Firms building a better Burton against backdrop of uncertainty - president

It was difficult to know when to write the Chamber column this month against the backdrop of what must be the most significant period of uncertainty we have ever experienced as a nation due to numerous government U-turns and leadership changes, writes Shaun Gray.

The uncertainty is increasingly frustrating as I know how hard our locally based businesses work and these chaotic times are throwing up unnecessary challenges.

For the sake of all the businesses and people who are trying to get on with their lives whilst struggling with the cost of living, the government needs to align its leadership and share a clear and credible plan and tackle the rising cost of doing business.

Figures released recently say prices are rising at the fastest rate for 40 years pushing inflation to 10.1 per cent in the 12 months to September. The figure for August was 9.9 per cent. The rise was driven mostly by rising food prices, and food and non-alcoholic drink prices rose by 14.6 per cent in the 12 months to September 2022, up from 13 per cent in August.

So, inflation continues to be a major source of concern for businesses. Given the recent turbulence, particularly in the value of the pound, it is hard to see this diminishing in the coming weeks.

I sincerely support Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce 's (GBCC) demand that the Government continues to stabilise markets and set out short-term measures that enable the hardest hit businesses to manage their overheads in the coming months, and minimise the pain many firms are feeling, including temporary VAT for hospitality and non-essential retailers and reform to the business rates system.

Just prior to the recent government disruption, the GBCC Q3 Quarterly Business Report, compiled from input from our members, painted an unsurprisingly bleak picture for the fortunes of regional businesses revealing that a record number of businesses are expecting to increase their prices, the most popular reasons being utilities and labour costs.

Even before the financial upheaval, the proportion of firms experiencing an increase in domestic sales fell by seven per cent to 41 per cent and exports dropped by nine per cent to 25 per cent.

Only 50 per cent of firms were operating at full capacity and 52 per cent have attempted recruitment over the last three months, of which 71 per cent experienced difficulties (five per cent lower than last quarter).

It really is imperative that the Government heeds the calls of businesses in desperate need of meaningful intervention and to recognise the support and reassurance much needed by small and medium-sized businesses.

Whilst it feels that we are currently in the eye of the storm, once the government gets aligned and focussed, and I truly hope they do, I do believe there are significant opportunities for businesses across the region.

We are a very progressive town from a business perspective, recently attracting leading food company Gusto and we have a fantastic mix of small, medium and large businesses that choose to operate in our area.

Against the many challenges, we are a vibrant community, with a focus on building a better Burton. It was exciting to see the launch of the Burton Albion Community Trust 's 'Brewers Business Network ' with the aim of building a strong business community whilst supporting the charitable arm of the football club that delivers over 60 different projects and engages with over 8,000 people every week from ages 4 to 80+.

I 'd also like to congratulation Burton & South Derbyshire College who have recently been re-awarded the Employee Recognition Scheme Silver Award by the Ministry of Defence. The Defence Employee Recognition Scheme encourages employers to pledge, demonstrate or advocate support to defence and the armed forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.

As a Chamber, we have championed the voice of local business since 1813 and we will continue to do so throughout the ongoing economic circumstances, with the persevering aim to make Burton and the surrounding area the best place to start, grow, move and invest in a business.

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

Shaun Gray is president of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce and managing director of Burton-based Ginho Group

This column was originally produced for the Burton Mail