Connects Network is celebrating a decade of local connections in Staffordshire by launching new meetings
Connects Network, a community-driven initiative led by local business owners, is celebrating ten years of fostering lasting connections within Staffordshire.
With a focus on highlighting the many positive aspects of our community, Connects Network is helping to reshape the narrative of business in the local area.
On April 4, Connects Network unveiled its second monthly meeting, supported in part by the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District. Held at The Regent Theatre in Hanley, this exciting event offers businesses and organizations an additional opportunity to network, access resources, and discover untapped possibilities.
Predominantly based in Newcastle-under-Lyme, a second monthly Connects Network meeting in Stoke will act as a bridge between the centre, fostering a robust support network for local businesses.
To highlight these positive aspects, each month, Connects Network meetings feature guest speakers with ‘good news’ stories and/or important information for attendees.
Over the past decade, Connects has hosted over 100 speakers and toured nearly 20 venues since the end of the 2021 lockdown.
Pete Herbert co-founder said: “It’s been an amazing experience running this meeting with a brilliant team of local business leaders, seeing connections made, supporting each other in their business ventures.
“The guest speaker section is a favourite with most, highlighting positive initiatives in our community.”
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A letter to Number 11 Downing Street…
‘Dear Chancellor…..’ – our wish list for the March Budget
We have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, who will deliver his Spring Budget on Wednesday (6th). With a General Election due to take place in the next ten months, the eyes of the business community will be trained on Mr Hunt when he makes his Budget announcements on Wednesday afternoon.
We have listened to the voices of our Chamber policy forums and listed below are some of the key issues on which we would like the government to act:
Business rates
In its current form, the business rates system is a burden on businesses regardless of ability to pay and it does not make allowances for the major changes that have taken place in the UK economy over the last decade. Many commercial premises in towns and cities lie empty and serve as a reminder of a struggle to compete with online shopping. Indeed, all of our local centres bear witness to this with some faring particularly badly, deterring not only visitors, but also potential investors.
Planning capacity at Local Planning Authorities (LPA)
Local authority planning teams are struggling under the strain of a heavy caseload, new legislation such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and challenges with recruitment and retention of planners. This is causing lengthy delays in getting planning application decisions turned around and also in local plans being developed. Faced with continued delays, businesses may choose to pause their growth and expansion plans, keeping the brakes on local economic development. Reform of a creaking planning system is long overdue.
Our British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) colleagues have announced a new partnership with Aviva, which will establish a five-year industry-led programme to increase skills and capacity in Local Planning Authorities (LPA). The programme aims to deliver at least 100 undergraduate and masters’ level qualifications for people entering the planning industry, and for people already working in LPA who need to develop skills for more senior planning roles. In return, at the end of their course of study, the learner must commit to work in a council planning role for at least two years. The BCC is asking businesses from all sectors to contribute to the programme’s fund with the aim of raising at least £3 million. We would like to see the Government commit to matching the £3 million contribution to ensure that LPA can employ newly qualified graduates for at least two years .
Grid capacity.
If we are to create dedicated vehicle charging infrastructure sites across the country, we need to see Government action to commit to ambitious plans for upgrades to the national electricity generation capacity and the distribution grid. This will require swift implementation, to make grid connectivity easier for infrastructure. Upgrades to the grid will also encourage those businesses who have capability of generating their own energy (such as through PV cells), to offload any surplus energy back into the grid. Across Staffordshire, we know of several businesses who are unable to do this, due to current grid limitations.
Transport
Last week saw the Government announcement of plans to deliver around £4.7 billion of funding to local authorities across the Midlands and the north of England, to deliver transport improvement programmes. Here in Staffordshire, we are keen to see progress in improving connectivity on some of our major transport routes. A50/A500 is a key east-west artery, connecting M6 and M1 and a vital transport route for some world recognised brands. A50/A500 is regarded as ‘North Midlands Manufacturing Corridor’ but suffers from congestion at key pinch points, notably Uttoxeter (B5030), Blythe Bridge (A521) and through much of the urban area of North Staffordshire. The A500 connects with the M6 at junction 15 but the layout of this key junction is no longer fit for purpose and in need of significant overhaul. Other transport schemes in the pipeline, include a re-opening of the railway between Leek and Stoke-on-Trent and opening of a new station in Meir. We would welcome greater clarity and financial agreement to progress these transport improvement schemes and a clear commitment to press ahead and improve local transport infrastructure.
VAT registration
We are calling for the VAT registration review to be restarted, with a view to removing the existing cliff edge. Further research conducted by our BCC colleagues found that 43% of respondent businesses with a turnover of less than £85,000, are concerned about growing revenue beyond this, specifically because of the requirement to pay VAT.
Skills and training
Staffordshire Chambers’ of Commerce has been appointed as the designated employer lead for the Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). Through our work in delivering the LSIP for Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire, we recognise that more needs to be done in developing a skilled workforce and tackling skills shortages. This is why we are calling for a commitment to fund business led LSIP beyond the current 2025 cut off period, with an extension of at least a further three years to 2028. A further three years will provide much needed time to continue our work in bridging the gap between the training needs of our local businesses and the delivery of targeted training and development programmes, to upskill our local workforce.
If you would like to join any of our Chamber policy forums and help to shape and influence our lobbying work, please contact me: declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
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Declan’s Blog: The ‘R’ word and Money Matters
Well, it’s official! Last week saw the announcement that the UK economy slipped into recession at the end of 2023. The release of economic results confirmed that the UK economy shrank by 0.3% in the final quarter of 2023, after a contraction of 0.1% in Q3 of 2023.
By very definition, a recession is classed as ‘a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters.
Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) for Q1, 2024 was launched last week and although we won’t get the results until into March, this QES could provide a useful barometer of the economic outlook from a Staffordshire business perspective.
QES results during 2023 confirmed that many of our hard-pressed hospitality businesses have been locked into a recession for almost four years, when the pandemic unleashed such a devastating impact on the global economy.
The announcement sparked discussion during our Money Matters forum last week. Money Matters forum is tasked with exchanging information on taxation, corporate law and governance, finance, insurance and professional services sector issues. During the meeting, we watched an update from RSM’s Economist Tom Pugh, who suggested that key investment decisions for business relate to labour-enhancing investments and productivity-enhancing investments, with businesses seeking ways to be more productive but without having to hire extra staff.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Jeremy Hunt, MP), will announce the Spring Budget on Wednesday 6th March.
We know that a General Election has to take place in the next year and all eyes will be fixed on Mr Hunt, to see if there are any eye-catching announcements to entice voters when the country goes to the polls.
That got us talking about a letter we well be sending to Mr Hunt, with some key ‘asks’ for the business community. Once again, we’ll be calling for a reform of the business rates system. We’re also asking for the VAT registration review to be re-started, with a view to removing the existing ‘cliff-edge.
Chamber research shows that many SME businesses are struggling because of business rates and are limiting their expansion plans because of the VAT threshold. The Chancellor should use his statement next month to announce plans to make business rates fairer and restart the VAT registration review.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce has been appointed as the designated employer representative body for the Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP). We would like to see the Government commit to the funding of business-led Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIP) beyond the current 2025 cut off point, to at least 2028.
Linked to the topic of skills, we will also ask for the Government to show greater flexibility around the use of the Apprenticeship Levy, to allow for expanded training and upskilling of workers.
What else should we be calling for in our letter to Mr Hunt? I would be interested to get your thoughts on the most pressing issues for our business community. Feel free to get in touch:
declan.riddell@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
I’ve already mentioned the importance of our latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) and once again, your views count. QES is the country’s longest-running independent business survey and is recognised by the Bank of England as being of real value in measuring economic performance and business outlook. It takes just 60 seconds to complete a QES, so we would be really grateful if you could click here to complete: https://forms.office.com/e/YyPzHWjeRG
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Chris’ Blog: Exciting EV partnership helping businesses to transition to an electric vehicle fleet
Great news announced this week that leading OZEV-registered EV installers, EVC solutions have joined forces with fleet management specialists Adept Vehicle Management to help businesses make the transition to an EV vehicle fleet.
This collaboration is set to transform the landscape for businesses making the crucial transition to electric vehicles and marks a significant step towards sustainable business practices in Staffordshire and beyond.
Staffordshire Chambers helped to facilitate a meeting between Nigel Ryan and Adrian Cooper from EVC with Francis Jones from Adept back in the autumn of last year.
Facilitating meaningful connections and propelling innovative partnerships is at the core of Staffordshire Chambers’ mission.
It’s great to see that the partnership has gathered real momentum – it demonstrates the power of the Chamber network in action.
This partnership is not only significant for Staffordshire but also extends its impact beyond, contributing to a broader movement towards sustainable business practices. It not only supports the adaptation of electric vehicles but also underlines the commitment to creating a sustainable and environmentally conscious business ecosystem.
We look forward to witnessing the tangible impact it will have on businesses embracing electric vehicles in Staffordshire and the surrounding areas.
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£25m funding package open to innovative micro-businesses & SMEs through Innovate UK
Micro businesses and SMEs in Staffordshire can access funding of up to £2 million in round 13 of the Innovate UK Innovation Fund.
The funding, which totals £25 million, forms part of the government’s plan to drive the future economy through innovation.
Loans can be valued between £100,000 and £2 million and must be funding projects on at least one of the themes of: Net Zero, health & wellbeing, next-generation & digital technologies or technology families. Applicants must also demonstrate a clear route to commercialisation and economic impact.
Funded projects must lead to innovative new products, processes or services that are significantly ahead of others currently available, or propose an innovative use of existing products, processes or services. It can also involve a new or innovative business model. Guidelines also state that there must be a focus on one or more of the future economy areas included in the Innovate UK plan for action.
Round 13 will remain open for applications until 6 March 2024, with round 14 set to open on 7 March 2024. Rounds 15 and 16 are scheduled to open in May and June respectively.
Businesses that receive an award will be contacted about working with an innovation and growth specialist at Innovate UK EDGE. This service forms part of the funding offer. These specialists focus on growing innovative businesses and ensuring that projects contribute to their growth.
More information about the subsidy requirements can be found here.
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Unlocking business potential in Newcastle-under-Lyme through digital innovation with Staffordshire University
Staffordshire University is championing a groundbreaking initiative exclusively tailored to support local businesses in Newcastle-Under-Lyme.
The project includes a trained Staffordshire University student or graduate (Innovation Consultant) who will work with your business for the duration of the programme. The Innovation Consultant will have support from the University’s expert academics to help deliver activities, such as:
- Innovation advice
- Market research
- Idea scoping
- Evaluating options and designing a product or a service
- Feasibility studies of adopting new technologies
- Embedding new technologies or processes in business
- Developing new products or services
Each bespoke partnership will receive:
- One Staffordshire University student or graduate (working as an Innovation Consultant) for 24 weeks to support the delivery of the project.
- An Innovation Advisor with knowledge of the advanced technology your business is looking to adopt.
- A relevant academic expert supervising the innovation consultant and supporting the partnership.
- Access to state-of-the-art equipment based in the Innovation Enterprise Zone. University technicians will supervise the use of specialist equipment.
- A simple application process.
Areas this project can focus on:
- 3D printing (metal, ceramics, and plastics)
- Artificial Intelligence
- Sensor technologies
- Transport logistics and mobility
- Gas analysers
- Pollution
- Internet of Things
- Metaverse: virtual and augmented reality
- Big Data
- 5G demonstrator
Elevate your business with the targeted support of Staffordshire University’s fully funded initiative in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
For more information, reach out to us at employers@staffs.ac.uk or explore the details of this transformative scheme led by Staffordshire University here https://bit.ly/49XDVdz
*This project is fully funded by the UK Shared Prosperity fund in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and offered free of charge to each participating organisation.
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Sara’s Blog: British Chambers’ economic forecast, House of Commons visit and members’ Potters Club deal
I know its advent and Christmas is close so I will get the serious stuff out of the way first and then give you something to look forward to in the New Year.
The latest British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) quarterly economic forecast, which is ranked joint second most accurate by the Sunday Times, predicts the UK will remain in the doldrums for some time.
The BCC has marginally upgraded its 2023 and 2024 GDP forecast but lowered the outlook for 2025, as economic growth for all three years flatlines.
Key points in the forecast are:
- 2023 GDP forecast upgraded to 0.6% from 0.4% in previous forecast.
- GDP growth in 2024 upgraded and 2025 downgraded from 0.3% and 0.7% to 0.4% and 0.6% respectively.
- Interest rates have now peaked at 5.25% but will ease only slightly in 2024 to 5%, before dropping to 4.25% by the end of 2025 – still well above the average for the past 10 years.
- The inflation rate has slowed to 4.6% in Q4 2023, but will remain above the 2% target in 2024, at 3.1%, before dropping to 1.9% in Q4 2025.
- Imports, exports, and general government spending all declined in 2023. In real terms Government spending and business investment will contract in 2024, both by -0.8%.
- Imports and exports are both expected to grow slowly in 2024 (0.3% and 0.5% respectively) and 2025 (1.1% and 1.2% respectively). This is weak by historical standards and less than the global average.
With interest rates now predicted to fall only slightly in 2024 and business confidence failing to take off, the BCC expects the economy to grow by just 0.4% in 2024 and 0.6% in 2025.
Weak levels of growth in household consumption and a forecast of a reduction in overall real terms Government spending in 2023 and 2024, are also factors in this shaky performance.
Although disposable incomes are now above pre-pandemic levels, households are spending less than they did then, suggesting high interest rates, inflation and global headwinds are weighing on consumer confidence.
The UK economy has yet to find a way to break out of its current rut and while it’s welcome that GDP should continue to expand there is an underlying fragility that is eroding confidence.
The Government set out several pro-growth measures in the Autumn Statement, but businesses and consumers have had their fingers badly burned by the pandemic and ensuing economic shocks.
It will take a huge effort to encourage investment and consumer spending, against that background, and inject some much-needed vitality.
The minimum wage increase early next year will further impact investment concerns among businesses, as cost pressures rise.
As we head towards an election next year, politicians will have to show how they will work with the business community to build on the Autumn Statement commitments and develop a much-needed long term economic plan to give companies confidence to invest in people, trade and grow.
House of Commons visit
Ok enough of the depressing stuff! This week we took a group of our patrons and members to the Houses of Parliament. The visit was hosted by Jack Brereton, MP for Stoke South who was one of seven Staffordshire MPs we met during our visit. We also met with Lee Rowley, Minister of State for Housing and James Sunderland MP.
We had the opportunity to discuss a range of topics including the economy, infrastructure, transport, skills, energy and net zero.
Connecting members to key decision makers is a crucial to our role as the voice of business and I am proud of the fact that that our members have regular access to all our MPs through visits like this and our regular ‘Meet the MP’ events. Keep an eye on our events page for these events in the new year.
Members’ Potters Club corporate membership
And finally let me tell you about a great exclusive corporate membership deal at the Potters Club for Chamber members.
The Potters’ Club is a local treasure. With sumptuous surroundings and the unique ambiance of the restaurant and Members’ Lounge you could be forgiven for thinking you were in a member’s club in the West End of London.
The British Pottery Manufacturers Federation Club, or Potters’ Club as it is more fondly known is situated on the third floor of the imposing Federation House on Station Road in Stoke. It was founded in 1951 to provide facilities for directors of the thriving local pottery companies to entertain overseas visitors. Over time the Club has extended its membership to professional people from all walks of business.
The new deal we have put together with the Club affords access to all its facilities including dining, use of the Members’ Lounge and of the facilities to host events, conferences, family occasions or just a space to take time out to relax.
With this exciting alliance, Chambers’ members will receive a complimentary Potters’ Club membership. Up to 10 employees of participating company will have access to the club’s facilities and exceptional dining experiences.
To find out the full details of the Potters Club deal contact our membership team membership@staffordshirechambers.co.uk or call 01782 202222.
If you want to talk to us about any business issues, including funding, you can call our switchboard on 01782 202222, call the Business Helpline on 0300 111 8002 or email: info@staffordshirechambers.co.uk
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Stoke on Trent College partner with Port Vale Football Club to launch range of new initiatives – including unique sport course
The partnership forms part of a longstanding relationship between the two organisations and includes various joint initiatives including a new course offer designed to raise opportunities for young people in sport, providing the unique ability to gain a qualification alongside developing footballing skills with a professional club.
To celebrate the partnership, students from the college were joined by College Principal and CEO Lisa Capper MBE, their course leaders and Owner of Port Vale Carol Shanahan attended an exclusive launch event – discussing the new course, their hopes, plans and future ambitions.
As part of the new offer, learners will benefit from the ability to compete at a high level, supporting progression in football alongside their academic qualifications. A fantastic example of this, is the recent success of student Tom Beeby who has been selected for the England Colleges Team. A brilliant and very special opportunity for Tom, the College and Port Vale.
Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal of Stoke on Trent College said: “It was fantastic to be able to officially launch our new offer to provide the education for the team at Port Vale and celebrate the opportunities this brings for young people in Stoke-on-Trent. We are very excited about the prospects for all of the team and Tom’s recent success. With our shared values, the partnership reaches far beyond the football academy and out into community provision – such as healthy eating sessions with the Hubb Foundation, adult learning opportunities and how we will work together to support the Burslem community.”
Students and staff from the College’s Foundation Department also work in close collaboration with Port Vale Football Club, giving a range of learners the opportunity to assist Port Vale on a weekly basis by volunteering each and every Friday. The learners take on a wide range of roles including maintenance and refurbishment duties around the stadium, they also assist on matchdays throughout the season. This unique experience gives learners hands on experience whilst also developing communication skills, confidence and teamwork.
To cement the partnership, a Port Vale FC football was signed by Lisa Capper MBE, CEO and Principal of Stoke on Trent College and Carol Shanahan OBE, Chair and Owner of Port Vale Football Club.
Carol Shanahan OBE, Chair and Owner at Port Vale Football Club said: “We’re delighted to officially launch the partnership between Port Vale and Stoke on Trent College. Our Education Squad programme provides 16 – 18-year-olds a fantastic college education whilst offering professional football training at our club’s facilities where they can grow not only as players but also people.
I’m extremely excited about this partnership and our combined efforts will ensure that all of our programmes, including our adult courses, will continue to grow”.
For more information, visit: www.stokecollege.ac.uk
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Stoke-on-Trent City Council launch new forum to discuss issues impacting the local bus network
Stoke-on-Trent City Council have created an Enhanced Partnership with local bus operators which outlines ambitious plans to improve bus services across the city.
By creating the partnership with local bus operators, the City Council has secured £31.6 million funding from the Department of Transport to deliver a range of bus service improvements including lower fares, simplified ticketing, shorter journey times, more frequent bus services, longer hours of operation and improved bus stop passenger information, accessibility and security. Further details regarding the bus service improvement proposals can be viewed here.
As part of their commitment to improving bus services, the City Council are setting up an Enhanced Partnership Forum consisting of key stakeholders with an interest in local bus services. The Forum will provide the opportunity to raise and discuss issues affecting the Stoke-on-Trent bus network, consult on service improvements, and make recommendations for consideration by the City Council and bus operators.
The first Forum is planned for the 8th November. If you are interested in joining, please click here.
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Declan’s Blog: The West Midlands Interchange
8 million sq feet – or the size of 140 football fields? Whichever way you look at it, the West Midlands Interchange (WMI) site in South Staffordshire will be a huge commercial development in our county. Situated between junction 12 of the M6 and the West Coast Mainline at Gailey in South Staffordshire, WMI will have a significant impact on Staffordshire’s economy as the site takes shape in the next decade.
WMI is a joint venture between Logistics Capital Partners (LCP) and Oxford Property Group and is regarded as ‘The UK’s most significant new rail served logistics development,’ offering up to 8 million sq. feet of prime logistics facilities. In our recent Planning & Infrastructure (P&I) forum meeting, we received an update from LCP on the development of WMI.
On-site activity started in earnest during the summer of 2023, with the flattening of plateaued land, guided by a construction principle of ensuring that no soil leaves the existing site and no soil is brought onto the site.
Community engagement is a key priority for the development, with approximately 109 acres of land being set aside as a community park. Local residents are being asked about what amenities they would like to see in a community park. The park will also be used by the 8,500 workers who will be employed at WMI, once the site is complete.
The WMI site will seek innovative construction of buildings to ensure that there is relatively low energy consumption. Buildings across the site will offer up to 150 acres of roof space, onto which photovoltaic cells will be attached. This will generate energy for the entire site.
A rail head facility will open in 2026, allowing freight to move in and out by rail, connecting with the West Coast Mainline between Stafford and Wolverhampton. Once this is opened, further development of the site should accelerate, with demand for space expected to be high.
During last week’s P&I forum, we also received an update from locally based social enterprise, Mondrem, which wants ‘to help make public services brilliant, everywhere and all of the time’. Mike Astbury of Mondrem explained that his team is working with planning teams at local authorities, helping them to deliver a faster and better customer experience, improve productivity and deliver their work within budget.
Delays in turning around planning application decisions can often be attributed to a lack of capacity or challenges with staff recruitment and retention. Mondrem encourages local authority clients to recognise the importance of making human connections, as being human is what we all have in common. Another key element is the need to build shared understanding, trust and confidence. A faster, better service is seen as a by-product.
Our P&I forum is tasked with exchanging information on planning policy, construction and regeneration. It also steers Chambers’ representations on these matters and receives updates on developments in planning law. We meet again on Tuesday 23rd January 2024 and if you would like to learn more about the valuable work of this and our other policy forums, please drop me a line:
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