President’s Column: Businesses supporting community more important than ever
As I write this, my thoughts go to the millions of people who are caught up in the continued global crises that are happening across the world, and I desperately hope that the world leaders can help navigate a pathway forward, writes Shaun Gray.
More locally, I know the recent floods have been a significant challenge across Staffordshire and Derbyshire and my thanks go to the emergency services teams across the region who have been supporting businesses and people.
For anyone that knows me, I am an advocate of supporting the local community whether that be through doing small acts of kindness, providing financial assistance or coming together to support others. This is especially true during these times.
One recent example of community spirit and coming together was the Burton employment fair which saw more than 80 businesses show up to share what they had to offer potential employees. The event provided people with a face-to-face opportunity to meet many fantastic businesses, whether they were seeking employment or looking to develop their careers. I know the team on the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce stand were inspired by the conversations they had with individuals who were looking to start up a business.
Another great example is how the community, including many businesses, comes together every year to support the YMCA’s Sleepout. This year Ginho will be represented, and I know many other Chamber members are taking part too. There is still time to sign up to Burton’s annual Sleepout which takes place on Friday 10th November and raise funds to help the YMCA deliver its belief that all young people deserve to have a safe place to live and the opportunity to reach their full potential.
I also wanted to say well done to all the people who took part in the Brewers 10K, many of whom were raising funds for the amazing Burton Albion Community Trust. It was great to see so many people from our membership and the local community taking part.
A few weeks ago, I was asked by Staffordshire Live to comment on the fact that over a quarter of Burton town centre shops now lie empty since the pandemic. We know from the research we undertake as a Chamber that what’s happening in Burton is similar across many towns and cities all over the UK due to consumer behaviour and business dynamics. The lasting impact of the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of online shopping, making it an integral part of the retail landscape.
That’s why forward-looking town transformation projects are so important to make Burton and Uttoxeter great places to work, live and play as the This includes the Burton High Street project which is looking to regenerate the riverside area between the High Street and Washlands, running from the Market Place up to the Burton Bridge, creating new and exciting ways for people to enjoy this area and looking to improve the linkages between the riverside and town centre. Whether you live, work or visit Burton and Uttoxeter, we all need to get behind town initiatives and constructively offer support and feedback.
Burton & District Chamber of Commerce is committed to collaborating with local stakeholders to address the challenges we have in Burton and Uttoxeter to make the town centres more attractive and affordable for independent traders and to continue to bring in visitors as a destination for hospitality, leisure and retail combined.
From a national perspective we have seen inflation unchanged although with global oil prices rising and the conflict in the Middle East intensifying, the longer-term impact on inflation remains to be seen. With the Autumn Budget fast approaching on 22 November, as a national Chamber of Commerce we continue to lobby the Government to give clarity for businesses on key issues such as labour shortages, elevated interest rates and inflation. We hope the Chancellor uses the upcoming Autumn Statement to set out a blueprint for growth.
There’s also still time to sign up to our annual Celebratory Lunch on 21 November at Burton Albion to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of businesses and individuals across the region. If you’re interested in coming along, please connect with Richard Brooks (see contact details below).
And finally, in recent months we’ve been delighted to welcome on board new members of the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce: IT Helpdesk Burton, Marshall Mahoney, MIH Solutions, Woodhurst Innovations Limited, Hoar Cross Hall, Pertemps Network Group, SureStore, The Do Club, The Server Group, UCargo Pacific Logistics and Sherlock’s House. They are joining over 100 member companies across Burton upon Trent and Uttoxeter and over 2,500 member companies across the broader region.
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 Richard Brooks on r.brooks@birmingham-Chambers.com.
Shaun Gray is President of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce and European Managing Director of Burton-based Ginho Group.
