SURREY CHAMBERS – WORKING FOR YOU There have been some very happy faces on social media recently as hospitality venues have welcomed customers back into their premises. The number of weddings planned in the next few weeks is massive! Meanwhile, we continue to feedback to government on things that still need to be addressed. We have recently published new survey data which shows that the vast majority of responding businesses (78%) have no plans in place to require evidence of vaccination from customers, suppliers or employees. This research shows that government must quickly clarify what measures will be required for businesses to maintain safety standards after we reach the final stage of the roadmap on June 21st. In particular, they must resolve the ongoing debate around the use of vaccine certification, providing clear and decisive guidance to business allowing them sufficient time to plan.
Update on Skills work
As we went to press last month Surrey Chambers was bidding to government to lead on a Local Skills Improvement
Plan trailblazer. In order to get upto-date feedback, we came out to the business community and within a few days received 150 responses. The areas of skills demand with the highest priority were customer service, professional services and digital, and we were able to highlight this in our report. With regard to barriers to accessing skills we received a rich set of information, which we will be sharing with skills providers as we go forward, regardless of whether we are selected to run a trailblazer. Anyone keen to be part of a skills action group should contact us.
Looking after the planet
Ahead of COP26, the 2021 United Nations climate change conference, taking place in Glasgow from November 1st-12th, and as part of the Chamber Network worldwide, we are amplifying the net zero message. We are encouraging all businesses to sign up to the official SME Climate Commitment via the UK Business Climate Hub which provides businesses access to assets and promotional materials to publicise their
❛❛ In particular, they must resolve the ongoing debate around
the use of vaccine certification, providing clear and decisive guidance to business allowing them sufficient time to plan. ❜❜
4
