Newcastle under Lyme Business Improvement District (BID) is thrilled to announce that Keele University has been confirmed as the headline sponsor for the prestigious LoveNUL Business Awards. The inaugural awards ceremony will celebrate the exceptional contributions of local businesses and community champions, fostering a sense of community and recognising the vital role these enterprises play in the town’s growth and development.

The LoveNUL Business Awards is an initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating the outstanding efforts of town centre shops, restaurants, pubs, service providers, and individuals who have gone above and beyond to create exceptional experiences for their customers and clients. With a diverse range of 15 awards categories, the public has the opportunity to show their appreciation for their favourite establishments and community figures.

The awards sponsorship comes following the recent announcement of Keele in Town, a digital hub situated on the Ironmarket that will offer a gateway between Newcastle-under-Lyme and the University.  The LoveNUL Business Awards provide an excellent platform for the university to reinforce its support for the local business ecosystem and its commitment to building further relationships with the public and key partners.

Professor Trevor McMillan OBE, Vice-Chancellor of Keele University, expressed his enthusiasm for the sponsorship, stating: “We are proud to be confirmed as the headline sponsors of the inaugural LoveNUL Awards.

The Awards celebrate the very best of Newcastle-under-Lyme, and as a University, we recognize the crucial role that local businesses play in driving economic growth and fostering a thriving community. Many businesses and talented individuals make a positive contribution to our town, and these awards provide a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on their work.”

The public nomination period for the LoveNUL Business Awards has now concluded, with the voting phase set to commence on Friday August 11th. The awards ceremony will take place on Friday, September 15th at the Newcastle under Lyme Performing Arts College. The event will bring together shortlisted businesses, BID levy payers, and key partners in Newcastle under Lyme, celebrating their achievements and contributions.

For more information about the LoveNUL Business Awards, award categories, and further sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.lovenulawards.co.uk or follow @newcastlebid

Join the Skills Revolution campaign aims to increase small and medium-sized enterprises’ awareness of a range of government programmes including apprenticeships, T Level industry placements and Multiply numeracy courses.

The campaign encourages employers who are considering hiring employees, offering work experience or upskilling existing staff to sign up to these programmes.

The campaign webpage features an overview of the full range of government training and employment schemes employers might be interested in.

As widely expected, the Bank of England has raised the interest rate by a quarter of a percent to 5.25%.

The rise in the interest rate comes as no shock, and we believe we are past the peak in inflation, but at 7.9% it is almost four times the Bank of England’s 2% target. However, the Government has pledged to reduce inflation to 5% by the end of 2023.

Data from the Office for National Statistics clearly shows that input cost pressures for firms are finally falling. And recent BCC research backs this up, with 45% of companies now expecting to increase prices, a 15-percentage point fall compared to six months ago. We are also likely to see a further substantial fall in inflation in July as last year’s energy price rises drop out of the data.

Vicky Pryce, of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Economic Advisory Council, said that “Businesses will be hoping that today’s rise in interest rates is the last they will see. While many firms will have already factored this increase into their plans, it is clear from the recent rise in insolvencies that the economic environment is becoming stacked against smaller firms. They are the ones with less cash reserves in the bank and greater exposure to finance”.

While inflation remains the top concern for businesses overall, interest rates have emerged as the second top concern, with 41% citing this as more of a worry than three months ago in the BCC’s latest survey.

And there are concerns now that the economy could be pushed into recession as it takes 18 months for changes in interest rate rises to filter through. With all the cumulative pressure of past rises yet to come, business will be watching closely for any further indications on the Bank’s plans.

At the same time, it is encouraging that the Government has recently expanded the list of shortage occupations to recruit more workers from abroad. Hopefully, it will now be considering what more can be done to ease staff pressures.

We are really pleased that Vicky Pryce will be the headline speaker at our forthcoming ‘Economic Conference’ on Wednesday 22nd November.

The conference will focus on what the business community may expect to see in 2024. In addition to Vicky there will be other speakers and a programme of panel discussions.  We will confirm the venue and booking details in the next few weeks so save the date in your diaries.

If you have any questions or issues around the latest interest rate rise or any business issues, contact our policy advisor Declan Riddell: declan.ridell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Chamber welcomes its latest patron.

Earlier this week I was delighted to welcome international construction company, Swietelsky as our latest patron.

The Swietelsky Group is a leading construction company operating in Central and Eastern Europe with around 12,000 employees. The firm is proud of its ‘big family’ philosophy, nurturing a supportive and collaborative environment to help drive toward a common economic future. They offer a full range of construction services and are known for their high quality, flexibility and adherence to deadlines.

As a patron of Staffordshire Chambers, Swietelsky joins a vibrant community of businesses who are dedicated to promoting economic growth and supporting the development of local enterprises.

Becoming a patron of the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce identifies a business as a leading and strategic player in the Staffordshire economy. We provide our patrons regular access to key influencers and decision-makers in government and other agencies ensuring that they are well placed to influence and make the optimum contribution to growing our economy.

Patron’s support and expertise is priceless. Personnel from all our 27 patrons populate our Board of Directors, Council and our member forums. They give freely of their time to offer their expertise which covers every aspect of business, education and skills and make a huge contribution to local good causes and charities through their corporate social responsibility activity.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a patron contact Karena Pawlak karena@stafforsirechambers.co.uk or call 01782 202222

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Last night I was at the fantastic gala presentation evening for the 2023 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards at Double Tree by Hilton on Festival Park, hosted by Dave Bryon and Kirsty Hulse.

Our Chamber Awards night is a real highlight in Chambers’ event calendar and last night did not disappoint with a remarkable gathering of the region’s top businesses and industry leaders.

The high number of entries for this year’s awards reflects the unwavering entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence within our region. reflecting the thriving business ecosystem in Staffordshire and its enviable reputation as a hub for innovation and success

As always, our hard-working judges faced the toughest of tasks to narrow entries down to three nominees for each of the 15 categories from such high-quality entries.

The evening shone the spotlight on the rising stars, hidden gems, brilliant employers, and the great talent that helps businesses to innovate and grow.

A huge congratulations to all our winners, especially waste management experts, Willshee’s Waste who won ‘Business of the Year Award’. They were chosen from the category award winners ranging from young employee or apprentice of the year right up to the large business of the year.

Each of the winners was presented with an individual award plate made by Duchess China 1888 in Longton. You can see them being made here: (5) Post | Feed | LinkedIn

A big thank you our generous awards sponsors HSBC and all the category sponsors, the judges, the team at the Chambers, the entrants, and the many businesses in Staffordshire for doing what you do by being positive, innovative, and forward thinking.

Congratulations also to Philip Carter of Ornua Foods UK Ltd who won the special Staffordshire Ambassador of the Year Award, presented by This is Staffordshire, shortlisted from the 170+ strong Ambassador Network in recognition of their ongoing passion, commitment, and dedication to promoting Staffordshire both inside the county and beyond our borders.

You can see a full list of winners and find a link to the streaming of the ceremony here: Awards – Staffordshire Chambers

If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk

Keele University is set to host its highly anticipated Pre-Loved and Local Makers Market on Sunday, July 9th, 2023. The event will take place from 10 am to 4 pm and will be held indoors at the Students’ Union building, situated in the heart of the university campus.

With free entry for visitors, the market promises a delightful shopping experience with up to 60 stalls showcasing a wide range of pre-loved clothes, toys, household items, and hand-crafted, unique gifts. Spanning two floors and extending to the outside area as the weather permits, this vibrant marketplace offers something for everyone.

Food enthusiasts will also be pleased to discover a variety of street food vendors serving delectable hot dishes, including breakfast items, to satisfy any cravings. For added convenience, Keele University’s Students’ Union building houses a Co-operative supermarket and a cash point, ensuring all essential amenities are within easy reach. Visitors will also benefit from free parking during the evenings and weekends, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the market’s offerings and make the most of the longer summer days.

For those eager to showcase their own goods, the opportunity to have a stall is available. Stall hire is priced at £10 and includes a pitch, table, and complimentary all-day parking. To secure a stall, interested individuals can book a ticket or contact Sarah via email at s.a.giannakopoulos@keele.ac.uk or by calling 01782 733828 for further information.

Nestled in the heart of Staffordshire, Keele University offers easy accessibility through major transport routes. Boasting a stunning campus spanning 600 acres, the university is a haven for exploration. Visitors can revel in the beauty of a stately home, picturesque grounds with a serene lake, a charming chapel, and captivating woodland walks and nature trails. An arboretum and observatory also await discovery, providing an idyllic setting for families, dog walkers, and those seeking tranquility.

To learn more about the Shops and Services offered by Keele SU, please visit their website here.

Staffordshire University is offering a series of free training courses and masterclasses to help aid continuous professional development in local businesses.

A range of free courses are available to Staffordshire businesses with a maximum of 250 employees that include:

• 14 June – Business Cyber Security
• 15 June – Social Media Marketing Strategy
• 16 June – Web Based Computing
• 20 June – Making The Most Of Your Data
• 21 June – Innovation, Marketing And You
• 29 June – The New Psychology Of Leadership And Team Dynamics

Register today by emailing employers@staffs.ac.uk.

*The courses are free to all businesses with a maximum of 250 employees (SMEs) based in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, as well as students and graduates living or working in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.

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.”

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 17^th 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