On Wednesday of last week, I visited the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) Global Annual Conference with some of our patrons and members.
With over 700 people in attendance, it was the biggest BCC event ever and the line-up of stellar political speakers showed how far the Chambers’ network has come in gaining the ear of current (and possibly future) governments. The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt MP; the Leader of his Majesty’s Opposition, Sir Kier Starmer MP; as well as the Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey all gave speeches and answered questions from the audience. It was a real chance to see influence direct from Chamber members to decision-makers in action.
With breakout sessions on skills, the green economy, developing economic growth and trade, delegates got even more chances to talk to each other and influence the conversations on policy.The Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), Shevaun Haviland, spoke out in her keynote address, urging Government to put business at the heart of its plans to revive the UK economy.
The BCC’s President is one of Britain’s true digital pioneers, Baroness Martha Lane Fox, who has been at the heart of digital innovation. She closed the conference with an impassioned speech on the transformative power of technology and how, with the Chambers’ support, businesses can tackle the challenges ahead and redesign our future.
Chambers are working to ensure that the UK continues to work hard so that when global investors are deciding where to put their money, they see in the UK the conditions, talent, and access to finance that make it one of the best places in the world to invest. The UK is a leader in green innovation but with the lack of direction by government, we are seeing the US and the EU moving ahead, and fast becoming a far more attractive opportunity for those businesses.
The Conference was also used by BCC to launch a new campaign – Where Business Belongs – and you can view the video (you have to wait a while before I appear!) Where Business Belongs (britishchambers.org.uk)
Mental Health Awareness Week
Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week, and the theme this year is anxiety.
This comes in a week when the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the number of Britons not working due to long-term sickness has hit a record high of 2.5 million, with the increase largely driven by a steep rise in mental health problems among young people. Neck and back pain and the effects of long Covid are amongst the other contributory factors.
Every one of us experiences anxiety, but sometimes it can get out of control and become a mental health problem.
Lots of things can lead to feelings of anxiety, including exam pressures, relationships, starting a new job (or losing one) or other big life events such as bereavement. We can also get anxious when it comes to things to do with money, the cost of living and not being able to meet our basic needs, like heating our home or buying food.
Here at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce we have first-hand experience of the effect of anxiety, especially since the pandemic when all the certainties in life disappeared.
Several of our current member businesses are people who had a complete change of lifestyle due to anxiety or wellbeing issues. By changing tack and launching businesses to fit with their lifestyle they have removed much of the anxiety from their lives, and many are running business to enable others to do the same.
There are good examples in Daily Focus such as Amanda Mikalauskas and Karen Burgess-Jones of Vici Coaching and Julie Bricknall of Inspired Mindset. You can read these stories and many more here: Daily Staffordshire Business News – Daily Focus (daily-focus.co.uk)
The Mental Health Foundation are hoping that focusing on anxiety will increase people’s awareness and understanding of anxiety by providing information on the things that can help prevent it from becoming a problem. At the same time, as keeping up the pressure to demand change – making sure that improving mental health is a key priority for the government.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from anxiety there is a useful resource from the Mental Health Foundation here: Get help | Mental Health Foundation
We also have a specific member benefit where members can access a 24/7 advice and counselling service as well as face-to-face counselling services provided by Westfield Health. This confidential telephone service provides professional support for wellbeing issues like stress, anxiety, problems at work, as well as guidance and information on a wide range of health and lifestyle matters. Contact membership@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
If you would like to discuss any of the issues and how they are affecting your business please contact our policy adviser, Declan Riddell Declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.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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