave Bryon, who will return to host the 2024 awards ceremony, said: “This event has become a cornerstone of our local business community, recognising the incredible achievements of businesses in East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire.

“It’s our way of celebrating the hard work, innovation, and success of our local businesses over the past year and beyond.

“This year, we have 10 award categories, and we’re encouraging businesses to enter as many as they see fit. Whether it’s for innovation, customer service, or community impact, there’s a category to highlight every business’s strengths.”

An award win can help your business to attract new clients, unlock new PR & marketing opportunities and improve your business credibility.

The Steering Committee and judging panels will visit the shortlisted Finalists during October, with the Gala Awards Evening confirmed for Thursday 14 November, once again at the Pirelli Stadium, home of Burton Albion FC.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce will play a greater role this year in the running and administration of the Awards.

Start your free application, here.

Staffordshire Chambers’ International Trade Centre is celebrating a record 12 months after facilitating the export of goods valued at over £30 million.

It’s the busiest year on record for the International Trade Centre (ITC) that has helped Staffordshire businesses of all sectors and sizes to enter new international markets.

And now ITC manager Allison Tomlinson is calling on local businesses to consider exporting to boost their sales with the support of the Chamber.

Allison said: “This milestone is testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and hard work of our local businesses who continue to expand into oversees markets with the support of the Chamber.

“From manufacturing to technology, and from artisanal products to innovative services, these businesses have successfully unlocked new international markets, reinforcing Staffordshire’s reputation as a hub of international excellence.”

It’s the busiest year on record for the Chambers’ International Trade Centre that has added a number of new recruits to their team following a period of sustained growth.

Allison added: “We offer the necessary support, advice, and resources to help these companies navigate the complexities of international trade.

“We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and continue to assist businesses in exporting their products, including market research, export documentation, trade missions, and networking opportunities.”

Their expert team works closely with companies to understand their unique needs and challenges, providing tailored solutions that drive success in the global marketplace.

For more information about the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce International Trade Centre and its services, please email exportmailbox@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Over 40 senior business leaders attended the launch of a new initiative designed to progress Staffordshire firms to a place of excellence and put them ahead of the competition.

Excellence in Staffordshire is a collaboration between performance improvement specialists, Investors in Excellence Group and Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce.

Covering all performance areas, the programme will guide improving achievements through effective and efficient leadership, resourcing, and identifying what matters most to drive continuous improvement. 

The programme was officially launched at Commerce House, Festival Park last Thursday by Staffordshire Chambers Deputy CEO Chris Plant and Investors in Excellence Chief Executive Judy Hart, who unveiled a series of uncomplicated tools and modules to guide an organisation to achieve excellence.

Investors in Excellence Chief Executive Judy Hart said: “I’m delighted that so many people turned up today to find out more about what Excellence in Staffordshire can do for their business.

“I’m also very excited about the partnership with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce. As the lead organisation for business support in Staffordshire they set a very high bar in terms of leadership, collaboration and vision and are committed to making sure everyone in their community benefits from a strong and prosperous local economy.

“Today’s launch was just the start of a journey to excellence, and we are already working on a series of Excellence in Staffordshire events and workshops to build a collaborative network and share best practice.”

The event’s keynote speaker, David Webster, Chief Executive of Douglas MacMillan Hospice, endorsed the Investors in Excellence standard which they began working towards in 2017. In 2022, they became the first hospice in the UK to achieve the globally recognised Investor in Excellence Standard. 

He told the audience how the hospice strived to be admired as a centre of excellence for palliative and end of life care and how he and his team have worked with Investors in Excellence to manage change, innovate, and deliver care and services that really make a difference to people’s lives.

Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce added: “We were really pleased to host Excellence in Staffordshire at the Chamber. We will be hosting future meetings here so that we can help any business or organisation work towards excellence via this programme.”

Kevin Hart, Group MD and Programme Director at Investors in Excellence outlined how Excellence in Staffordshire will focus on driving business success through its unique collaboratory where people collab (share), oratory (listen and speak), to harness and enhance the full potential of human capability, unlocking potential, and improving performance through strategic development, continuous improvement, and sustainable growth.

The first Excellence in Staffordshire workshop will take place in September, date to be announced. If anyone is interested in finding out more and registering for updates, they can contact Mark Brammar mba@markbrammar.co.uk