President 's column: A limit to what the government can do to help businesses
Many of the business leaders I talk to have had a good first quarter and their businesses are doing well which is great to hear, writes Shaun Gray.
Others are having a tougher time, being more heavily impacted by domestic fiscal challenges. But what strikes me as a common theme is the resilience of the region 's commercial sector.
On a positive note, we have avoided a recession and there is reassurance from Government departments and the Bank of England that inflation really will start to come down later this year. And while there will always be calls for more support from some quarters, I think we need to recognise that there is a limit to what a serving Government can deliver. So, for example, we need to recognise that the three-month extension to energy subsidies was actually welcome, and it will be reviewed again in due course.
A particularly popular development was the announcement to extend the childcare system, with the existing 30 hours of free weekly childcare for working parents now covering children below the age of three and eventually to cover all children from the age of nine months. I know many working parents who really struggle with the cost of childcare, and this will be a huge benefit. It will certainly help more parents return back to the workplace, helping businesses to fill their recruitment gaps.
Going forward, I am hoping that the Chancellor might do more to address recruitment challenges facing firms. For example, introducing more modular short courses for apprentices would have an immediate impact on boosting employment numbers.
As a Chamber, we will continue to lobby Government to reduce the high-cost pressures facing companies, including the need to reform business rates and commit to a more generous energy support scheme if wholesale gas prices go up.
Many things are indeed out of our control and despite the war in Ukraine still ongoing, here in the UK we are coping pretty well overall and have much to be thankful for.
It 's also really good to see the community spirit of Burton moving forward in many ways. The Burton upon Trent story was launched recently by leaders from businesses, tourism organisations and the council. Those involved say it will “bring to life the 'Burton upon Trent Story ' through events and activities, engagement with businesses and organisations, and conversations with Government, to bang the drum for Burton upon Trent. ” It sounds very exciting and a positive move forward in the right direction - I 'm looking forward to attending the first 'Champions ' meeting on 24 May and anyone interested in attending should contact Kelly Kerr-Delworth, interim enterprise manager at East Staffordshire Borough Council to find out more.
At the beginning of March, we asked our members to nominate our Chamber charity of the year by 29 March and we are pleased to say that we now have a number of charities shortlisted who will be invited to apply. There will be some very careful deliberation following this so we will be able to reveal the successful applicant at our AGM on the 16 May.
This month I would like to recognise some of the good work taking place by businesses and organisations in our own local area. Willshee 's Waste and Recycling is doing incredibly well securing a multimillion-pound funding package from HSBC UK to drive its expansion plan and securing contract renewals with two large locally based businesses, Hobbycraft and Brunel.
Burton Albion will be supporting Staffordshire Police, Fire & Rescue 's Safer Streets initiative and SPACE project, delivering the project across the summer holidays for 8-to 17-year-olds. The activities aim to change attitudes and behaviours, and build self-confidence and awareness, through educational inputs and recreational activities.
It was great to hear that former Burton & South Derbyshire College (BSDC) Childcare student, Chiara, has secured a highly sought after place at Norland College in Bath. This is yet another example of the brilliant students and teachers we are lucky to have at this educational centre that serves our region.
The YMCA Burton held its 10th annual sell-out curry night at Burton 's Apne, which has been continuously and graciously supported by the restaurant 's owner, Mr Hussain, for over 10 years.
Don 't forget it is the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting coming up on 16 May which provides a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the work of the Chamber over the past year. This follows our networking event held recently at a new venue called the Deer Barn, which is located at the National Forest Adventure Farm.
To finish, I would like to sound a note of continued cautious optimism and wish you all as good a second quarter as possible.
If you would like more information on Burton & District Chamber of Commerce or to attend one of our networking events, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or Richard Brooks on [email protected]
Shaun Gray is the president of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce and European managing director of Burton-based Ginho Group