Chief Executive’s comment

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Chief Executive’s comments

As 2022 draws to a close we have seen a festive increase in event bookings. Our two recently held Christmas lunch events were very well-attended and we hope that this fantastic uptake for face-to-face events continues into 2023 allowing our members better opportunities to network, build connections and share knowledge and expertise. You can find the upcoming events we’ve already confirmed for the first three months of 2023 on page 44 so start getting dates in your diaries. Don’t forget to keep an eye on our website and social media channels for details of other events as they are confirmed – there’s plenty more coming up. This month’s issue of connected has some great content from our members and connections. Read an article from the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in London announcing the first ever commercial and investment attaché at the rank of Minister Plenipotentiary on page 10. Find out why Chamber member TJ Property & Development will be appearing on the BBC TV programme ‘Homes Under the Hammer’ and hear from Peterborough Positive about their search for City Centre Ambassadors.

You can also read about how to get involved in the regions Local Skills Improvement Plan, known as the LSIP. Earlier in the year the Chamber successfully bid to lead the development and delivery of the LSIP for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough on behalf of the Department for Education. We’ll be working closely with fellow business representative organisations to ensure strong dialogue and engagement with businesses from across the region and look forward to driving this important agenda forward to take a local approach to addressing skills gaps. The Chamber is one of 32 Accredited Chambers of Commerce leading LSIPs across the country, supported by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Turn to page 35 to find out more about the project and how you can become involved. Last month I was pleased to host Rachel Stopard, Chief Executive of Greater Cambridge Partnership, at one of our private roundtable sessions reserved for patrons and special guests. This was an ideal opportunity for Rachel to discuss the Making Connections 2022 Consultation with local businesses and guests relished the opportunity to ask questions and hear more about the consultation direct from Rachel. You can find the survey yourselves, plus information about the proposals, including an interactive map, frequently asked questions, dates of public meetings and ways you can share your thoughts at www.greatercambridge.org. uk/mc-2022. The consultation is open until midday on Friday 23 December. Please do share this with your teams to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have their say. To find out more about becoming a Patron and joining us for future roundtable sessions, please do get in touch by emailing chamber@cambscci.co.uk. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members a Merry Christmas and a healthy New Year. I look forward to connecting with each of you again after the festive period and continuing to work together in our battle against the rising costs of doing business and in our efforts in rebuilding our economy.

VIC ANNELLS Chief Executive

Chamber Patron Members