BCC launches Business Council as part of new national offer
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has announced a new Business Council, comprised of prominent UK business leaders, to design and drive the future of the British economy.
The founding partners will be uniquely placed to shape the BCC’s policy and influencing, with the Council forming part of the organisation’s new national offer to businesses.
Heathrow, Drax, IHG Hotels & Resorts and BP have joined the Council as the first founding partners.
BCC Director General Shevaun Haviland and BCC President Baroness Martha Lane Fox will join a wider group of business leaders at a roundtable meeting in central London this afternoon (Monday 5th June) to discuss the Council and the BCC’s new national offer.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General, BCC, said: “Over the past few months, working closely with the Chamber Network, we have been talking to the nation’s largest corporates and it has become clear to us that they are looking for a different kind of representation.
“These businesses want to be part of a framework that’s rooted in their local communities, but with the ability to shape the national and international debate.
“In response we have developed a new offer, the Business Council. I’m delighted to have Heathrow, Drax, IHG and BP join us as the first founding partners and look forward to speaking with potential members this afternoon at our roundtable event.
“The Council is a long-term project and will bring together leaders from across UK industry to consider the key policy issues faced by British businesses, and work on Future of the Economy initiative, convened by our President, Baroness Martha Lane Fox. This initiative will focus on five challenges: Digital Revolution, People and Work, Net Zero, Global Britain and the High Street.
“These challenges will form the backdrop to the next general election, which we know will come before the end of next year, and which everyone in Westminster is already gearing up for. The voice of business needs to be heard loud and clear, and now is the right time for us to speak up.”
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Declan’s Blog: 1989
….The fall of the Berlin Wall….
….UK music charts dominated by Jive Bunny….
….Port Vale join Stoke City in the second tier of English football, to reignite “El Ceramico” sporting rivalry!….
It was also a year that saw the launch of the British Chambers’ of Commerce (BCC) Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) and a third of a century later, QES is still recognised as a valuable source of business trends across the regions and country as a whole. QES is the largest and most representative independent business survey of its kind in the UK and is closely watched by policymakers such as the Treasury, the Bank of England and the Office of Budget Responsibility. It also attracts a significant amount of media attention.
QES covers a number of specific topics, starting with the UK Market and questions on whether current and future sales are up, down or unchanged. Businesses are asked about current and future changes in workforce numbers. The survey moves on to look at questions on cashflow and investment, before closing with an update on business confidence.
Surveys are open during a three week period, from Monday 15th May to Friday 2nd June and can be completed as a paper copy or online:
https://forms.office.com/e/UP2HAthvfg
The surveys can be completed anonymously and once submitted, all responses are collated and shared with the British Chambers’ of Commerce, who will announce headline results in July. From a Staffordshire perspective, we can use the data to make a comparison on trends between national and local data. With the QES aggregated from businesses sourced by the Chamber of Commerce network from across the UK, it continues to be one of the UK’s largest and most representative private business surveys.
QES covers both the manufacturing sector (25% of respondents) and services sector (75%).and a high proportion of respondents from both sectors, are exporters. The survey covers businesses of all sizes, with the vast majority of respondents falling in to the Small and medium sized enterprises (SME) category of under 250 employees. Each quarter, the QES is made available before official statistics (such as GDP growth), and so provides an up to the minute picture of business sentiment.
Your views can make such a difference, so please take the time to complete the latest QES and please encourage your business contacts to do the same. Getting a good mix of survey responses, will help to build a picture of what’s happening here in Staffordshire and will also feed in ai a national level. It takes less than 90 seconds to complete and once again, here’s the online link:
https://forms.office.com/e/UP2HAthvfg
If you have any questions, please contact: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, Uncategorized
Staffordshire Chambers partner with Troo to launch suite of energy services
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is pleased to announce a new partnership with Troo to offer Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services to its members.
This energy service is designed to provide expert advice to Staffordshire-based business owners to help them reduce their electricity, gas and water expenditure, resulting in increased operational efficiency.
As part of this new partnership, Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services offers a free energy health check to members. This service enables business owners to potentially save thousands of pounds per year on their energy bills.
Chris Plant, Deputy CEO of Staffordshire Chambers, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Troo Energy, who have a fantastic TrustScore, to offer Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services to our members.
“As energy prices continue to rise, we understand the challenges businesses face in managing their energy expenses. This new service provides our members with the expert advice they need to reduce their energy bills and increase operational efficiency.
“We are confident that this partnership will benefit our members and contribute to the economic growth of Staffordshire.”
Registered business members of Staffordshire Chambers can take advantage of the following services provided by Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services:
• A free assessment of current energy contracts
• Assistance in negotiating competitive market rates
• Ongoing account management and advice
Moreover, Staffordshire Chambers Energy Services’ advisers can analyse electricity and gas bills to identify if members are being overcharged. For larger operations, on-site audits of energy and water usage can 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
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, Uncategorized
Sara’s Blog: BCC Global Annual Conference 2023
I am really looking forward to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Global Annual Conference which is now less than three weeks away.
It takes place on 17th May at the QEII Centre, London and this year’s theme is ‘Building British Business’ and there are still some tickets available if any business people would like to attend: Global Annual Conference 2023 (britishchambers.org.uk)
Keynote speakers at this year’s conference include leader of the opposition, Sir Kier Starmer, Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, a senior Treasury Minister (yet to be confirmed) and President of the BCC, Baroness Martha Lane-Fox. Not a bad line up in the same room in one day!
Chambers of Commerce can rightfully claim to be the true voice of business, representing all sectors and all sizes of business and the Global Annual Conference is one of the few events that bring all 53 accredited UK Chambers of Commerce, as well as visitors from Chambers from overseas, together under one roof – with many of their members and patrons as well.
Although Chambers of Commerce may differ slightly in the way they operate, dependent on the economic bias of their areas, they do all share the same goal: to protect and represent our businesses and to build a thriving community where every person has opportunities to prosper.
Perhaps the theme should be ‘Re-building British Business’ after the battering we have all taken over the past few years. A key element of work that all Chambers share is holding the Government to account – needed now more than ever – and to drive them to give business the support needed, rather than give us hollow rhetoric. This is especially true as the next General Election appears on the horizon.
The conference will be centred around four key breakout sessions for thought-provoking discussion amongst peers across the Chambers’ network. The four sessions are:
- Skills – seeking opportunities to increase access to skills and people.
- Green Innovation – promoting green innovation and decarbonisation.
- Growth – removing barriers to start and grow a business; and
- Trade – increasing the number of businesses trading internationally.
Certainly, all themes that have occupied much of my in-tray of late.
Our lobbying and representation is based on hard evidence, gleaned from our quarterly economic survey and, uniquely at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, through the workings of our sector forums who meet regularly to discuss key issues and come up with strategies to maximise our advantage and ultimately benefit our communities.
Just to recap, the forums are: Digital; Energy, Environment & Sustainability; Employment & Skills; Manufacturing; Money Matters; Planning & Infrastructure; Rural Business; Social Value and Procurement; Transport; HS2; and sector groups for manufacturers, professional firms and charities.
Forums are open to any member, and you can attend as many different ones as you like according to your specific interests.
I will be visiting the conference with several of our patrons and some members of the Chamber team. If you would like to join us on the day contact Lily-May Hamilton at the Chamber lily-may.hamilton@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
More details on the BCC Global Annual Conference here: Global Annual Conference 2023 (britishchambers.org.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
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Sempar to reveal ‘The Power of 3’ cash flow formula at exclusive webinar
Staffordshire businesses are invited to join Sempar Accountancy and Tax for their upcoming ‘Making Cash Flow’ session – hosted in collaboration with Staffordshire Chambers.
Set to take place at Commerce House, Festival Park from 08:00 – 10:00 on Friday, 31 March, the session will offer businesses an insight into ‘The Power of 3’; Sempar’s secret formula to help make your cash flow.
Guests will hear from three guest speakers, including Iain Bould, Head of Litigation at Beeston Shenton, Roy Johnson, MD at Sandler as well as Aludia Binos, Head of Tech at Sempar.
Tea, coffee and pastries will be provided.
Businesses can book their free spaces, here.
- Published in News, Uncategorized
Declan’s Policy Update: HS2 latest
We were disappointed to hear of the announcement to delay the start of construction of Phase 2A of the HS2 line.
The line has been split into sections – and it is Phase 2A that piques our interest, stretching from Fradley to Crewe, through Staffordshire between Stafford and Stone and through rural parts of Newcastle-under-Lyme borough.
HS2 is more than just tracks and trains, scores of apprenticeship opportunities will be created, upskilling the workforce to the benefit of the local economy for many years to come. Construction workers will need food, accommodation, and many other services, bringing money in the local economy.
Construction works will take shape in the coming years and through our HS2 Forum, we’ll be banging the drum for local businesses to have access to procurement opportunities.
The arrival of high-speed rail services into our county should also serve as a catalyst for regeneration and create the right conditions for investment and high value jobs. The skyline along the A500 at Stoke is currently dominated by large cranes which stand over the Goods Yard regeneration initiative to the west of Stoke-on-Trent Station. This development will revitalise an area in and around Glebe Street, turning an unloved industrial site into a vibrant urban neighbourhood quarter, restoring existing buildings into work and leisure space, including a café bar in a derelict signal box, as well as adding well-designed sustainable apartments.
Further south in Stafford, the Stafford Station Gateway initiative will transform the western approach to Stafford town centre with proposals for 900 homes, 20,000 sq. ft of commercial space, a hotel and a multi-story carpark in a green setting. It also provides opportunities for brand new leisure, retail and food and beverage concepts to create a fresh and vibrant centre for the community.
HS2 presents many opportunities for our business community and on the back of the announcement to delay the start of the construction of Phase 2A of the line, we have written to The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt, MP) and Secretary of State for Transport (Rt Hon. Mark Harper, MP), to express our disappointment and to call for commitment to ensure that any delay does not extend indefinitely. We have also called for HS2 services to/from London to start/finish in Central London, at Euston Station and not Old Oak Common, some 4 miles to the west.
Our HS2 Forum was created in 2020, with the aim of making sure Staffordshire gets the maximum economic and social benefits from the construction and eventual operation of HS2. Being a forum member is a great way to grow your contacts and add your voice to the discussions around shaping our policy role as a Chamber. It’s also a great way to get updates on what’s happening in our local economy, with a diverse mix of guest speakers.
If you would like to join our HS2 Forum or any of our policy forums, or discuss any of the issues in more detail, please contact me directly: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, Uncategorized
Chamber members invited to ‘The New York Staff Band’ concert at Stafford Grammar School
Chamber members have been invited to enjoy a free concert with ‘The New York Staff Band’ from Stafford Grammar School on Thursday 23 March.
Their Director of Music, Mr Lamplough, and the music department have arranged an opportunity for pupils and visitors to enjoy a visit from The New York Staff Band.
The New York Staff Band, under the leadership of Bandmaster Derek W. Lance, open its first tour in England since 2015 with a concert in Manchester before heading south to perform in Birmingham on Thursday 23rd March 2023.
Stafford Grammar School has secured a visit from the band en route from Manchester to Birmingham for an afternoon workshop with our pupils before the band gives a short concert in our Sports Hall at SGS.
The New York Staff Band is one of the premier brass bands in the USA and was founded in 1887. The term “staff band” relates to the original band comprising entirely of staff members of the Salvation Army, in a similar way to many leading British Brass Bands in the early 20th century consisting of mill, factory or pit workers.
The band’s UK tour will include their innovative set “The Creation”, which seeks to tell the biblical Creation story through a blend of music ranging from pop songs to Disney film soundtracks.
They are then providing a performance to a selection of guests as well as our pupils in the Prep School as well as years 7-9. We would be delighted to welcome any interested visitors to this incredible musical opportunity for free.
The school ask anyone interested in attending to complete this short form in order to allocate seating.
- Published in Uncategorized
Impact of industrial action on goods movements on 15 March
You may have seen reports that more than 100,000 civil service members of the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union will be going on strike on Wednesday 15 March 2023. Following a nationwide ballot in February, HMRC members of PCS agreed to industrial action and therefore some HMRC staff will be taking part. The action will also include UK-based Home Office members, including Border Force staff.
The industrial action is likely to impact the movement of goods through UK ports, airports and Inland Border Facilities on 15 March 2023, as well as those travelling to the UK from UK Border controls in Calais, Dunkirk and Coquelles in Northern France.
Customers may experience delays when contacting the National Clearance Hub (NCH) and Customs & International Trade (CIT) Helpline. There may also be some disruption on the morning of 16 March 2023 as business returns to normal.
What you can do
If you are able to move goods outside of this period, then we would advise that you do so.
If you cannot delay your movements then please be aware that the industrial action could lead to disruption and delays at ports and Inland Border Facilities (IBF). You should be prepared for these delays and check with your operator before starting your movement.
You can also check IBF site availability online.
If you are planning to carry merchandise in baggage or more than £10,000 in cash and need to make a declaration
For merchandise in baggage under £1,500/1,000kg which does not contain licensed items, the simplest way to declare your goods is through the simplified online declaration form.
The simplest way to declare large amounts of cash is also online, following this guidance. If you cannot use the online service, the red point service at the port or airport will be operational during this period but it is possible you will experience some delays.
If you need support with your international operations, click here, or email our International Trade Centre Manager, Allison Tomlinson.
- Published in News, Uncategorized
Declan’s Policy Update: Spring Budget
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt, is due to announce the Spring Budget on Wednesday (15 March). We have written to Mr Hunt to outline what we would like to hear in the Budget speech.
Childcare
The availability of affordable childcare is very much linked to the size of the UK’s inactive workforce and is a barrier to growth. According to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures, the percentage of overall unemployed due to caring responsibilities (looking after family or home) has declined over the last five years but is still a significant issue for the UK economy, with an estimated 1.72m people in this position, 86% of whom are women.
There is an extensive provision of government schemes to support parents with childcare costs, including but not limited to 15 to 30 hours of free childcare for three and four-year-olds (and some eligible two-year-olds); such as the Tax-Free Childcare scheme; and the ability to claim back up to 85% of childcare costs (if eligible) for Universal Credit.
England has comparatively high costs of childcare and these costs have continued to rise, in many cases outstripping average earnings. Measures to develop more capacity provision in the childcare sector may help to bring these costs down and entice more parents back into the workplace, making a welcome contribution to economic activity.
Energy
The Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS) announcement was welcome but fell short of the support required by most businesses. We feel that energy bill support should be considered a long-term investment rather than as a subsidy, given that many of those firms facing price rises have strong long-term prospects.
Businesses are encouraged to embrace aspirations to become ‘Net Zero’ but they need support to update technologies and this is particularly true for our ceramics sector. We call for Government support which will allow businesses to invest in greener technologies.
Business rates
A fundamental review of business rates has moved the system to a three-year cycle but soon, we hope to see a move to annual revaluations. This would allow rateable values to remain in step with market levels, as well as local economic cycles.
In its current form, the business rates system is a burden on businesses regardless of ability to pay and it does not make allowances for the major changes that have taken place in the UK economy over the last decade. Many commercial premises in towns and cities lie empty and serve as a reminder of a struggle to compete with online shopping. Indeed, all of our local centres bear witness to this with some faring particularly badly, deterring not only visitors, but also potential investors
Funded business support
When it comes to encouraging enterprise, we need a long-term strategic approach to government-funded business support. This would give more autonomy to local and regional communities and is vital for the future economic success of our area and the UK As a whole.
Most businesses prefer to access support and advice through familiar ‘front door’ non-public sector organisations such as Chambers’ of Commerce, who have that local footprint across our regions. Tangible outcomes from funded business support are always welcome, such as the opening of Etruria Valley Link Road, which will improve access between Hanley/Festival Park and the A500, as well as serving as a catalyst for regeneration.
VAT threshold
The VAT threshold can be a hindrance to business growth. Our British Chambers’ of Commerce (BCC) colleagues conducted some research which found that 57% of respondents agreed with the statement “my business is actively trying to keep below £85k turnover so that we don’t have to register to pay VAT”. This growth barrier exists for several reasons including administrative costs, concerns over the increased possibility of an HMRC audit and an inability to pass on the costs to customers, especially when competing with unregistered firms. We would like to see the Government take measures to address this barrier.
Our Budget asks were discussed at our recent Money Matters Forum, which meets every quarter and plays a key role in exchanging information on taxation, corporate law, finance, insurance and professional services sector issues. We meet again on Friday 23rd June and if you would like to join us, or would like to find out more about the forum please contact me: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
- Published in Influence & Network, Uncategorized
Legionella & Fire Safe Services launch new Energy Saving/Net Zero Division
Staffordshire-based Legionella and Fire Safe Services has launched its Energy Saving/Net Zero Division and, through an aligned partnership with Water Tank manufacturers, Mixergy, is now working with Birmingham City Council installing energy-saving water tanks.
Local authorities across the UK are facing the critical challenge of tackling the fuel poverty crisis while reducing their carbon emissions. Funded retrofit programmes are offering a unique opportunity for councils to upgrade their housing stock to help their tenants to live better now while getting ready for the energy transition ahead.
Following their declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, Birmingham City Council set an ambitious target to reach net zero by 2030, 20 years ahead of the UK government’s 2050 target. To support this programme, they recently announced plans to retrofit a large number of properties in the Birmingham region to test thermal efficiency approaches, reduce carbon emissions, and provide energy savings for their tenants.
Legionella and Fire Safe Services are currently working in conjunction with Equans UK & Ireland and Fortem Solutions. Providing a minimal disruption installation, including all carpentry and essential fire-stopping works and also knowing installing these tanks reduces the risk of Legionella with monitored correct temperatures and built-in bacteria cleansing cycles.
Legionella and Fire Safe Services delivers service excellence to all clients from the experienced engineers and field-based supervisors. This ensures all aspects of the installations are to the highest standard.
Employment numbers for the already 60 strong team is likely to increase by another 35, from specialist trades through to administrating team members, for this division alone in 2023.
Steve Morris, Managing Director of Legionella and Fire Safe Services, said: “We are very proud to have recently launched the Legionella & Fire Safe Energy Saving / Net Zero Division. A major part of this division is our MIXERGY cylinder range. Since coming to market, MIXERGY are rapidly making huge inroads into the hot water cylinder market with technology on the forefront. We have installed these to over 260 council properties in 2022 with a further 600 planned for 2023. Birmingham City Council, the largest local authority within the UK have committed to strategic vision of the future to install these at appropriate properties over the coming years. Legionella & Fire Safe are proud to be an integral part of this journey.
From our early installations the energy saving numbers are simply quite incredible. On average each small flat is saving around £550 per year through smart technology.
We are in an aligned partnership with Mixergy & Birmingham City Council, where Legionella & Fire Safe are known as the social housing experts. Our turnkey solution for retrofit installs including all fire stopping compliance work and legionella compliance.”
Legionella and Fire Safe Services has come a long way since it was set up in 2017 .It has secured major contracts in several industries since then, including local authority, retail, education, manufacturing and hospitality, and is leading the way in innovative new products and processes.
The Company which has a Legionella Compliance Division, a Fire Division and a Construction Division, has also been recognised for its employees wellbeing, “We are nothing without our People” taking exceptional care of their employees and also offer some great perks and benefits, has a Legionella Compliance Division, a Fire Division and a Construction Division.
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