Chamber News

CHAMBER NAMED AS ONE OF TOP COMPANIES TO WORK FOR

The organisation has been recognised for its commitment to workplace excellence with a place on the coveted list of the Top 20 Best Business Services to work for, Top 100 Best Business to work for in the Midlands and finally Top 100 Best Small Companies to work for in the UK (the 4th consecutive year on this list). It is an accolade that demonstrates an organisation that upholds the very highest workplace standards and genuinely cares about, and values, its employees. The achievement is especially impressive after the challenges of a global pandemic, during which time a number of new staff initiatives have been introduced to support employee wellbeing. These have included daily top tips for physical and mental wellbeing, a virtual resilience workshop, and numerous virtual events to help keep everyone connected. A photography competition was also introduced inspiring staff to get in touch with nature for Mental Health Awareness Week.

Dawn Hardman, HR Director, said: “We are delighted that we have been placed on 3 of the Best Companies to Work For 2021 lists. Staff engagement has always been a priority for us and has remained a key focus since the beginning of lockdown and the move to homeworking. “We recognised that ongoing staff activities, which bring people and teams together, had to be a priority during what has been a very challenging time for all. Staff engagement will continue to be a key focus of our HR strategy moving forward.”

Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) opening the Shell Store

SECRETARY OF STATE OPENS £7.3M SHELL STORE IN HEREFORD

The Chamber’s Herefordshire presence will be expanded with the opening of the Shell Store, which was officially opened by Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in June.

The Shell Store has a rich history, having been built in the First World War and used as an ordnance site during the Second World War. The project has developed commercial space within the existing building footprint, retaining much of the original factory including its steel roof structure.

The £7.3m refurbishment of the building has established more than 2,100 sq metres of employment space, with room for new and growing businesses to set up and expand alongside facilities for development and innovation.

The Marches Growth Hub, Hereford Enterprise Zone team, and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce will be located on site providing businesses with access to advice and support services.

PROMOTING NATURE AND ITS BENEFITS DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK

Monday 10 May marked the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Week, the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health.

The Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce joined businesses across the two counties in getting involved with shining a spotlight on mental health issues and promoting the benefits of nature. The Chamber ran a staff photography competition to coincide with the theme, where staff were encouraged to find their inner Attenborough and be at one with nature.

The best photographs were then used to create a collage to promote the message of Mental Health Awareness Week across all Chamber media.

As part of the Time to Change initiative, which looks to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health problems, the Chamber has its own Time to Change Champions who look to support the campaigns overall message. Dawn Hardman, HR Director at the Chamber, said: “We are pleased to be supporting and being involved in the promotion of Mental Health Awareness Week, particularly after the challenging times we have all experienced over the past year. “Our Time to Change team play a valuable part and are passionate about helping to end the stigma associated with mental health. This is more important than ever during these challenging times and as a local employer we believe we have a crucial role to play.”