Staffordshire already has a reputation as a logistics centre of choice afforded by our geography and advantageous transport connections. Our central location between the two motorways, good rail links and proximity of four airports has seen a huge amount of logistics activity develop in the last two decades. So, it was no surprise to read the news this week in our Daily Focus that logistics will play an ever-increasing part in Staffordshire’s growth.
The news comes after a roundtable event at Burton and South Derbyshire College between industry and education representatives and senior councillors. Much of the discussion centred around how logistics can create opportunities for hi-tech development and – perhaps surprisingly to many – high-quality jobs.
Having seen how the development near Warrington is growing and the huge new Pets at Home logistics hub just north of Stafford and the vast and imposing PLP Stafford building at the southern edge of Stone, no one can be in any doubt that our consumerism needs the support of these centres. And developments along the A50/A500 corridor and the West Midlands Interchange are offering exciting new opportunities which can only bode well for our future. At the round table event, there were calls for local authority planning committees to better understand the need for the large logistics buildings – despite their potential visual impact – and to understand the value of the whole logistics sector.
Simon Philips, Head of Distribution Development with Pets at Home, talked of the huge investment in the new Stafford site where the company is working through an 18-month transition from existing sites. The new centre will be employing more than 750 people, including jobs in fields such as robotics and data analytics.
Bringing businesses together with sector organisations, educational establishments and local decision makers enables us to have a constructive discussion on the future of the sector in the county and how we can make it a success for businesses and our community.
If you would like to have a say on how logistics and related development can be harnessed to our advantage why not get involved with the Chambers’ Transport Forum. For details of its work and future meeting dates contact Declan Riddell: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
Planned changes to the Government approach on EU regulation reform
Businesses will be relieved that the Government has ditched plans to allow thousands of EU-era laws to expire by the end of 2023. It is welcome that Government has listened, and the Bill will no longer apply a blanket sunset clause in this way, with the real risk of unintended but negative consequences including that this rush to the abrupt ending of vast swathes of EU legislation overnight would make it harder to compete internationally.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) will be carefully scrutinising the series of measures which are due to be amended or revoked through the revised Bill. If you have views on what elements of EU law you would like to see abolished, amended or adapted, please let me know and we can make sure that your views are heard by Government as it reviews this work.
Through the BCC we will be working with Government and other policy makers on crafting the appropriate regulatory balance – protecting certainty for business first and foremost but reforming rules in the overall economic and human rights interest.
Latest interest rate rise
The decision to raise the interest rate for the 12th consecutive time to the highest rate since 2008 shows the Bank of England is determined to keep up the pressure as the rate of inflation remains stubbornly high.
The unprecedented and prolonged spike in inflation has been devastating for many firms who have been struggling to absorb continued price rises.
Interest rate rises can also have serious negative effects too, particularly for firms looking to borrow to manage their cash flow problems. The most recent BCC quarterly economic survey (of which around 150 surveyed were Staffordshire firms) found that interest rates were a concern for 47% of hospitality firms. The combination of high interest rates and high inflation would mean the worst of both worlds for many small firms.
Government must consider further action to break this vicious cycle by boosting economic growth – through investment in infrastructure, skills training, and global trade.
Keep an eye out for our next quarterly economic survey by email and on our social media or visit: QES Survey – Staffordshire Chambers or email declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk to ensure you contribute.
Eurovision
Finally, I hope you all have a fabulous Eurovision weekend. I’m at a party with friends in Liverpool and will be taking the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere in the city. I would also like to say to all our Ukrainian colleagues that we will be celebrating Unity Through Music and thinking about the reasons why this over-the-top event isn’t being held in your wonderful and brave country.
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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