I’ve recently highlighted the measures some companies and organisations are taking to help their staff mitigate the significant cost of living increases we are all seeing. It’s also pleasing to see action being taken at local council level.
The government’s Shared Prosperity Fund was set up to support communities, groups, businesses, as well as boost skills and jobs. It aimed to replace EU grants to help poorer regions.
Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) have received £2.5 million from this fund so far, with some of the money going towards improving some of the district’s town centres including Upton and Malvern Link. Funds are used to support community arts projects with £175,000 already committed, plus £1 million towards the cost-of-living crises. MHDC are expected to shortly agree on how to spend a further £865,000, and hopefully an additional £350,000 from the government ‘levelling up’ fund, on measures to ease cost of living pressures.
All great news and we hope MHDC can make this happen.
I will be chairing the next Chamber board meeting in December and when I review the board papers I’m always taken by the level of activity and engagement over Events, Training and Membership that the Chamber organises. 123 events were held in 2021/22, the 10th highest number of all 53 accredited Chambers of Commerce in the UK: 209 training courses the 2nd highest number and 80 Patron and Strategic Members the 3rd highest. Our membership employs 72,479 staff across the two counties and a few out of area members (almost 6 times the capacity of Sixways Stadium). Considering the geographical location, and not having any major cities to provide Membership, your Chamber is doing a great job supporting members.
One point I would like to make is that a lot of the Chamber activity is around networking with like-minded businesses, organisations, and individuals. However, only 46% of members make use of our organised events. My message is ‘bring a member contact next time you come to an event’.
I’ve included further Chamber activities in my Chair’s Report which will be published in the next Business Direction Magazine (which has 10,850 readers) due out soon. I hope you’re able to make time to read it.
This is my last business Round Up for this year, so my best wishes for the festive season to you all, Mike.