Annual Global Conference

The British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) Annual Global Conference 2022 took place on Thursday 30 June at the QEII Conference Centre, London. The British Chambers of Commerce Director General, Shevaun Haviland, welcomed delegates to the event and made the opening speech. Her opening included the following messages: “The diversity and vibrance of the economies of our regions and nations is something to behold. And across all of these communities, and in communities around the globe, are the Chambers of Commerce, using the power of partnership to support businesses to build connections, and create opportunities. “However, we all know that businesses are facing unprecedented challenges, exacerbated by the conflict in Europe, which follows a once in a lifetime pandemic that literally brought life as we know it to a halt. “Increasing cost of raw materials over last summer, supply chain and shipping issues, problems in recruiting people, and by this March spiralling energy prices. It really is the perfect storm of increasing costs, firmly putting the brakes on recovery. “But there is another side to this story that is often under-reported. When I speak to businesses I hear one thing – resilience. Business owners got through the pandemic using their ingenuity, taking tough decisions, and holding their nerve. “Now, again, in the face of difficult economic conditions, they are showing their entrepreneurial spirit - innovating, finding solutions, looking forward, and always holding on to an unfailing belief in their own business, even if they are losing faith in the environment around them. And to me that is inspiring. And that is what motivates me, and all of us across the Chamber Network, to keep supporting our businesses, to keep speaking to Government and to keep working together to create the conditions for these businesses – your businesses – to thrive. “Because there is power in partnership. During the pandemic, the Government listened to businesses, stepped in, and gave vital support just when it was needed – this was a great example of our Network and Government working in partnership. And, of course, our discussions with Government continue. Ahead of the spring statement we urged the government to temporarily reverse their commitment to raise National Insurance Contributions and to support businesses with energy costs. “However, the Spring Statement was a missed opportunity. We saw some support for business, but the lack of a clear strategic direction meant it did not give clarity or confidence. This has to change and we are on limited time. The Government has until the autumn budget to reset, rethink and get their house in order.”

Through thought-provoking discussions, talks and peer-to-peer sessions, delegates explored and debated how we can individually and collectively rise to the challenges ahead, with a particular focus on:

• PEOPLE - Developing talent now and for the future • PLANET - Boosting a green global economy • PROGRESS - Seizing new opportunities

Away from the sessions there was also networking time for delegates to greet existing contacts and meet new ones; and we showcased our dynamic network of Chambers and strategic partners.

The 2022 conference welcomed speakers and partners including: • The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer • The Rt Hon Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP, Secretary of State for International Trade • Bobby Seagull, Maths Teacher, Broadcaster, Author & Investment Banker • Mary Portas, Founder, Portas and Co-Chair of the Better Business Act • Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; current Chair of The Elders • Andrew Harrison, Managing Director, Business Banking NatWest Commercial Banking

GLOBAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2023

The next Global Annual Conference will be returning on Wednesday 17 May 2023 in the QEII Centre, London.

BCC Global Annual Conference 2023 will bring together business leaders, policy experts, media and government representatives to tackle important business issues and create lasting change. At the BCC, with our network of national and international Chambers, we are on a mission to help businesses thrive in Trade, Skills, the Economy and Net Zero.

Local technology start-up nominated as national finalists “Best New Business” at the 2022 SME Business Awards

Launched back in September, local technology start-up Cambridge Kinetics has gone from strength to strength, turning a student’s glimmer of an idea into a fully-fledged multi award-winning small business. Offering software development solutions, including CRM & ERP, Cambridge Kinetics has a mission of supporting local businesses to get the digital systems they need to operate effectively and efficiently. Founded by Jason Mashinchi, Cambridge Kinetics was started soon after graduating with distinction from Trinity Hall at the University of Cambridge. Jason holds a master’s degree in Industrial Systems, Manufacturing and Management, in addition to a first-class degree in Computer Science – and combining the two has proved a powerful combination. Within a few months of operations, the company won the Huntingdonshire SME ‘Best New Business’ Gold Award, narrowly beating sister company Cambridge Support, who came close behind with the silver. As the team expanded from a solo enterprise to a seven-person business, the opening of their new office in the prestigious St John’s Innovation Centre shortly followed. In May of this year, the Cambridge-based start-up went onto achieve full ISO 9001 certification after months of hard work and preparation for the rigorous audits. In addition, they have achieved full Cyber Essentials certification, a scheme backed by the UK Government and supported by the Federation of Small Businesses and the CBI. Their rapid growth and achievements didn’t stop there. Cambridge Kinetics went on to be invited to attend the inaugural Cambridgeshire County Day as part of the AstraZeneca Entrepreneurship marquee. Cambridge Kinetics were amongst over 100 businesses, and the event even got a last-minute visit from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. To top things off, Cambridge Kinetics have made it to the finals of the National SME Business Awards 2022, held in December at Wembley Stadium in London. Cambridge Kinetics works with organisations of all sizes, from ambitious start-ups, all the way to established industrial businesses, helping every client to put their digital technology ideas into motion and achieve success. The company has come on leaps and bounds in a short space of time and continues to make waves within the industry.