Patron News

“POLITICS IS NOT A GAME, BUT A SERIOUS BUSINESS”.

One of Winston Churchill’s more famous quotes, this seems particularly pertinent at the moment. After a summer of relative inactivity on the political stage, normal service has definitely not resumed as expected, with unprecedented events across Whitehall resulting in a total change of direction for the Government’s priorities for growth and investment.

As businesses wait for more details from the new Chancellor, amid warnings of “scary” spending cuts, it prompts the questions - what does the business sector feel about current events, how will they impact in the longer term and does this particular economic cloud have any silver linings?

Understanding the issues which are impacting most on our members on a day to day basis has never been more important for us, which is why we are launching a campaign to encourage members to get in touch directly, via Chamber meetings and events and crucially through the Quarterly Economic Survey and other British Chamber surveys. More data and feedback will allow us to campaign more effectively as part of the wider British Chamber network at a national level, engaging new Ministers, as well as at a more local level.

For some businesses there are immediate challenges around energy costs, inflation, VAT and business rates as well as the ongoing problems around recruitment, retention, salary inflation and skills still topping the list. In the medium term we know how important it is for SMEs particularly, to be able to access support and funding for investment in both capital infrastructure and people to meet legislative requirements as well as the increasing pressure through procurement supply chains – whether demonstrating ESG credentials or meeting net zero targets. The commitment to improving regional transport connectivity continues to be a broader priority which we need to keep pushing – without investment and ambition we risk impeding growth and undermining investor confidence.

We know it isn’t all doom and gloom however and your feedback will also allow us to share and celebrate your successes, as well as the flexibility and resilience of our local business community.

As part of the campaign, we would like to encourage all of you to get in touch and let us know what you would like to see from national and local decision makers to support business confidence and growth – it might just be one thing.

If you would like to be more involved in the work we do around policy and representation we would love to hear from you.

michelle.cameron@liverpoolchamber.org.uk

HEALTH INSURER MEDICASH CELEBRATES

RECORD HALF YEAR PERFORMANCE

Liverpool based cash plan provider Medicash has reported its strongest ever half year results as new cash plan business continues to grow rapidly.

Building on its record-breaking new sales growth in 2021, Medicash sold over 101,000 new policies in the first six months of 2022, compared to 122,000 in the whole of 2021. This takes its total policy base to over 411,000 – the highest it has ever been in over 150 years of business.

Medicash puts its success down to the ever-increasing demand from the corporate market, as more and more companies look to put health and wellbeing benefits in place for their workforce. It also cites its continued service enhancements, unique product innovations and high levels of customer service as other factors which are helping it to stand out in the market.

Sales & Marketing Director, Paul Gambon said: “The team and I are thrilled to announce that the first six months of this year have been our strongest on record, and it’s a trend which is currently showing no signs of slowing down.

“With rising energy prices and the costof-living crisis putting more pressure of the finances of workers across the country, we are seeing more companies look to add a cash plan to lessen the financial impact of getting essential everyday healthcare treatments for their employees. We are also seeing increased demand for our employee assistance programmes to help look after the mental wellbeing of employees, and signpost them to support on a wide range of topics from stress and work-related issues, to money management and debt.” Medicash has experienced exceptional growth over the last year with policy numbers expanding at an ever-increasing rate. In the first six months of 2022 Medicash saw its turnover increase by £2.75 million compared to the same period in 2021.

Commenting on the financial position of Medicash, Finance & IT Director, Andy Roberts said: “As an organisation that reinvests its profits back into its products, as well as supporting a range of health and wellbeing related charities, it’s been amazing to see how the business has grown, so that we cover more people than we ever have before, at the same time as expanding our products to include a range of new benefits and market innovations.

“Over the next two years, Medicash’s are looking to further invest in its backend office and IT Support functions to ensure that we can continue to grow whilst maintaining our high levels of customer service. We are currently on course to break the half million policyholder mark in early 2023, but with demand for corporate health plans showing no signs of abating, all of the team at Medicash are working hard to ensure we remain at the top of our field.”

Medicash puts a large part of its success down to the high levels of customer service it offers, in addition to the continuous development of its products. So far in 2022, Medicash has been named Health Cash Plan Provider of the Year 2022 at both The Health & Protection Awards and the Workplace Savings and Benefits Awards and Best Cash Plan Provider 2022 at the Corporate Adviser Awards.

In addition, Medicash is shortlisted in a number of other industry awards including the Cover Excellence Awards and the Merseyside Independent Business Awards. Medicash also retains its 5-star excellent rating on Trustpilot and has just been awarded the top Investor in Customers Gold award for the tenth year in a row.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FIRST ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP WITH LIVERPOOL CHAMBER

Sustainable Energy First, sefirst.com, are market leaders in energy and carbon management and trading, assured environmental compliance, and sustainability solutions to our suite of members to make tomorrow’s world better for everyone.

Energy is one of the biggest operational costs for businesses. The uncertain nature of the energy market and its everchanging landscape means energy prices fluctuate daily – but they can be managed and aligned.

Sustainable Energy First maximise the performance of your energy portfolio, providing a full energy and utility end-toend account management service which unlocking sustainability opportunities, making Sustainable Energy First your sustainable partner of choice.

Bureau Team: Peace of mind utility billing management and accuracy with over 100 checks through in house, industry-leading software, validate, optimise, report, and forecast; giving you peace of mind that your utility bills are true bills, and you’re reporting on the right energy consumption use. Sustainable Energy First process over 1 million utility bills annually, and accurate forecast (some to 0.03-0.2%).

Energy and Carbon Trading Team: A range of renewable energy and carbon trading solutions from energy consortiums to a fully bespoke risk management strategy, they’ve got the right solution for your business. Last year, the team managed the procurement of enough energy to power all 27 million homes in the UK for a day. Revenue Recovery Team: Utility bills can be a source of complexity and unnecessary overspend. Sustainable Energy First perform an independent billing health check to recover monies lost due to incorrect billing on electricity, gas, telecommunications and water. They negotiate with your utility suppliers to recover any costs from overpayments and correct any false or inaccurate information to help prevent future billing errors. Their team has recovered over £45 million in lost revenue for clients in a ten-year period.

Sustainability Projects: Sustainable Energy First turn raw data into enriched data-backed insights to sustainable and tangible opportunities to reduce carbon, optimise energy consumption and manage future energy costs.

Siteworks Team: Sustainable Energy First project manage all your gas, electric and water metering needs, ensuring that all parties involved are instructed and coordinated with the aim to providing a high level of service.

For more information visit sefirst.com