It’s great to be able to start with news that affects all businesses: mitigating energy costs and hopefully helping many businesses avoid insolvency. Through a new Government Energy Bill Relief Scheme, the Government will provide a discount on wholesale gas and electricity prices for all non-domestic customers (including all UK businesses, the voluntary sector like charities and the public sector such as schools and hospitals) whose current gas and electricity prices have been significantly inflated in light of global energy prices. This support will be equivalent to the Energy Price Guarantee put in place for households. Excellent news, and I’m hoping there is potential to extend the scheme beyond the six months, ending March 2023, following a planned review three months into the scheme.
Personally, I’ve taken some time out over the last few weeks to get the work–life balance in order, so don’t have a lot of Chamber news to report. The Chamber, of course, continues to deliver numerous events right through to the summer months.
One notable event was our Board meeting on the 27th September where Ben Mannion, Hewett Recruitment, handed over the Presidency of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce to Mark Smith, Lloyds Bank. Ben has been a Board member for six years, with the last two as President. Many thanks to Ben for his input and support for our local Chamber – he continues to be a Patron Member, so we’ll be seeing him at many Chamber events.
Upcoming events include an International Trade Roundtable with representation from the British Chamber of Commerce. I’m chairing and facilitating the event on the 4th October. Please don’t forget it’s the Chamber Business Expo on the 13th October at the Three Counties Showground. The event stands are sold out but I would encourage you to visit and network, with upwards of 1,000 like-minded professionals on the day.
Until next time, Mike.