'You couldn't paint a more different world from then to now' - president's final column
I can’t quite believe that it is nearly three years since I became President of the Burton and District Chamber of Commerce, writes Shaun Gray.
It really has been a privilege to serve in this post during what has been a quite a bumpy ride. And this will be my last column before I hand over to the next President who will be appointed in May.
You really couldn’t paint a different world from 2021 to 2024. So much has happened during the last few years, and it has been a real test of resilience for every business on all levels.
When I look back to 2021, it was all about helping businesses to adapt to the post covid era, many businesses choosing to adopt a hybrid working culture, making the most of the adoption of the online capabilities of TEAMS and Zoom. This really did fast forward the digital age, which would have probably happened in the next decade but not overnight! That in itself was a huge challenge for businesses but also an opportunity for them to evolve.
We then of course had the announcement of the Ukraine war and unrest across Eastern Europe bringing first and foremost devastating impact for people who live in Ukraine and countries nearby. This also caused serious supply issues to international businesses who supply and purchase from this area of the world.
Closer to home there have of course been huge cost of living issues bought on by hyperinflation and resulting in high interest rates, making it difficult for businesses to invest and grow.
To say things have been tough for businesses is an understatement. But as a Chamber we have consistently seen Burton and Uttoxeter businesses being resilient and supporting each other through networking. They have also been vocal in the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce quarterly review which helps the Chamber to represent the views of businesses at a regional and national government level.
Over the last year as a Chamber, we have seen green shoots starting to appear with our chamber membership growing, businesses really starting to find their feet and some realising expansion plans in what continues to be a tough climate. Getting to know local businesses has been an honour and also inspiring as I continue to lead the team at Ginho.
Feeling this momentum across the network, I was therefore really pleased to see UK inflation fall to a two-and-a-half year low of 3.4 per cent, slowing from 4 per cent in January.
Our region has many food and drink businesses, large and small, so it was fantastic that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said it was food and eating out costs drove the fall in the headline rate of inflation. With the energy cap coming down, I know people are hoping for another fall in the coming months.
A further boost was given when the ONS announced recently that gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.1 per cent during February. February growth came thanks to expansion in manufacturing, especially in the car industry. The services sector also grew a little as public transport, haulage, and telecommunications had a strong month.
In the coming weeks and months, I’m very much looking forward to getting even more involved in the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce focussing on international trade. This will involve lobbying and leading for international growth across the region. There is so much to be done in the field of international trade including lobbying against government initiatives such as the new charge on animal and plant product imports into the UK which the Chamber is urging Government to reconsider their import charge plans.
It really has been an honour to serve the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce and it will give me much pleasure to hand over the reins to the newly elected president who will be appointed at our AGM on 15th May. I am sure they will continue to champion the growth and success of our business region and build on recent successes. As a locally based business, and living nearby, I’m looking forward to keeping involved.
Tickets are still available for the AGM and 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
This column first appeared in the Burton Mail
