MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT & CHAIR
A message from our Chair It’s hard to believe that already we are approaching Christmas and the end of yet another year that has been full of disruption and difficulty. However, the Chamber Business Awards last month was such an inspirational event and a real cause for celebration as we saw in our finalists, businesses who have not just survived the last 20 months (and longer!) but have used the changes to reinvent themselves. Organisations haven’t stayed still, but have moved forward, taking the opportunity to rethink strategy, rebuild the business and adapt to the world that we now live in. So too, lockdown gave the Chamber cause to rethink and like many others we began to review how we could really make a difference within the business community and beyond. We knew the world would never be the same again – working habits have changed, priorities have shifted, supply chains have been threatened and there are skills shortages across the board. The Chamber needs to be an organisation that doesn’t just respond to these changes but supports businesses in driving change. We need to be sure that we are relevant and fit for purpose, offering businesses in this new era what they need. Many of you have responded to our survey which was designed to inform our strategy by exploring what you want from the Chamber, and for that we are grateful.
As a result, you will see in this edition of the magazine, the steps that we have taken to deliver the value and support that you as an individual organisation have identified. You will read about the major launch of our new membership packages, designed to give you exactly what is right for your business so that you receive the Chamber benefits that meet your needs and will support your business. You will also notice that we are putting in place a new portal and a system that supports your membership and facilitates communication with us and other members as well as keeping you informed of important developments, locally and nationally.
"We are also relaunching the Chamber Brand. Clearly this means nothing if it is not supported by a clear vision that aims to deliver value to our members. The Chamber strives to be an essential element of the business community, where membership opens up not just opportunities, but offers the support that will help businesses to realise these opportunities."
As we prepare to welcome in the New Year, we are very excited to also welcome what is a new era for the region: a Chamber that is forward thinking, vibrant and relevant to the workplace of the future; a Town Board that drives change in Crewe; and where HS2 becomes a reality, bringing new skills and opportunities for the region. There is much to be hopeful for in 2022. Finally, may Christmas this year remind us of the joys of celebrating and sharing with friends and family.
Dr Diane Wright PhD MA BA (Hons) Chair of the Chamber South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry
OLD BRAND IDENTITY
NEW LOOK 2021
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