Business community resilient despite 'heavy backdrop' - president

As we head in to the second half of the year, we already have so much to reflect upon. Recent, dramatic, changes right at the top of the UK government have caused so much uncertainty for us all. Boris Johnson 's resignation has led to a high profile leadership contest, at a time when a steady hand on the tiller and firm assurance to the nation is needed.

The national media coverage of all this has done nothing to calm the nerves of a country reeling from a cost-of-living crisis, soaring energy prices and a deepening skills shortage.

However, when I speak to business owners and those working hard in and around our region I hear a different story: one of resilience and a can-do spirit, where business is continuing to be done despite this heavy backdrop. Aside from the local infrastructure problems, with the widely reported road closures and traffic problems, people are still finding ways to get things done.

This is further reflected in the themes emerging from the latest quarterly business survey by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, which offers a snapshot of the performance of the business community and includes contribution by companies based in Burton and Uttoxeter.

While the report recognises the concerns of businesses on the impact of inflation, with its price index balance score reaching a record high, it also brings out themes of resilience throughout the business community. Forty-eight per cent of firms reported an increase in UK sales, and 34 per cent said export sales were on the rise too, with those in the manufacturing sector in particular benefiting from this.

Also, 30 per cent of respondents reported that their workforce had grown over the past quarter, with 42 per cent overall expecting this to continue over the next three months.

Cashflow remains stable, with 31 per cent reporting an increase, the same as the previous quarter, although investment plans for training look to be declining with seven per cent less participants than in the last report committing to an increase in development of personnel.

Underlying the feeling of strength among regional firms, the report highlighted growing confidence, with 59 per cent saying that turnover will improve over next three months, and the overall balance score shows that growth is still steady. Furthermore, 49 per cent of companies said they were confident that profitability will improve next quarter.

However, the report highlighted that firms right across the region are struggling to find the right people to fill vacancies, with recruitment difficulties being at the joint-highest on record - 76 per cent of those who attempted to recruit experienced difficulties in attracting potential employees with the right skillset. This seems to be more keenly felt within the manufacturing sector, where 82 per cent of firms report challenges in recruitment - compared to 74 per cent in the service sector.

We fully recognise the impact of persistent issues around attracting the right talent for our members and we 'll continue to work closely with businesses to ensure they are supported throughout their recruitment drives. In particular, the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce is excited to be supporting the Jobs Fair at Burton Albion 's Pirelli Stadium on 29 September, organised by Kate Griffiths MP and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Indeed, as the Greater Birmingham Chamber continues to be a voice for businesses across Birmingham and East and South Staffordshire, there is much we can do to actively and visibly promote what Burton upon Trent has to offer as a lively and viable commercial district while strengthening our ties and connection with the rest of the Greater Birmingham region. If the last two years has taught us anything it is that we must not underestimate the power of a unified voice and rallying together.

I look forward to seeing more businesses working together, supporting each other in their future ambitions, and continuing to do great business in Burton.

If you would like to discuss any support your business needs or come along to one of our regular networking events, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].

By Shaun Gray (pictured), president of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce and managing director of Burton based Ginho Group