In a world in which business landscapes evolve daily, our AGMs represent a great opportunity to take stock, reflect on our achievements and look forward to what’s coming up in the next 12 months and beyond.
Our 2025 Stafford Chamber AGM took place earlier in the week. It was a time to reflect on Chamber achievements in the County Town and surrounds, as well as the opportunity to welcome four new members to join our Local Area Advisory Board (LAAB).
Stafford Chamber was launched back in 1991, with the aim of getting our members from Stafford and the surrounding area to work collaboratively in representing the local business community. Our LAAB also serves the role of influencing partners, to further the profile of the local Chamber and ensure that the membership has a voice in determining the local business environment.
The LAAB will advise on strategies to develop Chamber membership and activities to support the needs and aims of the local business community, allowing them to start, grow and prosper, as well as monitoring our performance as a Chamber.
Our Staffordshire Moorlands Chamber LAAB serves a similar role but for the Moorlands business community, which stretches from Biddulph to Leek and Cheadle. Having local voices to represent the local business community is incredibly important for us as a Chamber.
This is an exciting time for Stafford, with the recent opening of a state-of-the-art Institute of Technology (IOT) by Newcastle & Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG). The town enjoys exceptional transport connectivity, with two junctions on the M6 and London just 90 minutes to the south by rail and Manchester just 60 minutes to the north by rail.
The town is proud to be home to renowned and recognised employers such as Perkins Engines, Converge Technology Solutions, Topcashback and Altecnic, operating across a diverse range of sectors. Looking further afield, it’s great to see economic growth and expansion in Stone.
As Stafford Borough continues to grow and evolve, the Chamber is committed to being a catalyst for positive change. Whether through lobbying for continued funding, supporting green innovation, or helping businesses navigate economic uncertainty, the Stafford Chamber Local Area Advisory Board is focused on building a resilient, inclusive, and prosperous local economy.
We’re delighted to welcome Ange Arnold (Stone Mortgages), Alison Gallagher-Hughes (Tillymint), Andy Plumley (Panda Press) and Dan West (Fiveways Insurance Group Ltd), as new members of our Stafford Chamber LAAB. We’re looking forward to working with you all and learning from your expertise across a mix of businesses.
We’re also thrilled to announce that Nigel Ryan of EVC Solutions will become President of Stafford Chamber, serving a two-year term and ably supported by a Deputy President, Geoff Barton of Canalside Farm, who has done a tremendous job as Nigel’s predecessor.
We can’t wait to get started with the initial task of focusing on the key business issues to be addressed in the Stafford area. If you would like to add your suggestions, please send to me at:
