President's 'cautious optimism' going into New Year

Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce president, Jason Challoner, has reflected on the past 12 months for the Lichfield and Tamworth business community.

He maintains that huge challenges have been faced by businesses across sectors yet feels confident that the spirit within business owners and employees shown will see 2022 to be a better year.

Jason, managing director of Valyou Recruitment, a construction recruitment firm based in Burntwood said: “2021 has been another really challenging year for business across our Lichfield and Tamworth region. However, I do feel a sense of cautious optimism for 2022.

“Let 's hope we can roll out the booster jabs to our adult population as quickly as possible and the take up for our under 18s starts to increase, to counter this latest Covid variant. ”

Jason, who has been based in the area for over a decade and also chairs the South Staffordshire Skills Board as well as making representation to both the Greater Birmingham LEP and Stoke and Staffordshire LEP, has seen first-hand the determination of his peers to move their businesses forward as well as the efforts made by various stakeholders and organisations to support and foster that spirit, something he feels is as important as ever as we move into 2022.

The Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber of Commerce president added: “Following discussions with numerous business leaders throughout our area, there seems to be a realisation that we need to learn to live with this virus and return to a new normal, which includes striving for growth and profitability within our companies.

“The commitment to working with young people and apprentices, utilising the government's Kick Start scheme in some cases, will be vital to making Lichfield and Tamworth places where businesses grow and move forward in these uncertain times; while, yes there will be challenges and bumps along the way, I would very much call on all employers to carry on striving for the best in their businesses.

“I would also stress and encourage the business community to engage with the Chamber of Commerce in your local area, and indeed a range of other business support organisations, local councils and Growth Hub 's to ensure your company receives the best support, awareness and encouragement possible through your journey.

"Lastly - and importantly - a very merry Christmas to you!"

The 2022 Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield & Tamworth and Cannock Chase Awards takes place at Drayton Manor Park on 4 February 2022 with eight businesses based in the area vying for recognition. For more information, click here.

For more information on business support through the council in Lichfield click here.

For more information on business support through the council in Tamworth click here.