4 minute read
Chamber News 6
Businesses ‘Jumper for Joy’ with the return of Chamber festive event
Businesses got into the festive spirit with the return of the South Cheshire Chamber Christmas networking event.
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They came from across Crewe and Nantwich and beyond to enjoy Christmas networking with all the trimmings at Rookery Hall.
Many took the opportunity to raise a smile in their Christmas jumpers while meeting up for the first time in-person in December for many months. More than 50 people from a wide variety of business sectors across South Cheshire attended. There was a festive buffet in the Weaver Bar and draw to win a champagne afternoon tea donated by Rookery Hall. The event was combined with the Chamber’s AGM where Chief Executive Paul Colman thanked members for their support during an ‘incredibly difficult 12 months for all.’ He said:
“Last year’s Christmas networking was by Zoom due to the pandemic but there’s nothing like connecting with old acquaintances in person.
“It’s been a Chamber tradition for decades and we were thrilled to host an event where season’s greetings could be exchanged against the Christmassy backdrop of Rookery Hall. “It was chance also for the Chamber to say a big thank you to members for supporting us and indeed each other during an incredibly difficult period.”
The Chamber has represented the interests of business on a local and national level since it was founded as Crewe and Nantwich Business Link in 1995. In the New Year it will be introducing new benefits to members and networking will be in full swing from January 28 when the first event will be a Final Friday breakfast at Aqueduct Marina. Paul added: “South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce is known across the region for all the excellent work it does for the community.
“We have a long history of working with local businesses, large and small, offering expert advice and a shoulder when times are tough. We look forward to welcoming more onboard in 2022.
Being part of the Chamber yields many benefits including a chance to grow business through a network of contacts, international trade advice, news updates through a dedicated member portal and busy calendar of events offering a platform to make new connections and share current business thinking.
Members also receive exclusive use of prime office space for meetings.
_ For more information on membership call 01270 445404 or visit sccci.co.uk
MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT & CHAIR A message from our President
It's great to see things beginning to get back to some sort of normality which means that I have been able to get involved again with some of the duties attached to my role as President which usually take place at this time of the year.
The Annual Remembrance Day Services in Crewe and Nantwich came back on stream this year and as usual it was a privilege to lay a wreath on behalf of the Chamber alongside many of the other civic, forces, and community organisations in our area. This year’s services at both Crewe and Nantwich drew larger than usual crowds which I think is a reflection of the increasing sense of community spirit that has emerged during the pandemic. It was also good to see the return of the Chamber Business Awards, and to have the opportunity to meet and listen to our fantastic speaker Simon Weston CBE who had a strong message for
our members about the importance of re-inventing themselves, being resilient, and adapting to changing circumstances in his truly inspirational speech.
As the evening unfolded in front of a record audience, it was clear to see that these attributes are alive and well in South Cheshire since all of the entrants had demonstrated all of these things in abundance.
It was recently time for me to carry out my duties in presiding over the Chambers Annual General Meeting which although not one of the most exciting events of the year, is nevertheless an important opportunity for members to hear about the Chambers performance and its strategies and plans for the future.
This year’s face to face AGM, which was a big improvement on last years “virtual” one, was combined with the Christmas Networking Lunch which is always a well attended and enjoyable occasion.
The Chambers Business Council has continued to meet on a virtual basis throughout the pandemic and has been focussing on how the Chamber and its members can contribute to the work of the Crewe Town Board which is now well established under the sound leadership of Doug Kinsman. I am looking forward to getting back as soon as possible to holding meetings in person.
The Northern Chambers of Commerce Regional Assembly comprising of Chamber Presidents, Chairman and Chief Executives is another activity that is starting to re- gain some momentum. Although at the moment it meets in a virtual format, we will hopefully soon be able to get around the table to discuss the important issues of the day affecting businesses in the north of England. The main topic of recent meetings has been the “levelling up” agenda in relation to what this means in practice, and what role Chambers of Commerce can play.
