Investment zones could be a big win for Burton and surrounding area - president

As we move into the festive season and close out the year, it was pleasing to see the autumn budget reveal measures to help struggling businesses to unlock investment, tackle cost pressures and see significant investment signposted across our region, writes Shaun Gray.

The budget announcement came as Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce revealed data from its quarterly business report that confirmed businesses are rallying against the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty with findings indicating a level of constancy or stability across a number of business areas.

A big win from the budget for our local area is that West Midlands and East Midlands Investment Zones have been given the go ahead. This is fantastic news for Burton and the surrounding areas as this has the potential to directly attract more than £2 billion of new investment into the regional economy and a further £3.5 billion overall, creating more than 30,000 jobs by 2034. This is one we will be watching very closely as a Chamber and will continue to update on.

It was also good to see the freezing of the business rates multiplier and relief for hospitality and retail businesses extended. Many firms are still suffering with inflated costs and retailers and pubs continue to struggle on the high street.

I’m a firm believer that investing in people’s skills and capability is at the heart of everyone’s success, which of course has a positive knock on for the businesses who employ them. I think it is an incredibly wise move for the government to commit to £50 million of investment to deliver a two-year apprenticeships pilot to explore ways to stimulate training and address barriers.

Overall, it was a solid start and welcome news but there is still much to do as the country starts to move into economic recovery. As a chamber we will continue to lobby the government on the important issues facing businesses.

Back to Burton and, as always, it was a pleasure to attend the East Staffordshire & South Derbyshire Business Awards where in a packed room of businesses it was clear to see the passion for people, growth and investing in the local community. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, especially to DIY, home and garden centre Masseys for winning the Business of the Year.

As a Burton and District Chamber we were also delighted to hold our annual lunch at the Pirelli Stadium to celebrate and network together as a business community. We always recognise stand out businesses and individuals and this year I was delighted that strategic PR, communications and engagement firm MIH Solutions was named as Burton’s Hidden Gem and Ben Wileman from Select Car Leasing Burton upon Trent was awarded Burton’s Rising Star.

The President’s Award was given to Hardy Signs in recognition for achieving 30 years in business whilst giving support to the Chamber, Burton & South Derbyshire College and the town centre.

As we look forward to 2024, I really do believe that businesses across Burton and the Greater Birmingham region have exceptional opportunities through the Chamber to grow their businesses both internationally and locally.

I would encourage everyone to make the most of the information and expertise available from the Chamber’s network of like-minded people who support not only each other, but also our local communities.

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 Head of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce Richard Brooks on R.Brooks@birmingham-chamber.com.

Wishing you a peaceful festive season and all the best for 2024.

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