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POLICY & REPRESENTATION Charlotte Ritchie Policy & Lobbying Director Recent years have seen very difficult trading conditions for most businesses and while there are challenging times ahead many businesses are now cautiously optimistic. It is in such challenging times that the role of the Chamber becomes more critical than ever. Government needs to know what businesses think and businesses need to be aware of the ever changing policy environment. This is important not just so businesses can keep up to date on what is happening but so that they can have a real opportunity to influence the shape of future policies, strategies and legislation. The Government has signalled its desire to work with businesses and continues to look for ways to rebalance the economy in favour of the private sector. For the Black Country this must involve our manufacturing sector; traditionally the core of the Black Country’s economy. It was in recognition of this that the Chamber set up a Manufacturing Taskforce to bring the substantial experience and expertise of our manufacturers together to see what can be done to address the issues facing the sector. The Business Forums remain a key feature of our policy work and have strengthened ties between the business community and the four Local Authorities. Members have welcomed the opportunity Chamber members participating to work directly with the in the Black Country LEP business Chief Executives and engagement event Leaders in local
Chamber members viewing live video feed of the budget
WEST MIDLANDS CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE 20 THE Directory 2011/2012
government and a good working relationship between the sectors has laid the foundation for progress in the year ahead. The Local Enterprise Partnership has ignited a process of opportunity for Black Country businesses who now find themselves with real influence over the future direction of regional strategy. The Chamber is working closely with the LEP to promote the interests of the business community and the Chamber’s Policy Groups have been restructured to provide a forum for all Members to influence the LEP. There are now 3 groups: ‘Business & Enterprise’, ‘Skills & Education’, and ‘Transport & Planning’. These groups are made up of businesses and lead by businesses, they will continue to work on your behalf and new members are always welcome. Government also travels to the Black Country and a notable example of this was the visit of a group of senior civil servants from the Treasury who met local businesses on 8th July to discuss the impact of the government’s economic policies on the region. The Chamber, in association with Alliance 4 the Black Country and the Express & Star hosted an exclusive event on Budget Day this year which saw around 70 members come together to watch the Chancellor deliver the Budget. Opportunity for debate and comment was lead by a panel of experts and following positive feedback the event will be repeated for future Budgets. The Chamber continues to enjoy a good relationship with local councillors, MPs, Ministers and other key decision makers and works to represent the interests of its members across a wide range of issues. Chambers of Commerce are at their best when they receive the full proactive support of all their members and the Black Country Chamber is no different. The business community must work collectively for real and constructive change as successful regeneration can only come about through the full and active participation of the local business community. If you are a Chamber member, committed to seeing progress in the Black Country and think you would enjoy being part of our policy work then please do get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you.
‘THE CHAMBER IS WORKING WITH THE LEP IN A NUMBER OF AREAS TO PROMOTE THE INTERESTS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY’