Apologies if my blog is shorter than usual but last night it was the gala presentation evening for the 2022 Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards last night, at Double Tree by Hilton on Festival Park.
Our Chamber Awards night is my favourite event in the Chambers’ calendar and last night didn’t disappoint.
We received a record number of entries – all of which demonstrated positivity and a sense of looking forward and building toward a bright future for the county’s businesses.
As we all face uncertainty it is fantastic to see businesses as beacons of hope representing the great entrepreneurial spirit of Staffordshire.
Sadly, we couldn’t accommodate everyone who wanted to attend but a live streaming of the event made sure hundreds more people could watch at home or in the office, and it is available to watch again. Our host, stand-up comedian Dave Bryon, worked the room with professionalism and wit – helping to craft a vibrant and fun atmosphere.
The evening shone a 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 Cosy Direct 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.
I would like to thank our generous awards sponsors HSBC and all the category sponsors, the judges, the team at the Chambers, the entrants, and all businesses in Staffordshire for doing what you do and being so positive, innovative, and forward-thinking.
You can see a full list of winners and find a link to the streaming of the ceremony here: Awards – Staffordshire Chambers
ONS figures show export growth but a widening trade deficit
The latest trade figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the pace of recent progress is being maintained, although goods export trade with the EU was not as strong as in April 2022. Machinery, transport goods (ships and aircraft) and fuel exports to the EU all performed well in May.
The widening trade deficit in the three months to May 2022 is a concern – it has risen on that measure on goods for four successive months. Overall, on goods and services, the trend has been upwards during the last five months, in addition to the rise in the current account deficit in Q1 2022.
The underlying message is that growth in services and goods exports is needed to counteract this and soon.
The full ONS data can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/3z2P8sY
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