3 minute read
CHAMBER NEWS
I hope you are all feeling in the swing of things now that 2022 is underway. I didn’t get the crystal ball in my stocking which I was really hoping for, so I suppose it’s a case of pushing ahead, with a certain degree of caution!
I think 2022 will be challenging for different reasons: Government support has lessened so we need to make sure we are mindful of and plan for things like the end of business rate relief, VAT reduction, CBILs and Bounce Backs needing to be repaid, inflation nudging 5% and interest rates edging up.
After a brief spell in the office, Plan B means many of us will be working from home again and I think a lot of businesses and individuals are going to find this difficult. We need to keep momentum going, and I really believe collaboration is key to Cornwall’s recovery. Don’t let a screen stop you having those conversations you had planned to do over coffee - don’t let opportunities get missed.
At the Chamber, we have drawn up four policies that are key to focusing a business and making sure everyone is on the same path to achieving Cornwall Council’s ambition of Cornwall being net zero by 2030. The policies are informed by a need to ensure there is ample opportunity for our young people, and that the tourism sector remains buoyant.
The four policies are: Digital Infrastructure, Responsible Construction, Wellbeing in the Workplace, and Planet (that is conducting business with the purpose of being regenerative, progressive and sustainable); all areas that Cornwall can proudly lead on and is being recognised for.
Each policy looks at short, medium and long-term priorities, and the strategy for how to get there. The Chamber has included details of its commitment to each sector to help it achieve the priorities.
Whilst Cornwall Chamber is a B2B organisation, we have a responsibility to all of Cornwall’s businesses, including those under immense pressure in the Hospitality and Tourism sectors. Our focus over the next few months will therefore be on strategy for both B2B and B2C businesses.
We will concentrate on Productivity, looking at how we can do more with fewer people, invest in Artificial Intelligence, and attract and house the workers we need; and Reimagining Our Towns: how can the Duchy redesign its lovely community hubs for the next century? Look out for details of a series of forums on both these important topics.
Finally, you may have heard the news that Cornwall’s Festival of Business has been pushed back to June, and that means the date for Cornwall Business Fair has also changed. As much as I didn’t want to accept that plans for a more ‘normal’ 2022 were already being scuppered, it seems sensible to make sure as many people as possible attend events during the festival week, and most importantly, feel comfortable doing so.
The festival will now run from June 1317. Cornwall Business Fair: The Future of Business, will take place on Wednesday June 15.
Fingers Crossed for a good few months in business: stay positive and keep collaborating.
RISING TO THE CHALLENGE
WHY JOIN?
The 2022 Cornwall Business Fair is a special ‘Future of Business’ event, focused on how Cornwall will be doing business in the future. We’ll be showcasing lots of new technologies and green solutions and invite you to do the same.
Stands are still available and there are lots of opportunities to get your brand or new product in front of the Duchy’s key decision makers via sponsorship of an event like our BIG Breakfast or the Business Fair after party. The festival week will feature over 60 different events and we’d love to hear from any businesses that would like to host one. You’ll get lots of support from the Chamber, including help with marketing the event.
For more information on Cornwall’s Festival of Business or the Business Fair, visit www.cornwallchamber. co.uk/cornwall-business-fair or give us a call 01209 216006. Cornwall Chamber of Commerce is an independent not-for-profit organisation accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce. We solely exist to represent businesses in Cornwall. Our events provide a platform for businesses to connect, create and make valuable business relationships. Membership to the Chamber starts from as little as £17 +VAT per month and provides you with the tools to promote your business.
Get in touch today to have a chat about how we can support you and your business.
