Chambers' Forums

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce operates 10 business forums for members to meet and discuss issues critical to their sector.

These forums enable our members to share knowledge and best practice, but also help us to represent them better in our dealings with the media and government. Our forums are recognised by the British Chambers of Commerce as being among the most influential in the country.

View the full forum dates here.

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OUR FORUMS

Digital Forum

Chaired by Charlie Houston-Brown, Director, Rushkeep Solutions Ltd

This forum is here to drive the growing digital sector in Staffordshire, enabling businesses to freely exchange information, share best practice and discuss digital innovation, information communication technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

View the summary of the last Digital Forum here.

TRANSPORT FORUM

Chaired by Mike Herbert, Retired Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce President

This forum is tasked with exchanging information on transport, infrastructure, automation and modernisation in transport, and road, sea, rail and aviation policy. Recent topics covered include M6 Smart Motorway project, HS2, automated vehicles, and electric vehicle charging points across Staffordshire. It also receives updates on national transport policy.

SOCIAL VALUE AND PROCUREMENT FORUM

Chaired by Margaret Michell, Communications Director, Fender Socks

This forum is specifically tailored to bring together business leaders from the Chamber membership who are looking to promote social value, CSR and social enterprises within Staffordshire. Methods to help grow social value within our community and local and national constraints are addressed and discussed.

View the summary of the last Social Value Forum here.

HS2 FORUM

Chaired by Lee White

The role of this forum is to advise the Chambers’ Board on policy and service issues relating to HS2 and to provide a wider forum for members to network and share information on this subject. The forum aims to ensure that Staffordshire gets the maximum economic and social benefits from the build and arrival of HS2.

View the summary of the last Charity Forum here

MONEY MATTERS FORUM

Chaired by Chris Alderman, RSM

This forum brings together financial and professional services businesses to exchange information on issues such as taxation and corporate law. Recent topics for discussion have included making tax digital, GDPR and corporate governance.

CHARITY FORUM

Chaired by Lisa Healings, CEO, VAST Services (1920)

This forum is tasked with advising the Chambers’ Board and Council on policy and service issues relating to charities and to support with governance, strategy and awareness raising. Local charity leaders are invited to network and discuss issues related to the charity sector, sharing relevant information and best practice.

View the summary of the last Charity Forum here

RURAL BUSINESS FORUM

Chaired by Marcus Roberts, South Staffordshire College

This forum is a strategic group to promote the interests of the rural business sector in Staffordshire. It champions and lobbies for specific strategies and policies that will benefit members and ensure the rural sector has a stronger voice.

View the summary of the last Rural Forum here

HR, EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS FORUM

Chaired by Caroline Brown, Managing Director, Caja Ltd

This forum is tasked with exchanging information on human resources, skills, education and training. Recent topics covered include the living wage, apprenticeship levy, and gender pay gap reporting. It also steers Chambers’ representations on these matters and receives updates on developments in employment law.

View the summary of the last HR, Employment & Skills Forum here

ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY FORUM

Chaired by Dr Scott Elliot, Regional Director, Hydrock Consultants

This forum is tasked with exchanging information on energy, environmental concerns and sustainability within the private sector. Driving our policy understanding on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability and promoting the development of a sustainable economy in Staffordshire.

View the summary of the last Energy, Environment & Sustainability Forum here.

PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE FORUM

Chaired by Carl Copestake, Partner, Knights PLC

This forum is tasked with exchanging information on planning policy, construction and regeneration. Recent topics covered include the Joint Local Plan for Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Local Plans for Stafford Borough, and the NPPF. It also steers Chambers’ representations on these matters and receives updates on developments in planning law.

View the summary of the last Planning & Infrastructure Forum here.

Manufacturers FORUM

Chaired by Martin Smith, Hex Group

This forum is tasked with stimulating manufacturing activity and encouraging investment in manufacturing industry locally. In addition it aims to raise the profile of manufacturing in Staffordshire and help to create an environment for growth.

View the summary of the last Manufacturers Forum here