Chamber support sees members secure valuable new business

Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce 's crucial role in helping firms stay connected throughout the pandemic - and secure valuable new business - has been highlighted by several of its members.

Training provider Learner Engagement, and SME Outsourcing, the Birmingham-based accountancy firm, both highlighted a number of ways that Chamber membership has aided their business.

Chamber patron SF Recruitment were also signposted to a contract with the West Midlands Combined Authority through being a top-tier member.

An introduction from the Chamber allowed the recruitment experts the opportunity to join the competitive bidding and tendering process and, due to SF Recruitment 's track record of delivering large recruitment projects, they won the contract which resulted in recruiting 26 positions for the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Other initiatives included SF unveiling its new brand at the 2019 Chamber annual dinner and awards via a clever marketing stunt.

The place setting for each of the 1,300 guests featured a LEGO person in individual pieces, along with a card insert from SF Recruitment referencing “building your team ” and “finding the perfect person for your organisation. ”

SF Recruitment 's Mike Lattimer said: “the then Chamber CEO highlighted an opportunity to bid for a contract for 26 finance roles.

“This then enabled us to enter the process and tender for the roles, without this we would not have not had the opportunity to bid. We won the whole project in June 2020 which was a major catalyst for our growth from there during the pandemic.

“Our patronage has also enabled us to introduce our new brand and tweak of our name to the business community of the West Midlands.

“It has also provided us with a huge array of opportunities to be featured in newsletters, magazine and online in our PR pursuit to be a people-led insight brand, and drive thought leadership content.

“This includes a monthly opportunity to comment within the Regional Labour Market statistics press release. ”

SME Outsourcing is a firm of accountants and business advisors based in Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston.

Director Amina Hussain said the Chamber has provided crucial advice on Covid-19 grants and other business support initiatives which SME Outsourcing have, in turn, been able to pass on to their own clients.

“The Chamber 's support for us over the last 12 months has been brilliant, ” said Amina.

“We 've been able to access grant support and get advice on business matters that might be affecting other business sectors and our clients.

“I 'd recommend the Chamber as it 's one the most well connected networks in the Midlands, and helps bring a lot of businesses together. ”

With Covid-19 restrictions gradually being lifted and business confidence on the rise, the Chamber has received an increase in membership enquiries.

Speaking Learner Engagement 's membership, CEO Jag Jaigirdar said the company has benefitted hugely from the support of its dedicated relationship manager, as well as having the opportunity to share positive news.

“The really great thing about the Chamber is we can pick up the phone anytime to our relationship manager who is just great, no matter what and at any time, ” said Jag.

“The other massive help recently has been the ongoing opportunities to showcase our business on a monthly basis.

“So whether we have something new to shout about or just an update we can always make sure it reaches a much wider audience than it normally would. ”

The Chamber is ready to help more firms as the business community moves into a new phase.

Data from our latest Quarterly Business Report - the most comprehensive report of its kind in the region - indicates there is growth and opportunity within the Greater Birmingham economy.

Head of policy Raj Kandola said: “Early analysis from our Quarterly Business Report suggests positive optimism is building across businesses across Greater Birmingham as national restrictions have eased over the last three months.

“Of course there are still businesses that are suffering incredible hardship and as a Chamber we will continue to lobby local and national stakeholders to ensure they get the support they so desperately need. ”

You can find out more of these insights by joining our next QBR event this week, book here.

Want to discover more about your Chamber? Click here to read about Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce membership and how it can benefit your business.