connected magazine summer 2026

Your Chamber News

Summer 2026

Peterborough Centenary Dinner 100 years. One historic night.

CambsB2B North – A record-breaking success!

PLUS

All the latest news from businesses across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Stamford

AI Academy – What would you do with an extra 122 hours a year?

BIG, BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

Large-scale cleanroom facilities that break the mould

www.cleanroom-solutions.co.uk sales@guardtech.com

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Connections that count Chief Executive Charlotte Horobin Editor Shauna Kelly Advertising Shauna Kelly marketing@cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk Membership Team 01223 237414 membership@cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk Chamber Contact Details Clifford House, 2 Station Yard, Oakington, Cambridge, CB24 3AH Tel 01223 237414 Email enquiries@cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk Web www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk @CambsChamber Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce @CambsChamber

Views expressed in connected are not necessarily these of Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce. Acceptance of advertisements does not imply official endorsement of the products or services concerned. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of editorial content, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and/or omissions.

The editor reserves the right to make amendments without notification.

As we move through summer, there’s a real sense of excitement across the Chamber as we prepare for a significant milestone in our history. This autumn, we’ll celebrate 100 years of the Chamber in Peterborough with a special Centenary Dinner at the historic Peterborough Cathedral on Thursday 24 September.

This prestigious evening promises to be a memorable celebration of our business community, bringing together members, partners, stakeholders and supporters to recognise our shared achievements and look ahead to the future. A highlight of the evening will be the official unveiling of the Peterborough Top 100 – recognising the those that are driving growth, innovation, and success across our local economy.

Whether you’re booking an individual ticket, or inviting colleagues and clients and hosting a table, it’s an occasion not to be missed. For businesses looking to raise their profile, a limited number of sponsorship opportunities are also available, offering a unique platform to showcase your brand at this landmark event. Head to page 27 to find out more.

Throughout the year, our networking events continue to bring businesses together to share ideas, build relationships and create new opportunities.

Whether you’re a familiar face or attending for the first time, investing time in growing your network can have a lasting impact on your business.

“Our expert international trade team supports organisations working overseas, helping them navigate international markets and unlock new opportunities for growth.”

challenges facing businesses today: artificial intelligence. Across pages 39-43, members of our business community share their insights into how AI is transforming the workplace, boosting productivity and creating real opportunities for growth.

Thank you for continuing to be part of our Chamber community. I hope to see many of you over the coming months. As always, I am here to help and would be delighted to discuss how we can support your marketing goals.

Whether you’re interested in featuring your business in a future edition of connected, exploring the marketing benefits of Chamber membership, or simply want to find out how we can help raise your profile, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at marketing@ cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk.

As businesses continue to explore new markets, we’re also here to help you expand internationally with confidence. Our expert international trade team supports organisations working overseas, helping them navigate international markets and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Read the latest global trade news and updates on pages 14-15.

This edition also shines a spotlight on one of the biggest opportunities and

Shauna Kelly, Editor connected | Summer 2026

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CONTENTS

Inside this issue

A record-breaking success!

16

What would you do with an extra 122 hours a year?

26

400 guests. 100 years. 100 awards.

One historic night

27

CEO Comment

5

Conference and Events

32

Hear From the Board

6

Confident Conversations

33

Policy

8

Member Updates

35

Keeping Cambridge Moving 24/7

12

The Exit Journey

37

Global

13

Location-Based Marketing

38

CambsB2B North

16

Understanding AI

39

CambsB2B South

18

Patron Updates

44

Investing in Business

19

Event Roundups

46

Skills

20

New Members

48

AI Academy

26

Member Benefits

49

Peterborough Centenary Dinner

27

Stay Connected

50

Developing Local Talent

28

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CEO COMMENT

Opportunity is clear, delivery is critical Businesses across Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Stamford continue to show remarkable resilience, but we cannot ignore the challenging economic backdrop they are operating in.

That message came through clearly during British Chambers of Commerce Director General Shevaun Haviland’s recent visit to the region. At our Great Business Debate, held as part of the visit, 55% of businesses said the UK is not currently a great place to do business, a finding that was later covered by The Sunday Times.

That should be a wake-up call. Our latest Quarterly Economic Survey reinforces the same message, showing firms under pressure from rising costs, recruitment challenges, weakening global demand and reduced capacity partly due to the conflict in the Middle East.

It is therefore no surprise that only 11% of respondents reported increased overseas sales, while just 6% saw overseas orders rise. That points to a weakening global market and underlines the need for practical support to help businesses trade with confidence. At the same time, 73% of businesses that tried to recruit experienced difficulties, and 67% are operating below capacity.

Cost pressures remain severe, with global instability, including conflict in the Middle East, adding further strain.

Utilities are now cited as a significant pressure by 74% of firms, up from

62% last quarter, while fuel concerns have risen from 32% to 57%. With 65% expecting prices to rise, and inflation and taxation cited by 66% as key concerns, businesses are seeing profits eroded as costs continue to climb.

These figures matter because they show that while businesses are still ambitious, confidence cannot be taken for granted. Employers want to invest, recruit and grow, but they need the right conditions to do so.

That is why the developments covered in this edition are so important.

The establishment of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation, the opening of Cambridge South station, progress on the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) and major private investment, such as Universal’s planned resort, all point to the scale of opportunity across our region.

Businesses need infrastructure that comes before pressure becomes unmanageable, housing that supports the workforce, transport that connects people to jobs, and policy decisions that reflect the realities employers face every day.

The Chamber has played an active role in these conversations, from contributing to the LVEP working group as the sole sector stakeholder and supporting consultation engagement around the Development Corporation, being cited by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government in the consultation results, to making the

Charlotte Horobin, CEO

“At our Great Business Debate, held as part of the visit, 55% of businesses said the UK is not currently a great place to do business, a finding that was later covered by The Sunday Times.” case for supply chain opportunities linked to major investment. Our focus is simple: ensuring business needs are heard, understood and acted upon.

Our region has extraordinary strengths in innovation, science, skills, culture, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and enterprise. We’re actively working across key economic corridors and innovation zones, investment in our region supports UK growth.

Businesses are ready to play their part, but they need certainty, infrastructure and a policy environment that supports ambition. The Chamber will continue to champion that message on behalf of our members and the wider regional economy.

Chamber Patron Members

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HEAR FROM THE BOARD

From the Chair We continue to lead our businesses through unpredictable times. As we face global and domestic disruption, I was reminded by Andy Haldane at his inaugural British Chambers President’s Lunch that business must not take a ‘duvet day’, we must be resolute.

It is therefore essential that the Chamber must continue to invest in our technology, team and services to provide the very best support for business to tackle the hurdles that lie ahead.

As a British Chamber we have the advantage of being part of one of the world’s largest business networks.

Geopolitical events have once again sent shock waves across economies and supply chains. Exports to the Middle East have shown a noticeable reduction versus prior year. We know full well the fastest route to growth is export therefore it’s essential that we provide strategic

support for you to navigate through unprecedented waters. In partnership with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office we are proud to continue to promote our joint initiative the Diplomatic Advisory Hub. This expert team are providing practical geopolitical and diplomatic insight to help navigate overseas market conditions, trade risks and supply chain disruptions.

We must remain competitive as a nation; productivity is underpinned by the adoption of technology and access to a suitably skilled workforce.

We’ve been proud to launch the AI Academy, an accessible platform, that takes you and your teams through a tailored programme making adoption a reality and boosting productivity. You can read more on page 26. July also brings the launch of the Local Skills Improvement Plan, which places the needs of employers at the heart of the skills system. It is critical our educators

Faye Holland, Chair

can shape a curriculum and experience to enable access to opportunity and take much needed steps to connect residents to rewarding, meaningful employment.

Our membership continues to grow; our voice is reaching every corner of the region and being recognised nationally and globally. We’ve also migrated our digital infrastructure to a new system, in a step to provide members with a more bespoke service, driving value from your member benefits at exactly the time you need them.

As we look forwards, we will continue to press the point that taxing businesses further will be a road to ruin. We have a region that is loaded with opportunity.

Our message is simple. Back business and we will deliver.

Chamber CEO takes the leap for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity The Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce is delighted to celebrate the incredible fundraising success of CEO Charlotte Horobin, as well as 15 other courageous participants in taking on a 15,000ft skydive in support of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Taking the leap in April, the team has now raised an impressive £26,689, thanks to the generosity and support of businesses, friends and the wider community. Representatives from the group recently had the pleasure of presenting the charity with a cheque for the fantastic total.

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Arthur Rank Hospice Charity provides outstanding palliative and end-of-life care, as well as vital support for patients and their families across Cambridgeshire.

Every donation helps the charity continue delivering compassionate care when it is needed most.

While the skydive may be over, the opportunity to support this important cause remains. If you would like to help Arthur Rank Hospice Charity continue its invaluable work, donations are still welcome. Head to arhc.enthuse.com/ donate-single to donate.

Together, we can make a real difference for local families when they need it most.

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Success stories across sectors.

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POLICY

Quarterly Economic Survey Q2 2026 The Q2 results present a mixed picture for the regional economy, with signs of improving domestic activity offset by mounting cost pressures and continued global uncertainty. UK sales increased for 33% of businesses, up from 25% in Q1, while UK orders rose from 20% to 31%, highlighting stronger demand in the domestic market.

Businesses remain under significant pressure. Fuel costs have emerged as a major concern, rising sharply from 32% in Q1 to 57% in Q2, while utilities increased from 62% to 74%.

Recruitment difficulties have also intensified, with 73% of firms struggling to recruit staff, up from 67% in Q1, and profitability expectations have deteriorated significantly, with 42% expecting profits to worsen compared with 24% in the previous quarter.

The findings show businesses are continuing to adapt, but underline the need for action to reduce costs, support exporters and restore confidence for investment and growth.

Price Rise Pressures

74%

Utilities Raw Material Prices

55%

Fuel

54% 41%

Other Overheads Finance Costs 0%

27% 20%

40%

60%

80%

47%

66%

Top Factors Affecting Businesses

27% Interest Rates

67%

84%

Labour Costs

66% Inflation

11%

Exchange Rates

25%

Competition

Business Rates

Taxation

Recruitment

of firms are currently operating below capacity Experienced difficulties recruiting

27%

81%

43%

For full-time roles

For part-time roles

21%

61%

For temporary roles

Have tried recruiting

Yes No

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connected | Summer 2026

73%

POLICY

Visitor economy gains national status: what does it mean for business?

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have secured Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) status, giving the region a stronger national voice and a clearer route to growing one of its most important sectors.

For businesses, the key question is: so, what?

The answer: This is not just about tourism. It is about footfall, investment, jobs, infrastructure, skills and the way our region presents itself to visitors, conference organisers, investors and future employees.

The visitor economy already contributes £2 billion a year to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough and supports around 40,000 jobs. With LVEP status now confirmed by VisitEngland, the region has an opportunity to move from fragmented promotion to a more coordinated approach that benefits hospitality, retail, culture, leisure, transport, accommodation, events and wider supply chains.

We played an active role as part of the LVEP working group, helping to ensure the voice of business was reflected throughout the process.

As the partnership developed, the Chamber worked alongside destination organisations, local authorities, cultural bodies and tourism partners to support a shared regional approach with employers at its heart.

That business voice will continue to be important. LVEP status gives the region a recognised place within the national visitor economy framework, creating a stronger route into government and VisitEngland. This should help local partners make the case for the investment and infrastructure needed to support growth.

For businesses, that could mean better destination marketing, stronger visitor data, more joined-up campaigns and a clearer focus on encouraging people to stay longer, spend more and explore more of the area.

The opportunity is wider than leisure tourism. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough have world-class strengths in science, innovation, heritage, culture, agriculture, education and enterprise.

A stronger visitor economy can support conferences, business events and investor visits, helping the region tell a more confident story to national and international audiences.

Collaboration will be essential. Visitors do not experience the region through administrative boundaries. They move between towns, attractions, venues, restaurants, transport networks and events.

A joined-up approach creates the chance to spread the benefits more widely, from Cambridge’s global profile and Peterborough’s connectivity to

Ely’s heritage, Fenland’s landscapes, Huntingdonshire’s market towns and the wider rural and cultural offer.

There is also a workforce angle. Growth will increase demand for skills in hospitality, customer service, digital marketing, events, transport and management. For employers already facing recruitment and cost pressures, workforce planning must remain part of the conversation.

LVEP status is a welcome step, but its success will depend on delivery. The Chamber will continue to keep business needs central, ensuring the partnership focuses on practical outcomes that support employers.

For local firms, the message is clear: this is a chance to help shape how the region grows its visitor economy. If national recognition is turned into local action, the benefits could strengthen high streets, support jobs, attract investment and raise the profile of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

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POLICY

Greater Cambridge Development Corporation: turning ambition into delivery The Government’s decision to establish the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation marks a major moment for the region’s growth ambitions.

Announced by Government in June, the new body is intended to accelerate the delivery of homes, jobs and infrastructure across Greater Cambridge.

Backed by up to £800 million of government investment, it will bring together land for development, help unlock stalled sites and support an “infrastructure-first” approach to growth.

For businesses, this matters because Greater Cambridge’s success is increasingly constrained by the basics: housing affordability, transport capacity, utilities, skills and the ability of employers to attract and retain talent. The region has world-class strengths in science, innovation, education and enterprise, but growth cannot be sustained if employees cannot afford to live locally, if journeys are unreliable, or if essential infrastructure fails to keep pace.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves described Greater Cambridge as a “powerhouse for regional growth” and central to the wider Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor. That national recognition is welcome, but the real test will be whether it leads to visible delivery on the ground.

Backed by up to £800 million of government investment, it will bring together land for development, help unlock stalled sites and support an “infrastructure-first” approach to growth.

The appointment of David Hill as the first Chief Executive of the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation is an important next step. David brings senior experience from central government, including roles at Defra and previous local government experience at Essex County Council. He is due to take up the role in September 2026 and will be responsible for helping turn the Corporation from policy proposal into delivery body.

The Chamber has welcomed the establishment of the Development Corporation as a key step towards sustainable regional growth. Businesses have long called for housing, transport and essential infrastructure to be planned and delivered together, rather than treated as separate challenges.

That business voice has already been recognised. In its consultation results, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government cited Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce as one of the established networks that helped support communication about the consultation. For the Chamber, this underlines the importance of ensuring employers are part of the conversation from the outset.

“The region has worldclass strengths in science, innovation, education and enterprise, but growth cannot be sustained if employees cannot afford to live locally, if journeys are unreliable, or if essential infrastructure fails to keep pace.”

Greater Cambridge has extraordinary potential, but potential alone is not enough.

The Development Corporation must now help create the conditions for growth that is sustainable, inclusive and deliverable.

The Chamber will continue to represent the voice of business as this work progresses, making the case for investment, certainty and infrastructureled growth that benefits the whole regional economy.

The Development Corporation will need to work closely with local councils, communities, landowners, infrastructure providers and businesses. Growth must not be imposed in isolation. It must be shaped with local input, delivered transparently and focused on practical outcomes.

For employers, the priorities are clear: infrastructure before pressure builds further, housing that supports the workforce, transport that improves access to jobs, and commercial space that allows firms to expand.

Connor Butler, Engagement Manager

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POLICY

Policy Updates: what businesses need to know Local election results: a more fragmented political map

King’s Speech

The local elections showed a clear shift away from traditional two-party politics across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

However, many businesses are still under pressure. The Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey showed that labour costs remain a major concern, while many firms continue to operate below full capacity. International trade also remains challenging for a significant number of businesses.

In Cambridge, Labour remained the largest party despite losing seats, while the Green Party doubled its representation. The Liberal Democrats strengthened their dominance in South Cambridgeshire, winning 43 of 45 seats. In Huntingdonshire, no party secured overall control, with the Liberal Democrats emerging as the largest group and Reform UK making notable gains. Peterborough also remained under no overall control, with Reform UK increasing its presence.

For businesses, the key takeaway is that local politics is becoming more fragmented. That could mean more negotiation, coalitionbuilding and scrutiny around decisions on planning, transport, infrastructure, town centres, skills and economic development.

Employers will want to see councils focus on stability and delivery, regardless of political make-up. The priority must be practical action that supports growth, unlocks investment and ensures local decision-making reflects the needs of businesses as well as residents.

Fit note reform Fit note reform is a necessary step in improving how employers and employees manage sickness absence and return to work.

The current system can leave employers without clear timelines, practical guidance or enough detail on workplace adjustments.

Reform should help people stay in work where possible, return safely when they are ready and give employers clearer advice on how best to support that process.

This is not about forcing people back before they are well.

It is about making the system more useful, responsive and focused on what employees can do with the right support.

For firms managing labour shortages, rising employment costs and capacity constraints, clearer guidance could make a practical difference.

The King’s Speech came alongside signs of economic resilience, with the UK economy growing by 0.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2026.

“The Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey showed that labour costs remain a major concern, while many firms continue to operate below full capacity.”

Measures around late payments, infrastructure and longterm growth are welcome, but firms now need delivery.

Announcements must translate into practical reform, greater certainty and a policy environment that gives businesses the confidence to invest, recruit and expand.

Cambridge South station opening Cambridge South station opened to passengers Sunday 28 June 2026, becoming the first Great British Railwaysbranded station in the country.

Located next to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the new station will improve access to one of Europe’s leading life sciences, healthcare and research clusters. It will provide direct connections to Cambridge, London, Birmingham, Stansted Airport and onward international rail services via St Pancras.

The station is expected to welcome 1.8 million passengers a year and support better access to jobs, housing, healthcare and business growth. For employers, this is a major infrastructure milestone, strengthening connectivity to a key economic hub and helping the region attract talent, investment and innovation.

connected | Summer 2026

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KEEPING CAMBRIDGE MOVING 24/7

24/7/365 International Logistics, Customs & Air Freight Solutions

Speedy Freight: Keeping Cambridge connected locally, nationally, and internationally.

For businesses across Cambridge, logistics is about far more than moving goods from A to B. Whether you’re supplying customers overseas, importing specialist components, or working to demanding production schedules, you need a logistics partner that keeps your business moving, no matter the challenge.

Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Speedy Freight Cambridge supports businesses throughout the CB postcode with dedicated courier services, freight solutions, customs clearance and international logistics. Combining local knowledge with the strength of a national and international network, we help companies move goods efficiently across the UK, Europe and worldwide, giving them the confidence to focus on growth rather than logistics.

Local expertise, global reach As a Cambridge-based team, we understand the pace and demands of the local business community while providing access to a network of more than 60 Speedy Freight branches across the UK, US and Europe, supported by over 4,000 vehicles. Whether you’re shipping urgent products to Germany, delivering directly into France or arranging air freight to destinations in the US or further afield, we build

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connected | Summer 2026

transport solutions around your business, not the other way around.

Our dedicated European road transport services mean consignments travel directly to their destination without unnecessary handling, delays or coloading, helping protect valuable goods while meeting critical delivery deadlines.

Air freight for time-critical shipments When every hour matters, our air freight services provide a fast and dependable route to global markets.

Working with trusted international carrier partners, we arrange costeffective air freight solutions tailored to your timescales and priorities.

From urgent replacement components and high-value products to specialist consignments, every shipment is managed with care. We also provide expert advice on documentation, packing and compliance, helping avoid costly delays while keeping your supply chain moving.

Customs clearance made simple For many businesses, customs can be one of the biggest barriers to international trade. Incorrect paperwork or commodity codes can quickly lead to delays, unexpected costs and dissatisfied customers.

Our experienced team manages customs declarations, documentation, commodity codes and liaison with customs authorities for both imports and exports. By simplifying post-

Brexit trading requirements and international customs procedures, we help businesses move goods across borders efficiently and compliantly.

Supporting Cambridge’s key industries From life sciences and pharmaceuticals to technology, engineering and manufacturing, Cambridge is home to world-leading businesses that depend on reliable logistics. Whether transporting temperature-sensitive products, urgent production parts or valuable equipment, we understand what’s at stake and deliver with precision, reliability and care.

Why businesses choose Speedy Freight Cambridge Businesses choose Speedy Freight because they need more than a courier.

They need a responsive logistics partner that understands the importance of keeping operations running, customers satisfied and supply chains resilient.

With 24/7 availability, dedicated transport, international shipping expertise and comprehensive customs support, we’re proud to help Cambridge businesses trade with confidence, wherever opportunity takes them.

Contact Speedy Freight Cambridge Email: cambridge@speedyfreight.com Telephone: 01223 643 090 Website: www.speedyfreight.com

GLOBAL

Exhibition season: the cost of showing up in English only Why the materials a buyer takes away matter as much as the stand they walk up to.

“Everyone speaks English anyway.”

It is the most expensive assumption a UK manufacturer can make at an overseas trade show.

Yes, the buyer who stops at your stand speaks English. So does half the hall. But chatting in English is not the same as reading a technical spec, or signing off a budget, in a second language. And your brochure rarely stays with the person you met. It gets passed to a colleague who may not speak a word of it.

So picture it. You have flown the team out and paid for the stand, the flights, the hotel and the shipping, all months ahead. The buyer you came for picks up your brochure, sees every word is in English, smiles, takes it to be polite, and moves on. You will never know whether they read a line of it on the flight home or left it in the seat pocket.

That is the quiet way an expensive show abroad stops short of an order.

You did the hard part. You showed up in front of exactly the right person.

What lets you down is the bit most businesses leave until last: whether that buyer can read what you hand over.

I do not mean the stand itself. I mean the materials that do the real work. The brochure they take away. The datasheet they compare against three competitors.

The follow-up email. The landing page. If those only exist in English, you are quietly narrowing the room.

The numbers back this up. Nimdzi found that 9 out of 10 international buyers ignore a product if the information is not in their language. CSA Research found that 75% of people prefer to buy in their own language, even when they speak good English. And the Association

“We understand the importance of getting the language right, whether that’s a website, a manual, or those first communications with a possible new customer. It can be the difference.” of Translation Companies, with Aston University, found that businesses using language skills are 30% more successful at exporting (the LO-C 30 report).

Here is the shift that matters. Translation is not a cost you add at the end of the budget.

It is one of the highest-return things you do before a show. A competitor hands that buyer English and hopes for the best.

You hand them something they can read, check, and trust. That is the difference between a polite nod and a real order.

In some markets, especially Germany, Japan and the Gulf, a small error reads as carelessness. Charlotte Horobin,

CEO of Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, put it well when we spoke: “We understand the importance of getting the language right, whether that’s a website, a manual, or those first communications with a possible new customer. It can be the difference.”

Having worked for a manufacturer and attended trade shows, I have seen first-hand how powerful translated materials can be; European clients are often genuinely surprised when you can speak their language, helping you stand out and confirming your commitment to their market.

None of this happens overnight.

Good translation takes lead time.

The materials you want ready for a September stand are the ones to start in July, not the last fortnight.

So before the autumn season starts, take ten minutes to look at what a buyer actually receives from you, and ask one simple question: could someone who does not read English make sense of it?

Getting ready for the autumn shows? Talk to the Anglia team about what to translate first, at sales@anglia-translations.co.uk. connected | Summer 2026

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GLOBAL

Global News Diplomatic Advisory Hub Geopolitics is no longer something abstract happening in the background for businesses to note and move on from. It is operational. Firms are making decisions every day in a far more volatile and fragmented international environment: conflict in the Middle East, the uncertainty of US tariffs, growing complexity around China, supply chain disruption, sanctions, tariffs and regulatory divergence.

Businesses operating internationally can benefit from timely insights into global developments. Recently, a series of one-hour webinars brought together experts from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and other specialists to provide practical guidance on the crisis in the Middle East, helping businesses understand the potential implications for trade and operations.

Further webinars are planned on key international markets, including India, China, the United States and the European Union. These sessions are designed to help businesses stay informed about changing global conditions, understand what they may mean in practice, and identify sensible steps to support international trade and growth.

Proposed free trade agreement between UK and Gulf Cooperation council The proposed free trade agreement between the UK and the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) represents a significant opportunity for British businesses. By reducing trade barriers and strengthening economic ties with one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, the agreement has the potential to boost exports, encourage investment and create new opportunities across sectors including advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences and professional services. The Gulf region is set to become an increasingly important market, reinforcing the UK’s position as a global trading nation and supporting long-term economic growth.

UK inflation data and outlooks The UK’s inflation outlook remains cautiously positive, with price growth easing compared with recent highs, although inflation is expected to remain above the Bank of England’s 2% target in the near term. This suggests that while cost pressures on businesses and households are beginning to moderate, borrowing costs are likely to remain relatively high until there is greater confidence that inflation is under control. For UK businesses, this means continuing to manage costs carefully while preparing to take advantage of improving economic conditions.

Azerbaijan Trade Mission The Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce an upcoming UK trade mission to Azerbaijan taking place from 30 September to 2 October 2026 - offering UK businesses a unique opportunity to explore one of the most strategically positioned and rapidly evolving markets connecting Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

Join industry leaders, innovators and policymakers to explore the future of manufacturing, defence and security. Discover the latest developments in technology, skills, supply chain resilience and collaboration, while uncovering new opportunities for business growth.

Positioned along the modern ‘Middle Corridor’ trade route across the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan is becoming an increasingly important commercial gateway between China and Europe.

Backed by significant sovereign wealth resources and an ambitious economic diversification strategy, the country is actively seeking international partnerships across highgrowth sectors including ICT, cyber security, and defence.

Click here to book your place

To learn more about our international trade support services, please reach out to internationaltrade@cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk.

Jareth Porter-Lloyd, Engagement Officer 14

connected | Summer 2026

GLOBAL

Building Confidence in Global Markets: International Trade Training for Every Stage of Your Journey From navigating customs requirements to understanding documentation, compliance, and logistics, international trade can be complex. That’s why structured, practical training is a vital investment for any organisation looking to grow globally.

Through a comprehensive programme of international trade training courses, delivered in line with the expertise of the BCC, businesses can access both readyto-run online learning and bespoke training tailored to their specific needs.

Whether delivered remotely or on-site, these courses are designed to equip teams with the confidence and capability.

Training designed for realworld business needs Each course provides practical, relevant insights that can be applied immediately within the workplace.

For those new to exporting or importing, introductory courses such as A Practical Guide to Exporting, An Introduction to Importing, and Introduction to Export and Import Procedures offer a clear overview of key processes. These sessions demystify the fundamentals, helping delegates understand documentation, shipping, and the key questions to consider before trading overseas.

For businesses ready to build on this foundation, intermediate courses explore critical areas in more detail.

Topics include export documentation, customs procedures, and the use of systems such as the UK’s Customs Declaration Service. These courses help ensure that teams can handle day-to-day operations while avoiding costly errors.

Specialist knowledge to strengthen compliance and competitiveness A range of focused courses provides deeper insight into key areas such as: • Commodity codes and classification, helping businesses correctly identify goods and meet customs requirements • Rules of origin, including how trade agreements impact duties and sourcing decisions • Export controls and licensing, ensuring compliance with regulations and sanctions • Incoterms® 2020, clarifying responsibilities, costs, and risk between buyers and sellers • Methods of payment and letters of credit, supporting secure and efficient international transactions.

There are also practical workshops on completing export documentation, including Certificates of Origin and EUR1 movement certificates, as well as stepby-step guidance on specialist tools like ATA Carnets for temporary exports.

Advanced training for experienced professionals Topics such as customs special procedures, inward and outward processing, and duty relief schemes enable businesses to streamline supply chains, reduce costs, and enhance compliance.

These sessions are particularly valuable for logistics professionals, compliance teams, and trade managers responsible for complex international operations.

Flexible learning to suit your business Bespoke courses allow companies to focus on the markets, challenges, and processes most relevant to them, ensuring maximum impact for their teams.

In addition to formal training, businesses can also benefit from a wider programme of events, workshops, and international roundtables, creating opportunities to share experiences and learn from peers across the trading community.

Supporting long-term international success By building in-house expertise, businesses can reduce risk, improve efficiency, and approach global markets with greater confidence.

Investing in training ensures your team is equipped to succeed in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Click here to view our list of courses or contact the International Trade team at internationaltrade@cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk connected | Summer 2026

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CAMBSB2B NORTH

CambsB2B North A Record-Breaking Success Our incredible business community came together in force, creating a vibrant and impactful event. It was inspiring to see organisations of all sizes attending, exhibiting and collaborating – sharing ideas, building connections and driving growth across the region in our Centenary year in Peterborough.

Business Breakfast in partnership with Peterborough City Council’s Bondholder Network We kicked off CambsB2B North with record breaking attendance at the Business Breakfast, with a strong focus on growth, investment and the future of Peterborough’s economy.

Key themes included major regeneration projects such as the Station Quarter, Sports Quarter and ARU Peterborough expansion, alongside ambitions to boost skills, support young people into work and grow international trade.

Despite economic challenges ahead, including inflation pressures, rising costs and modest growth forecasts, there was a clear message of optimism and collaboration. The conversation centred on how businesses, local authorities and organisations can work together to drive productivity, unlock investment opportunities and harness AI to support growth.

One thing was clear: Peterborough has big ambitions, and partnership will be key to delivering them.

Many thanks to our speakers: Matthew Gladstone, Peterborough City Council Kate Shoesmith, British Chambers of Commerce Judith Barker, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Garry Wiles, Price Bailey

Photo credit to Matt Jeffery Photography

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CAMBSB2B NORTH

Speaker Sessions

How to Stop Being the Best Kept Secret – Joel Buckland MCIPR and Anne Buckland Chart.

PR of We Do Stories

AI & Automation Without the Hype: Where to Start – Jason Mashinchi, Managing Director, Cambridge Kinetics

Joel Buckland and Anne Buckland of We Do Stories explored how organisations can strengthen their visibility through clear, consistent storytelling. The session focused on defining purpose, audience and impact – ensuring businesses can confidently communicate who they are, who they serve, and why they exist. Attendees were encouraged to move beyond simply ‘doing the work’ and instead articulate their value in a way that builds trust, recognition and long-term engagement.

Jason delivered a practical session on how businesses can approach AI and automation with clarity and purpose.

The focus was on establishing strong foundations – understanding data, mapping processes and improving information flow – before introducing technology.

Attendees were reminded that many inefficiencies stem from administration and coordination, and that successful automation depends on clear, well-defined processes supported by structured data.

In Conversation with Neville Wright, Founder of Kiddicare Hosted by Dr Mike Greene – The Growth Syndicate, we closed the day with an honest discussion on entrepreneurship. The session highlighted the importance of strong systems, consistency and mindset in sustaining business success. Neville also shared personal reflections on how dyslexia and ADHD shaped his journey, reinforcing the value of resilience, focus and building a loyal customer base.

Thank you This event wouldn’t have been possible without our valued sponsors and supporters:

Thank you to our compere A special thank you to our fantastic compere, Katie Allen, whose energy and professionalism kept the day flowing seamlessly.

Zoe Brennan, Events & Training Manager

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CambsB2B South Thursday 12 November | The Welding Institute

One Day. Hundreds of Businesses. Endless Opportunity.

CambsB2B South is our annual event and exhibition to bring the Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Stamford community together to: Enable businesses to reach new audiences Catalyse trading opportunities Share experiences and ideas Discuss local, regional and national issues facing business

Agenda 8.00-9.45am – Business Breakfast 10.00-3.00pm – Exhibition An expert agenda of speakers will feature insights for business growth 3.00-5.00pm – Drinks Reception

Strengthen the business community Exhibit your business at this event and showcase your products and services directly to your target audience, build valuable connection, and increase brand awareness.

Sponsorship opportunities are available to support a number of activities across the day, benefit from pre-event marketing, event-day visibility, and post-event recognition. Put your brand in front of the decision-makers. To learn more, please reach out to events@cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk or call 01223 237414.

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Click here to book your place

INVESTING IN BUSINESS

Supporting connections at CambsB2B North AV Xpert was proud to support this year’s CambsB2B North event as both Gold Sponsor and AV Event Partner, helping to deliver the conference AV, event production and technical support required for a busy day of networking and business engagement.

As a Cambridgeshire-based business, we always value opportunities to support events that bring the local business community together. It was a pleasure to work alongside the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce to help deliver another successful CambsB2B North.

We provided the conference AV, audio systems, display technology and on-site technical support, helping to create a professional experience for delegates, speakers and exhibitors throughout the day.

Alongside our role as AV Event Partner, the AV Xpert team also exhibited throughout the day, meeting the Chamber community and discussing our event production, AV hire and commercial AV installation services.

In the main conference space, we supplied a stage for the guest speakers and presentations, complemented by large-format commercial displays positioned either side of the stage and repeater displays placed further back in the room to ensure content remained clearly visible for all attendees. Behind the scenes, our technicians managed the presentation content using professional switching and video distribution systems, ensuring visuals were synchronised across every display and delivered smoothly throughout the day.

Audio coverage was equally important. For speakers presenting from the stage, we supplied a range of microphone options, including lectern microphones, wireless lapel microphones and wireless handheld microphones. These were managed by

our technicians through a professional mixing desk, allowing us to balance each microphone source clearly and ensure presenters and hosts could be heard with confidence throughout the event.

In the exhibition spaces, we implemented a linked audio system to ensure announcements could be heard clearly by attendees. This helped maintain a connected atmosphere across the venue and ensured key messages reached visitors throughout the exhibition.

Throughout the day, our AV solutions helped create a professional and engaging environment. We managed the technical delivery, allowing organisers, guest speakers and attendees to focus on building relationships and sharing knowledge.

At AV Xpert, we deliver tailored AV solutions for events, conferences and workplaces across Cambridgeshire and beyond. Our services range from AV hire and live event production for small meetings, events and presentations through to large-scale exhibitions and conferences. We also design and install commercial AV systems for meeting rooms and workplaces. Whatever the project, our focus remains the same: dependable service, practical expertise and professional results.

We would like to thank the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to support this year’s exhibition and look forward to continuing to work with organisations across the region.

Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive Officer at Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce commented: “We are incredibly grateful to AV Xpert Limited for their support as an AV Sponsor for CambsB2B North. Their expertise played a key role in ensuring the event ran seamlessly, creating a high-quality experience for all delegates, speakers, and exhibitors.”

Contact Details: Phone: 01480 587 556 Email: info@avxpert.co.uk Visit: avxpert.co.uk

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SKILLS

Shaping the Local Skills Improvement Plan for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Finding the right skills remains genuinely hard. Skilled technical roles, specialist positions, experienced engineers: these are still difficult to fill, and for many businesses the gap between what they need and what the training system produces is not closing fast enough.

That tension sits at the heart of why Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce has been leading the development of a refreshed Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for our region, and why we believe the work behind it tells an important story about where our economy is heading.

What is the LSIP? The LSIP is a three-year plan for aligning local education and training with what employers actually need. It is a statutory document, required under the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022, developed by the Chamber as the designated Employer Representative Body for the area in close partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA).

This refreshed plan covers 2026 to 2029. It is not a wish list: it is a practical framework, built from detailed evidence, that sets priorities for colleges, training providers, employers and public partners. It focuses on the skills needs of our six Local Growth Plan priority sectors: Advanced Manufacturing and Materials; Agri-Food and Tech; Defence; Digital Technologies; Energy and Clean Tech; and Life Sciences, alongside the “foundational economy” sectors that keep our region functioning, like health and social care, construction, education and logistics.

The LSIP, with Skills England is undergoing its final review ahead of Ministerial endorsement. So, while we cannot yet share every detail, the engagement behind it is complete and it tells a powerful story.

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How we developed it You can only understand skills challenges by talking in depth to the people who live them every day. That is the principle that shaped our approach. We analysed the recruitment histories of hundreds of companies in each of the priority sectors to identify the jobs and skills in highest demand, which take longest to hire, and how local provision of the training and education most relevant to these stacks up against need. We conducted 70 in-depth interviews with employers, course providers, and other stakeholders, from AstraZeneca and Marshall Aerospace to small manufacturers in the Fens, from further education colleges to JobCentrePlus. We surveyed 341 employers across the region, covering businesses of all sizes and sectors. We ran workshops, focus groups and sector events, gathering perspectives from trade bodies, university partners, local authorities, unions and employment support programmes.

What we heard The most immediate challenge for many employers is cost. The April 2025 rises in employer National Insurance Contributions, and the National Living Wage have hit hiring budgets hard, particularly for SMEs and those looking to take on apprentices.

Several employers told us they had cancelled or deferred intake plans as a result. This is a headwind the skills system cannot resolve alone but the LSIP needs to work with it.

More than half of the employers we surveyed (52%) found recruitment difficult or very difficult over the past 12 months.

Technical skills gaps were the most commonly cited issue: 60% of employers reported missing technical skills in applicants.

Digital skills gaps, currently identified by 14% of employers, are projected to grow significantly over the next two to three years.

Green skills shortages are also rising.

SKILLS

There is a widening gap between the parts of the region that are thriving and those that are being left behind. Worker productivity in Fenland sits 25% below the England average.

Fenland ranks fifth lowest in the country on GCSE scores. Nearly 80,000 adults are economically inactive across our region, and two-thirds of them live in our northern districts. For the LSIP to serve the whole of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, it has to speak to Wisbech and Whittlesey as directly as it speaks to the Cambridge biomedical cluster.

Importantly, this is a living document. It will be reviewed annually, updated as circumstances change, and governed jointly by the Chamber and CPCA to ensure it stays grounded in what employers and learners experience.

Communication is the single most requested skill across all job postings in the region, requested almost five times more than the leading technical skill. Employers repeatedly told us that work readiness, problem-solving and basic communication are as important as specialist qualifications.

Our Quarterly Labour Market webinars are built around monitoring the LSIP and these will be the main ongoing forum for sharing evidence, tracking progress and testing new ideas.

Sector-specific events and workshops will follow throughout the year. Click here for more information.

What the plan will focus on Over its three-year period, the LSIP sets out eight priorities for action. Without pre-empting the formal launch, the plan will focus on expanding access to higher-level and modular training beyond Cambridge; reversing the decline in apprenticeship uptake among young people; fixing leaky talent pipelines in engineering, construction trades and advanced manufacturing; and strengthening the foundational skills and careers support that people in our most deprived areas need to enter and progress in work.

It will also focus on the cross-cutting skills that every employer needs: digital, green and transferable skills, with a new digital badging and micro-credentialing framework that gives employers a way to recognise skills development outside formal qualifications. It will support employers to navigate major incoming changes like the new Growth and Skills Levy that replaced the Apprenticeship Levy this year, the Lifelong Learning Entitlement launching in 2027, and the Employment Rights Bill.

What happens next and how to stay involved We expect the LSIP to receive formal sign-off and launch this summer, at which point full public materials will be available.

If you contributed to the evidence base, maybe through an interview, a survey response, or an event: thank you.

To get in touch in the meantime, please contact the LSIP team via lsip@cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk.

By Nick Frank, LSIP Project Manager, Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce

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SKILLS

Reconnecting a Generation: Implications for Local Skills Improvement Plan The UK faces a growing challenge in supporting young people into work. The 2026 Young People and Work: Interim Report highlights that one million 16–24-yearolds are not in education, employment or training (NEET) – around one in eight young people.

For Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIP), this is a critical issue. It raises important questions about how effectively local systems connect young people to labour market opportunities.

A Shift from Unemployment to Disengagement The report shows that the nature of the NEET challenge has changed. Today, nearly 60% of NEET young people are economically inactive, meaning they are not actively looking for work.

The Growing Role of Health Health is now a major driver of youth disengagement.

The report shows a 70% increase in NEET young people with work-limiting health conditions, with mental health playing a central role.

This means that effective local responses must go beyond skills provision. LSIPs should encourage stronger links between education, employment support, and health services, enabling more joined-up pathways into work.

Initiatives such as the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Youth Guarantee and Connect to Work programmes are a key part of this approach.

A Fragmented System

In addition, 6 in 10 have never had a job, indicating a growing detachment from the labour market.

The report concludes that the core issue is systemic. Education, health, welfare, and employment services operate in silos, with no coherent system guiding young people into work.

This suggests that traditional approaches focused solely on job matching or skills supply are no longer sufficient.

The LSIP must focus on supporting participation and re-engagement, not just progression.

A notable concern is that over 300,000 young people are NEET but not claiming benefits, leaving them largely invisible to support services.

Weakening Entry Routes into Work Key findings for the decline in entry-level opportunities: • Apprenticeships for young people have fallen by over 40% • Entry-level roles are fewer and more competitive • Recruitment processes are more automated and less accessible Employers often report that young applicants lack work readiness, while at the same time becoming more cautious about hiring inexperienced candidates.

For the LSIP, this highlights the importance of working with employers to rebuild entry pathways, including work experience, supported employment, and pre-apprenticeship routes.

“Today, nearly 60% of NEET young people are economically inactive, meaning they are not actively looking for work.”

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LSIPs can play a vital role as local convenors, helping align partners, improve data sharing, and ensure that young people do not fall through gaps in the system.

Implications for the LSIP The report points to the need for a broader, more integrated approach. Key priorities include: • Supporting accessible entry-level opportunities • Working with employers to reduce barriers to hiring young people • Strengthening coordination between skills, health, and employment systems • Focusing on early intervention and sustained participation Encouragingly, the report finds that 84% of NEET young people want to work or train.

The challenge is not a lack of aspiration among young people, but a lack of effective pathways. LSIPs have a crucial role in addressing this by ensuring all young people have the opportunity to learn, earn, and contribute.

SKILLS

New skills survey reveals recruitment and training challenges facing Cambridgeshire and Peterborough employers Findings will help shape the next Local Skills Improvement Plan The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Skills Survey 2026 Snapshot Report shares findings from a major employer survey conducted between January and April 2026. The research forms part of the evidence base for the next Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which is due to launch later this year.

The LSIP is delivered by Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, as the designated Employer Representative Body, in collaboration with the CPCA. It brings together employer insight, labour market data, job postings analysis, sector research and in-depth interviews to identify the practical actions needed to build a more responsive, employer-led skills system for the region.

A total of 341 employers across the region responded to the survey.

Key findings include: • 52% of employers said recruitment had been difficult or very difficult over the past year.

• 60% said applicants were missing technical skills related to the job role, making this the most significant skills gap identified.

• Skilled technical roles were the hardest to recruit, cited by 41% of employers, followed closely by specialist and professional roles at 39%.

• Transferable skills were also a major concern, with 28% citing gaps in communication and teamwork and 26% identifying problem-solving skills gaps.

• Demand for digital skills is expected to rise, with the proportion of employers identifying digital skills as a gap increasing from 14% now to 22% over the next two to three years.

• 46% of employers cited cost as a barrier to training, with the same proportion citing staff time.

• 20% of employers said they were not currently engaged with local education and training providers but would like to be, highlighting a clear opportunity to strengthen employer-provider partnerships.

The findings show that many skills shortages are structural rather than short-term, with employers reporting persistent difficulties in recruiting people with the right technical, digital and transferable skills. The report also highlights the particular pressures facing smaller businesses, where the cost of training and the challenge of releasing staff time can make workforce development harder to deliver.

The evidence gathered through the survey will help inform the priorities and actions within the refreshed LSIP, including work to strengthen technical skills pipelines, grow apprenticeships, improve employer access to training, expand digital and transferable skills, and build stronger links between businesses, schools, colleges and training providers.

The report also identifies clear employer demand for more accessible training funding, simpler and more relevant apprenticeships, stronger connections with schools and colleges, training provision that better reflects real industry needs, practical digital and AI skills, and better brokerage and information for businesses navigating the skills system.

Employers, education and training providers, and partners across the region are encouraged to read the report and engage with the LSIP as work continues to shape the next phase of skills development for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Click here to read the full report

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SKILLS

Building the workforce needed for a greener economy As businesses across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough navigate increasing sustainability requirements, changing regulations and growing demand for green expertise; one challenge continues to emerge across multiple sectors. This is that the element of the access to the skills needed to support the transition.

Whether operating in construction, utilities, engineering, manufacturing, transport, property or infrastructure, employers are increasingly recognising that sustainability and green skills are no longer a future consideration. They are in fact business imperatives. At the College of West Anglia, we are working closely with employers to help address that challenge through our new Green Skills Academy at our Wisbech campus.

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Developed through a £4.2 million partnership between the College of West Anglia, Anglian Water and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, the academy has been created to support the developmental of practical skills in sustainable practices, environmental technologies and green-focused trades.

Importantly, this is not simply about supporting the next generation of learners. It is about providing opportunities for employers to develop their existing workforce, upskill staff but also to access training that aligns with the evolving needs of their industry.

Across the region, organisations are facing significant pressures. Many sectors are managing an aging workforce, increasing demand for specialist technical skills and the growing

SKILLS

“It is about providing opportunities for employers to develop their existing workforce, upskill staff but also to access training that aligns with the evolving needs of their industry.”

requirement to embed sustainable practices into day-to-day operations. At the same time, major infrastructure and environmental investment programmes are creating new opportunities and increasing demand for skilled workers.

Working alongside employers and industry partners, we are developing training provision that supports both workforce development and future talent pipelines. This includes opportunities for businesses to engage with short courses, bootcamps, professional development and specialist sustainability-focused training.

Our ambition is simple; to ensure that local employers have access to the skills they need to grow, innovate and remain competitive.

The academy itself is a tangible example of what can be achieved when education, industry and public sector partners work together. The collaboration between the College of West Anglia, Anglian Water and the Combined Authority demonstrate the value of aligning skills provision with real workforce demand and long-term economic priorities.

As the region continues its transition towards a greener economy, no single organisation can address the challenge alone. Success will depend on strong partnerships between employers, education providers and policymakers, working together to develop the workforce that businesses need both now and in the future.

We look forward to continuing those conversations with employers across the Cambridgeshire business community and exploring how we can support your organisation’s sustainability ambitions, workforce development plans and future skills requirements.

Interested in Green Skills training for your workforce?

The College of West Anglia’s Green Skills Academy offers a growing range of sustainability focused training, workforce development opportunities and employer partnerships designed to help organisations prepare for the future.

To discuss your organisation’s training needs, contact: Alex.Meads@cwa.ac.uk or click here for more information. connected | Summer 2026

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AI ACADEMY

The real business opportunity in artificial intelligence (AI)

• First 20% (core ideas): Spend this initial time on deep thinking, strategy, and outlining the primary insights.

• Middle 40% (AI generation): Hand the heavy lifting over to an AI. Use prompts to expand, structure, and draft the content or code.

• Final 20% (human polish): Review the AI output. Refine it for accuracy, add your personal brand voice, and ensure it aligns with your specific goals.

The businesses that benefit most Contrary to popular belief, AI is not only for large corporations.

AI has moved from a futuristic concept to a practical business tool. While headlines often focus on robots replacing jobs or the latest technological breakthroughs, the reality for most businesses is far simpler: AI is helping people work smarter.

For many, one of the biggest challenges is not a lack of ambition but a lack of time. Administrative tasks, emails, meeting notes, research, marketing content, reporting, and customer enquiries can consume hours every week. AI tools are increasingly being used to reduce this burden, allowing teams to focus on work that drives growth.

The productivity revolution Every major technological shift has changed how businesses operate.

Email transformed communication.

Cloud software changed collaboration.

AI has the potential to become the next significant productivity tool.

Businesses are already using AI to:

Exclusive Chamber member rates available 26

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• Draft emails and proposals • Automate repetitive administrative processes • Summarise meetings and create action plans • Transcribe audio • Generate marketing content • Analyse large amounts of information quickly • Support customer service teams

Better decisions, not just faster tasks By analysing trends, summarising data, identifying patterns and supporting research, AI can provide valuable perspectives that might otherwise be missed. It helps professionals spend less time gathering information and more time acting on it.

However, human judgement remains essential. AI can provide recommendations, but people provide experience, context and strategic thinking.

One of the most popular ways businesses use AI is the core 20-40-20 framework.

SMEs often see some of the greatest benefits because they have fewer resources and tighter time constraints.

35% of SMEs are now using AI technology (up from 25% in 2024). Whether it’s a sole trader managing multiple responsibilities or a growing company looking to improve productivity, AI can help teams achieve more with the resources they already have.

The importance of learning and adapting As AI continues to evolve, the most successful businesses will be those willing to learn and adapt.

Understanding how to use AI effectively is becoming an important business skill.

The question is no longer whether AI will impact business. It already is. The question is how organisations can embrace the opportunities it presents while ensuring their people have the skills and confidence to use it.

Want to learn more about AI and how your business can benefit?

Join our upcoming webinar with the British Chambers of Commerce to learn more about the AI Academy, its practical training programmes and how your business can get involved.

Email enquiries@cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk to find out more or click here to book your place.

Peterborough Centenary Dinner 400 guests. 100 years. 100 awards.

One historic night.

Celebrate a century of the Chamber in Peterborough by joining us for an unforgettable evening with colleagues, clients, friends and fellow business leaders. Whether you book an individual ticket or reserve a table of 10, you’ll be part of a special celebration recognising the individuals making a positive impact across our city.

It’s the perfect opportunity to reward your team, strengthen business relationships, network with the region’s leading organisations, and create lasting memories at one of Peterborough’s premier business events.

A highlight of the evening will be the official unveiling of the Peterborough Top 100 – recognising the those that are driving growth, innovation, and success across our local economy.

Thursday 24 September 6.30pm-late Peterborough Cathedral

Sponsorship opportunities The Chamber’s Centenary Dinner offers a unique opportunity to align your brand with one of Peterborough’s most prestigious business events, set within a historic venue.

Bringing together influential leaders, decision-makers and organisations from across the region, the evening provides exceptional visibility and recognition for your business.

With a range of sponsorship opportunities available – including Headline Sponsor, Drinks Reception Sponsor, Table Sponsor, Event Brochure Sponsor, or sponsoring one of nine award categories in the Peterborough Top 100 Awards – you can choose the package that best showcases your brand and demonstrates your commitment to the local business community.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to events@cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk or call 01223 237414.

DEVELOPING LOCAL TALENT

Investing in local talent: Funding skills, growing business

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) is ensuring no training budget goes to waste. Through our Levy Matchmaking Service, we connect large employers with unspent apprenticeship levy funds to local SMEs and charities looking to upskill their workforce.

Regional pillars like the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust are already leading by example, keeping their levy funds in the local economy to build workforce resilience.

Why transfer your unused levy now?

With a new 12-month expiry rule taking effect this August, large employers have half the time to use their levy funds before they revert to the Treasury.

Transferring your funds through the CPCA offers clear business advantages: • Support local supply chains: Directly fund vital training for your local suppliers, small businesses, or charities.

• Boost CSR: Deliver measurable, realworld social value in the communities where your employees live and work.

• Zero admin hassle: The CPCA Skills & Employment team handles the entire matchmaking process for you.

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you want to donate unspent funds or are a smaller business looking for support, our team is ready to assist.

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• Large employers (Donors): Contact Christopher.Christodoulou@ cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk • SMEs (Funding Seekers): Contact Skillsteam@ cambridgeshirepeterborough-ca.gov.uk

Internships

The scheme’s free online platform allows you to search for candidates based on verified “digital badges” that prove practical workplace skills.

You can post roles for free and message candidates directly, keeping administrative hassle to a minimum.

Struggling to recruit? The New Hire Internship Programme in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough connects local businesses with capable, motivated talent – all backed by significant financial support.

The scheme is open to adults of all ages re-entering the workforce, across every sector from hospitality to IT.

Zero Wage Costs, Minimal Risk Designed alongside local businesses, the programme offers flexible, financially backed hiring options to protect your bottom line: • 6-Week Fully Funded Internship: Wages are 100% covered and employers receive an extra £100 per week for training or setup costs. (12–38 hours/week).

• 12-Week Youth Guarantee: Offers 50% wage support for hiring 18 to 21-year-olds (8–30 hours/week).

• No Permanent Commitment: You are under no obligation to hire the intern permanently at the end of the placement, though many choose to.

A Proven Track Record Local businesses are already seeing exceptional results: • 75% of interns remained in employment after their placement last year.

• 36 companies have already returned to the scheme to hire more people this year.

“There are no unnecessary hoops to jump through... they bring curiosity and enthusiasm.” – Helen Deighton, HR Manager at Paragraf

Click here to find your next hire

Recruit. Train. Grow.

We’re here to help you build your future workforce.

At Inspire Education Group, we work with over 1,000 businesses to support workforce development locally, regionally and nationally.

Recruit new talent Take on an Apprentice Host a T Level placement Offer a work experience opportunity Join a network of growing businesses shaping the next generation of skilled professionals in key sectors including: Construction, Health, Science, Digital, Early Years, Animal Management, Business, Engineering and Media.

By joining, you’ll directly influence what we are teaching, ensuring students are developing the exact skills you need.

Mentor the skills that will keep your business thriving and join us for key networking opportunities.

Ready to strengthen your team?

Scan to visit www.peterborough.ac.uk /employers for more information and to get in touch.

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CONFERENCE AND EVENTS

A hidden gem: Conference and events facilities at the heart of life-changing science Nestled behind the unassuming entrance of the expanding Wellcome Genome Campus, between Cambridge and Saffron Walden, Hinxton Hall Conference Centre combines state-of-the-art conference facilities with the character and charm of a Grade II listed country house.

Set within a picturesque 125-acre estate, it offers an inspiring setting for meetings, events and celebrations.

Flexible meeting spaces Whether you’re planning a board meeting, training session or large-scale conference, Hinxton Hall offers a range of adaptable spaces to suit every occasion. Facilities include a modern 290-seat auditorium, fully equipped meeting rooms and a collection of elegant historic spaces.

Among the venue’s standout features is the stunning Pompeiian Room, a beautifully preserved period room that provides an impressive setting for executive meetings, private dining and special events.

More than just a conference venue Hinxton Hall hosts a wide variety of events, from corporate away days and team-building activities to festive celebrations and celebrations of life. Its peaceful location creates an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity and meaningful connection.

Combined with high-quality catering, ample parking and excellent facilities, the venue offers a practical yet memorable alternative to city-centre locations.

A unique B&B experience Hinxton Hall also offers 126 peaceful en-suite bedrooms for conference delegates, event attendees and individual guests, with private bookings available via Booking.com.

In addition to a delicious breakfast, guests can take advantage of their residents’ bar, offering a selection of drinks and bar food.

Explore the estate One of Hinxton Hall’s unique advantages is its setting. The grounds feature woodland, wetlands, parkland, an orchard and a tranquil lake, providing plenty of opportunities to take a break, network informally or simply enjoy the natural surroundings.

A focus on sustainability Hinxton Hall Conference Centre recently achieved Green Tourism’s highest Green Meetings accreditation.

This independent, third-party certification recognises the venue’s commitment to sustainable, responsible and ethical practices.

Supporting successful events The team at Hinxton Hall welcome enquiries for all conference, meeting and private hire events. Alongside their facilities, they offer a range of services to help organisers deliver successful and memorable events.

Click here to find out more.

Get in touch: +44 (0)1223 495123 32

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conference.centre@hinxtonhall.org

CONFIDENT CONVERSATIONS

What if you could enjoy difficult conversations?

I bet you 50p there’s at least one conversation you’re avoiding right now…

Maybe it’s with that colleague whose behaviour has been grating on you for ages. Or perhaps it’s that person whose throw away comments you fundamentally disagree with, and you just don’t know how to “go there”.

When we avoid these conversations, we tell ourselves we’re just being professional. That we’re keeping the peace or picking our battles.

But honestly that’s a lie, and I know you know it.

What has actually happened is we’ve decided the conversation isn’t worth our discomfort. So, we avoid it. We file it under “now is not the right time” and carry on with our day.

Why? Because we can.

It’s easier to avoid conflict than it is to address it. We wait until there’s no alternative, until it must be done, then we brace ourselves and crack on.

There is, however, one simple way we can all become more confident to charter the choppy waters of conversational clashes. Hooray!

Before you can navigate a difficult conversation well, it helps to understand something fundamental that we rarely take time to examine. Where your own viewpoint coming from, i.e. your own frame of reference. The experiences, assumptions and shortcuts your brain has collected over a lifetime and now runs in the background every time a challenging situation comes along.

“Real confidence for difficult conversations starts with self-inquiry. What do I honestly think about this?

Where does that come from?

What am I assuming?

What am I afraid of? What would I hear if I listened like I was wrong?”

For me, the first rule of confident conversations is simple, the only thing you can ever really know is what it’s like to be you. You can’t climb inside someone else’s head. You can’t fully know their context, their history, their fears, their reasoning. But you can know your own.

And most of us haven’t done that work.

We walk into difficult conversations certain we know what the other person means, why they’re wrong, and how we want this to go. And our brains love a shortcut, they’re built for efficiency, not curiosity. So, we reach for the comfortable assumption and the path of least resistance.

We all do it, and it’s not helpful.

Real confidence for difficult conversations starts with self-inquiry.

What do I honestly think about this?

Where does that come from? What am I assuming? What am I afraid of? What would I hear if I listened like I was wrong?

This is practical groundwork, because when you understand your own frame

of reference you approach conversations differently. You create a small but crucial gap between what you feel and what you do next.

And it’s in that gap that the confidence for good conversations is created.

I work with organisations and individuals on exactly this. We all think the problem is “we need to get better at difficult conversations.” But the real work is almost always the context underneath that. It’s helping people be clear about how they show up... before they open their mouths.

You can’t guarantee a conversation will go well. But you can decide to know yourself better first, and control what you bring into the discussion.

Which ultimately makes having a difficult conversation pretty interesting, and who knows… you might even enjoy it.

Katie Allen is a confidence coach, facilitator, and speaker, working with leaders, teams, and individuals who want to stop dreading difficult conversations, and actually start having them.

Visit www.katieallenconsulting.com for more information.

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MEMBER UPDATES

Community Currency (UK) Partnership Opportunity with Japanese Companies Explore UK–Japan community currency innovation, linking local resilience, digital finance and future partnership opportunities.

A UK–Japan engagement programme is being developed to explore community currency as a tool for local economic resilience, digital innovation and social value creation.

Led by Japanese innovation organisations, including Global Communication Planning Company, Transaction Media Networks Company and Good Money Lab, the initiative will present practical community currency models and the wider concept of vector money.

The programme will create a platform for Japanese companies interested in establishing partnerships and developing business opportunities in

the UK. It will also offer UK businesses and organisations the opportunity to explore the Japanese market through collaboration with these companies.

There is an in-person Cambridge Workshop on Friday 23 October 2026. Scan the QR code below to read more and sign up.

Selected UK organisations in fintech, payment infrastructure, civic innovation and digital transformation are invited to register their interest and explore future collaboration, pilot projects, partnership models and routes into both the UK and Japanese markets. The invitation is also open to university faculty members, researchers and students with an interest in community currencies, as well as representatives and researchers from government, banks, think tanks, nonprofit organisations, civil society groups and members of the wider public.

Whatever your business needs, there’s a Toyota for that.

We understand that a company car needs to do more than simply get you between meetings in comfort and style. It must also fit seamlessly into everyday life, from quick trips to the shops to family holidays and school runs.

At Steven Eagell Toyota, we offer a comprehensive range of Plug-in Hybrid, Self-Charging Hybrid and All-Electric vehicles, backed by over 25 years’ experience in electrified vehicle technology.

We know that no two businesses are the same, and neither are their needs.

That’s why we take a flexible, tailored approach to fleet and business vehicle solutions.

This short video explains Vector Money Theory and community currency for a UK audience. It shows how local value can circulate between residents, businesses, councils and community projects, supporting local economies, volunteering, trust and sustainable development. Community currency complements pound sterling and offers practical ways to strengthen places and participation.

Click here to sign up to the October event

From selecting the right vehicle for your needs to arranging competitive leasing options and providing ongoing servicing and support, our dedicated team is with you every step of the way.

Whether you're looking for a single company car or a complete fleet solution, our Business Centre Managers are here to help you find the right Toyota for your business.

To explore our range and benefit from exclusive offers, contact your local Business Centre Manager today, or scan that QR code to visit our website.

Chris Longden chris.longden@steveneagell.co.uk 07976 587654

MEMBER UPDATES

A venue for every occasion For many in the Peterborough business community, Holiday Inn Peterborough – West has long been a familiar venue for meetings, networking events, and visiting colleagues.

The hotel offers one of the largest and most versatile conference and events facilities in the Peterborough area, featuring a range of boardrooms, flexible meeting suites, and a flagship banqueting suite. Accommodating everything from interviews, training sessions and workshops to large-scale conferences for up to 450 delegates, as well as weddings and social events, the venue provides a complete solution for organisers.

Its strength lies in bringing together high-quality meeting space, on-site accommodation, catering, complimentary parking and leisure facilities, all under one roof, ensuring a seamless experience for delegates and guests alike. Its location just outside the city centre, with quick access to the A1(M), continues to make it a practical choice for regional business activity across Cambridgeshire and the wider East of England.

The Christmas programme for 2026 features a variety of party experiences, including popular Christmas party nights, festive lunches, bespoke exclusive events and the new ‘Sleigh the Day Disco’ for those that like to be tucked up in bed by 9.00pm, as well as two New Year’s Eve celebrations. Guests can look forward to enjoying delicious festive dining, live entertainment from the Swing Pins, and late-night dancing creating a lively and enjoyable atmosphere for all and large groups. All of this paired with excellent hospitality.

For more information on Christmas party’s and meetings and events get in touch with the hotel team on 01733 289933 or email conferences@hipeterborough.com Letsdochristmas.com Letsdomeetingandevents.com Facebook: Holiday Inn Peterborough West Instagram: holidayinnpeterborough

Charity Walk around Cambridge colleges Join Arthur Rank Hospice Charity and Romsey Mill on Sunday 13 September for the ‘Bridge the Gap’ Walk around Cambridge colleges. With a brand new route for 2026, starting from Parkers Piece in Cambridge you can visit colleges – Jesus, St Johns, Trinity, Gonville and Caius, Queens and Downing. The Society of Cambridge Tourist Guides will also be on route ready to answer your questions and entertain you with fascinating facts and stories along the way. Book now at arhc.org.uk/btg or telephone 01223 676888. Up to three under 16’s are free with every paying adult.

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Lead On with your pet in September!

See how far you and your pet can walk from 1 – 30 September to support patients with Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. They suggest 3k a day but it is whatever distance your pet can manage. Registration is free and if you raise over £30 your pet will receive an Arthur Rank Hospice Charity bandana! Register at arhc.org.uk/ leadon or telephone 01223 675888.

Fill a Bag for £5’ Event Following the success of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s first ‘Fill a Bag for £5.00’ event they will be hosting another sale on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October!

They would like to thank the 500 plus people who came along to the event at the Hospice in April, and took home bags full of good quality women’s, men’s and children’s clothes. Over £2,500 was raised for Hospice Care from the event and Bistro sales. Visit arhc.org. uk/fillabag for more information.

THE EXIT JOURNEY

Taking your time: Doing business exit planning right When selling your business, you can’t start too early.

Every business owner wants to finish on a high note, with a successful exit or succession.

They want to be rewarded for their work and, usually, to see the continued success of the business.

But achieving that takes time – and needs to be considered well before the day to leave arrives.

Earlier this year, S&W experts spoke to two who’ve been through the process: Anthony Eskinazi, founder of JustPark, which sold in 2024, and Louise Barnes, who rapidly grew clothing retailer FatFace, before selling it to investment group Bridgepoint in 2007.

In both cases, it was clear that successful exits are long in the planning. It usually begins years before – amid of the other demands of managing a business.

Fortunately, though, preparing for an exit can also help the business run better.

Business exit and business as usual Getting exit-ready means you can seize attractive opportunities for a sale when they arise, but it also benefits the business day to day.

The effort put in won’t be wasted: • Early exit planning helps identify tax risks, complex corporate structures and other issues that can arise in due diligence, impacting the exit value. Addressing them early

avoids this and gives you a more compliant and efficient business • Pre-exit planning is when you look to build momentum, boost EBITDA, demonstrate business growth and identify cost savings. That makes you attractive to buyers, but also benefits the business regardless • Exit planning forces owners to look at leadership teams and business plans. It’s often when owners start building out, improving or aligning management teams to the firm’s vision. Again, it’s essential to sales and succession, but also strengthens the business

The personal and personnel of business exits That last point is crucial because the people who built the business are critical to an exit.

Early planning for incentive schemes to keep key employees engaged reduces risks and protects value. Implementation of incentive arrangements close to exit, however, when the value of the business has grown, may not be as tax efficient for the individual or employer and will be more expensive.

But it’s not just staff business owners must think about. It’s their own future, too. Without defining your goals, it’s hard to determine whether a business sale is a success. Taking time to figure out what you want from an exit, and your plans afterwards, is essential.

It will determine the best approach for you and your business. Because whenever you’re selling, you need to remember that an exit isn’t the end.

Click here to find out more and start planning your exit with our business exits guide.

With an office in Cambridge, S&W brings local support and world-class expertise. We’ve helped hundreds of businesses and owners across Central and East England prepare for exit, maximise value and achieve their goals.

From exits to international expansion across tax, accounting, consultancy, corporate finance, restructuring and recovery, we across every stage of business and every season of life. Start the conversation today with Emma Queen, Partner, Emma.Queen@swgroup.com or visit www.swgroup.com

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LOCATION-BASED MARKETING

How Cambridgeshire businesses can scale with geofencing

Where have you been today? Perhaps you caught the train to the office, drove through the city centre or met a client at a business park. Wherever you’ve been, the chances are your phone went with you… therein lies a huge marketing opportunity for businesses that have a geographical presence.

Location-based marketing means marketing to potential customers based on where they are and where they’ve been. It gives campaigns much more relevance and context and often means that audiences engage better with the ads they see.

One way to do this is by using tools like geofencing. Richard Duxbury, MD at Soop Marketing explains: “Geofencing is an increasingly popular location-based marketing technique where we create a virtual ‘fence’ around a physical location, be it your shop, a competitor’s venue or the local train station. When someone with a smartphone enters that geofenced location, they can become part of your audience, and you can advertise to them on the websites, apps and social media platforms they use for up to 30 days afterwards.”

Benefits to local businesses

Geofencing in practice

The biggest benefit of using geofencing is that you only market to the people who really matter, so you don’t waste any budget, and you can really max out your ROI.

There are lots of different ways you can use geofencing but essentially, it’s about identifying and selecting an audience based on where they go and what they do in the real world rather than simple demographics or their online activity.

You’re likely to see higher engagement rates too. “Showing timely and contextually relevant ads to your specific audience immediately changes how they engage with your messages. If what you’re saying resonates to them in that place and that moment, you’ll see significantly higher engagement rates.” Explained Richard.

How does it work?

Geofencing uses anonymised, consent based location data signals from smartphones to identify that the device has been within the geofenced boundary. It doesn’t collect any personal information. Richard said: “When you see an ad because you’re near a certain location, no one’s tracking you as a person.

Instead, the technology simply detects that your phone (not your name or number) has entered a defined area. That signal helps marketers serve relevant ads to groups of people within that area.”

To find out more about how geofencing could work for your business, contact Richard Duxbury at Soop – enquiries@soop.marketing – or visit www.soop.marketing

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Marketing teams use geofencing to identify a highly specific audience and deliver tailored ads, offers, or messages to them. For example: • A law firm could geofence the office parks or specific buildings of their competitors.

• A local cafe could target everyone who goes through Cambridge train station on a Monday morning between 7.00-9.00am as they arrive for work.

• A business consultant geofences a Chamber of Commerce networking breakfast venue, capturing the audience and serving relevant, timely ads to them for two weeks after the event.

UNDERSTANDING AI

Seven ways to build brand visibility in the age of AI The way buyers find and evaluate businesses has changed more in the past two years than in the previous decade. Search is no longer the reliable pipeline it once was, paid advertising is harder to measure and more expensive, and AI tools are increasingly shaping first impressions before a potential customer ever reaches your website. Here’s what actually works now.

1 Start with a clear brand Your brand needs to be distinctive and easy to explain. Humans and AI systems make the same basic judgment: what does this company do, who does it help, and why does it exist? Clarity is the foundation on which everything else is built.

2 Earn media coverage – consistently About 84% of AI citations come from earned media, including journalism, credible third-party content and community platforms, rather than anything a company publishes about itself. More than half the articles AI cites were published within the last 12 months, so visibility is a continuous effort, not a one-off campaign.

3 Think beyond your website Nearly 70% of UK Google searches end without anyone clicking through to a website – the highest rate of all countries researched.

Buyers are forming opinions based on search results, AI-generated answers, and social feeds, often without visiting your site at all.

rioritise brand mentions P 4 over link building

“Nearly 70% of UK Google searches end without anyone clicking through to a website – the highest rate of all countries researched.”

6 Don’t neglect niche, high-affinity media Research from SparkToro found that niche publishers with modest traffic deliver 1.7 times higher audience affinity than major outlets. A placement in a trusted trade publication may do more to reach your actual buyers than coverage in a household-name title. Relevance matters as much as reach.

7 Be consistent enough to be found None of the above works as a one-time exercise. A business that earns coverage, contributes to conversations and maintains a credible presence across multiple trusted sources will consistently outperform one that treats visibility as a campaign rather than a commitment. Trust is built through consistency.

The businesses that adapt earliest won’t necessarily be the biggest or best-funded. They’ll be the ones that journalists, communities, peers, and now AI are talking about.

The old SEO logic of chasing backlinks has been superseded by genuine brand mentions across trustworthy sources. When referenced consistently in the right contexts, your business builds distributed credibility that human readers, search results, and AI systems all recognise as a signal of authority.

5 Develop real thought leadership Original insights, expert commentary and spokespeople willing to engage publicly with their sector are among the most influential visibility tools available. Both people and AI reward brands that are genuinely part of industry conversations rather than simply broadcasting to their audience.

If you’d like to know how to build your brand visibility and improve your top line, speak to We Do Stories – www.wedostories.com Joel Buckland MCIPR Founder and CEO of We Do Stories

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UNDERSTANDING AI

Without an IT-backed AI Policy, your data is at risk As a business owner, a good question to ask is, how many of your employees used an AI tool at work this week? AI has already woven into the tools your teams use every day, from Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace to customer service platforms, coding environments, and even your inbox. People are naturally curious about tools that make their jobs easier, and AI genuinely does that.

However, do you know what data your employees are inputing into AI? Or what about the outputs that are likely being trusted potentially without verification?

This is where (from an IT perspective) we can help. Your employees need to be told where the lines are, and this is what an AI policy does.

A formal AI policy isn’t about slowing things down or telling your team they can’t use these tools. Done well, it does the opposite, it gives people the confidence to use AI effectively, knowing they’re doing so within boundaries that protect them and the business.

A solid policy should cover: • Approved tools: which AI platforms are sanctioned for business use, and which aren’t. Some tools store your inputs, train on your data, or lack the enterprise-grade security controls your business needs. Your IT provider can assess and maintain an approved list.

• Data handling rules: what information can and cannot be entered into an AI system, particularly anything client-related or commercially sensitive. From an IT standpoint, this also means understanding whether the tool processes data outside the UK or EU, which carries its own compliance implications.

• Output accountability: making clear that AI-generated work must be reviewed, verified, and owned by a human before it goes anywhere.

IT teams should also be aware of AI being used in automated workflows or scripts, where unchecked outputs could affect live systems.

• Transparency expectations: when and how to disclose that AI has been used, whether internally or with clients. Some AI tools request

surprisingly broad access to your files, emails, and calendars.

• Security considerations: how AI tools interact with your existing systems, and what your IT provider needs to know about them. This is something that should always be reviewed by your IT provider before deployment.

• Incident reporting: If an employee suspects that sensitive data has been compromised through an AI tool, there should be a clear process for reporting it. This sits alongside your wider cyber security policy and ensures issues are caught early.

That last two points matters more than most businesses realise. AI tools don’t exist in isolation, they integrate with your infrastructure, and they can introduce vulnerabilities if they’re not assessed properly. Regulation around AI is moving, slowly by political standards, but it’s moving. Our clients are starting to ask us how to protect their data from AI. Having a clear, considered policy isn’t just about managing risk.

It’s a signal to clients and your team that you take security seriously.

If you don’t have a policy yet, please feel free to get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help your business stay secure online. ask@cambridgesupport.com

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UNDERSTANDING AI

AI Without the Hype: Where Regulated Businesses Should Start

Every industry is being reshaped

by AI, and the pressure to adopt is real. For regulated sectors, the question runs deeper than productivity. Can you trust the output and justify every step of it to an auditor or a regulator?

Getting started has little to do with the technology itself. It starts with your data. Most businesses imagine a single system holding everything they need to operate. The reality is usually messier, with information scattered across spreadsheets, SharePoint folders, CRM and ERP systems, ageing databases, and the occasional filing cabinet.

AI thrives on structured, accessible information, so disorganised systems quickly become a liability. The more effort it takes to identify and pull useful data together, the more expensive the task becomes.

Before automating anything, it is crucial to understand how work and data flow through your business. Hand-offs, approvals, and the quiet workarounds people rely on rarely match the process you think you have. You cannot automate or audit a process you cannot describe.

Process mapping often delivers quick wins on its own, well before AI enters the picture.

For regulated organisations, there is a happy overlap. The documentation that satisfies an auditor, such as your procedures, decision-making logic, signoff steps, and version history, is exactly the material that enables AI to work well and safely. Good record-keeping stops being a tick box exercise and becomes the foundation for productivity.

with practical AI features designed to help while keeping humans in control.

It pulls scattered information into one connected system and keeps your data structured and organised, while giving regulated teams the traceability they need. Compliance becomes a by-product of doing the work well, rather than a separate burden.

A few principles keep things grounded:

You do not have to work it all out alone.

Through our consultancy, we offer organisations in regulated sectors a digital transformation and AI adoption readiness review to understand where your data and processes stand, how audit-ready your data is, where AI could safely add value, and what to tackle first. It is a practical first step on the journey to organising your data and creating an AI strategy.

• Start with the outcome you want, then work backwards.

• Consolidate your data so it is consistent, coherent, and accessible.

• Keep a human in the loop, with AI drafting, and people reviewing and approving.

• Avoid exposing sensitive information, like personal data, to free public tools.

Think of today’s AI as a capable but occasionally over-confident intern.

It is fast and useful, yet it can be wrong with conviction, so verification matters. Therefore, a measured pilot beats a leap of faith. Choose one real pain point, run live tasks, compare the before and after, and build your team’s confidence before scaling.

Curious whether your business is AI-ready? We would be glad to help you find out. Get in touch at solutions@kinabase.com.

This is the thinking behind Kinabase, our configurable operations platform

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UNDERSTANDING AI

Awareness is not action.

In the past 18 months, some of the UK’s most recognisable businesses have faced serious cyber attacks.

• M&S – £300m in lost operating profit.

• Co-op – data stolen and operations disrupted.

• Jaguar Land Rover – £1.9bn economic impact with production halted for weeks.

These stories have been hard to miss.

And they’ve done something important; they’ve put cyber security on the agenda for a lot of businesses that might not have thought about it before.

“Most breaches don’t happen because of sophisticated, unstoppable attacks. They happen because of gaps that can be found and fixed with the right awareness, the right training, and the right support.”

But there’s a gap between awareness and action.

The UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025/2026 was published last month, and one finding stood out: • Staff cyber awareness training: 19% in 2024/2025.

• Staff cyber awareness training: 19% in 2025/2026.

Cyber Security as a conversation has grown, but the preparation hasn’t… yet.

It’s easy to look at the businesses in the headlines and think “that’s a different world to mine.” But the same report tells us that 43% of UK businesses experienced a cyber breach or attack in the last 12 months and smaller organisations are included in that picture.

The encouraging part? Cyber security doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Most breaches don’t happen because of sophisticated, unstoppable attacks.

They happen because of gaps that can be found and fixed with the right awareness, the right training, and the right support.

If you’ve been meaning to take a closer look at where your business stands, this is certainly a good moment to start.

Cambridge Cyber Security is an accredited Certification Body for Cyber Essentials Plus (CE/CE+) and Defence Cyber Certification (DCC). DCC helps organisations demonstrate they meet the cyber security standards required to work within the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) supply chain. Alongside independent certification, we provide practical cyber security guidance and specialist expertise to organisations across the UK. Do reach out to us for more information.

Tel: 01223 921 300 Email: ask@cambridgecybersecurity.com Web: cambridgecybersecurity.com

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PATRON UPDATES

Price Bailey announces new membership with HARPA Leading accountancy firm Price Bailey announces its new membership with HARPA, the Holiday and Residential Parks Association, in a move that marks the firm’s continued commitment to supporting businesses throughout the Parks and Leisure Sector.

HARPA, formerly known as the BH&HPA, is a highly respected and influential network representing a community of approximately 4,800 park professionals. The network provides a powerful platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, industry insight and helps foster best practice and innovation across the sector.

Price Bailey’s new affiliation with the group will allow for greater access to resources, specialist guidance, and up-to-date industry intelligence, strengthening the support and strategic advice available to the firm’s clients.

Dan Gammon, Associate Director at Price Bailey and Parks and Leisure sector specialist, comments on the new membership: “Building on our extensive experience across the sector, our membership with HARPA strengthens our connection to the industry, allowing us to share insight, learn from peers, and continue enhancing the strategic support we provide to our clients.

“We are delighted to be a part of such a dynamic and collaborative network, and we look forward to contributing to, and benefiting from, the shared expertise within the HARPA community.”

Contact Dan: daniel.gammon@pricebailey.co.uk To enquire about other services available at Price Bailey, visit their website: www.pricebailey.co.uk

Stagecoach East bus driver wins praise for response to medical emergency A passenger on Michael Wenn’s Service 5 bus fainted when they were on Huntingdon Road heading towards Bar Hill. The driver went straight to the passenger’s assistance and supported them throughout, providing reassurance and care when it was needed most. He also made sure that his other passengers were kept informed and remained calm until the passenger recovered.

He has received a commendation and Amazon voucher, from the bus operator, because of his actions.

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Lewis Freemantle, Duty Manager at Stagecoach’s Fenstanton depot, said: “It’s moments like these that remind us that our job is about much more than driving a bus. Mick’s quick actions, professionalism and genuine care for a passenger in need were outstanding and are a credit to both him and the company.”

Darren Roe, Managing Director of Stagecoach East, added: “I am very grateful for Mick’s quick thinking in a difficult situation, which ensured that a vulnerable passenger was kept safe. This demonstrates the vital role that bus drivers play in our region.

“Buses are the lifeblood of our communities, providing a lifeline for

many and keeping people moving. As a bus driver, you ensure people can access work, education, essential services, and visit their friends and family. Without the dedication of our drivers, engineers, presentation and support teams, none of this would be possible.”

Click here to find out more about local bus routes and services and download the Stagecoach Bus App

EVENT ROUNDUPS

British Chambers of Commerce Director General Visits Cambridgeshire We were delighted to welcome Shevaun Haviland, Director General at the British Chambers of Commerce, to the region as she celebrated her fifth anniversary in post.

Private Supper

Marking the milestone, Shevaun visited the county to recognise the strength and ambition of the local business community and gain first-hand insight from growth-driving organisations.

As a leading UK business voice, she continues to shape national debate and champion business at the highest level.

The Great Business Debate: Is the UK still a great place to do business?

Business Visits The visit began at Patron member Stagecoach Group Limited, where Shevaun even got behind the wheel herself – successfully navigating a bus.

From there, we were warmly hosted by Patron Novotel Hotels Cambridge North, before heading to Ely to visit advanced manufacturing leader, Thorlabs. With construction now underway on a major expansion at its Lancaster Way Business Park site – set to increase manufacturing capacity by around 60% – Thorlabs is a powerful example of the innovation and investment driving our region forward.

Shevaun joined several of our valued Chamber members for a celebratory supper at Poets House Hotel and Restaurant.

The day concluded with a lively discussion and diverse perspectives, where the debate sparked important conversations about the future of UK business. After a closely contested debate, 55% of the audience voted that the UK is not currently a great place to do business – raising one key question: what are we going to do about it?

The case for ‘No’ Rising costs, higher employment burdens, and expensive energy are putting real pressure on businesses - especially SMEs. Add to that skills shortages, infrastructure challenges, and policy disconnect, and many feel the UK is a tough place to operate right now.

The case for “Yes” Despite this, the UK’s global reputation, strong innovation ecosystem, and international opportunities remain powerful advantages.

Shevaun outlined three key pillars to enable growth: • Productivity – ensuring access to a skilled workforce and greater adoption of technology • Investment – delivering effective planning and unlocking investment in strategic infrastructure • Export – boosting global trade, with just a 2% increase in exports we can deliver an extra 0.6% growth to the UK economy Members representing manufacturing, hospitality, recruitment, scale-ups, local authorities and education shared concerns around the rising cost of employment, business rates, and input costs, which are becoming increasingly unsustainable.

If you’re ready to think globally, we’re here to help!

We’re proud to connect our members to a global network of 74 British Chambers around the world – helping businesses expand confidently into international markets.

Private Business Roundtable We hosted a Private Business Roundtable with Shevaun alongside a number of our members at our Patron member ARU Peterborough, kindly hosted by Professor Ross Renton.

In this centenary year for the Chamber in Peterborough, it feels as though momentum is building. With developments such as the sports quarter, station quarter, and continued investment in education, this wellconnected and fast-growing city has enormous potential ready to be unlocked.

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EVENT ROUNDUPS

Event round-ups

The Craven Meeting 2026

Global Business Briefing

Over 300 businesses attended our fourth raceday at Newmarket Racecourses, delivered in partnership with Suffolk Chamber. The event provided a high-value setting for relationship building, client engagement and cross-county collaboration.

In partnership with the Diplomatic Advisory Hub, a joint initiative between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the BCC, businesses explored navigating global instability, from supply chain disruption to rising costs. Key insight: geopolitical risk is now a day-to-day business factor, requiring agility, resilience and closer alignment with UK trade policy.

Photo credit: picsbywarren

Ely Networking – From Adoption to Advantage Businesses explored how to turn AI adoption into real value, focusing on clear outcomes, strong data and leadership.

Key insight: most organisations use AI, but few unlock impact – success depends on solving practical problems, not deploying more technology. Thank you to Jonathan Custance, CEO at Green Custard Ltd, for an excellent presentation, and Grovemere Property for sponsoring.

How to Win Awards Workshop Businesses gained practical insight into crafting winning award entries, from guest speakers Anne Buckland Chart.PR Co-Founder and Director of We Do Stories, and Dr Mike Greene, Deputy Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, focusing on clear messaging, strong evidence and impact-led storytelling. Key takeaway: 80% of success comes from how you communicate your impact.

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Bank of England Roundtable Businesses reported rising cost pressures, geopolitical uncertainty and increasing caution, with hiring freezes and reduced recruitment risk.

Shifting behaviours include lower travel and reduced footfall, while firms respond by investing in AI, reviewing supply chains and protecting margins. Thanks to Kieran Dent, Bank of England Agent for the South East and East Anglia, for setting the scene with a valuable economic update.

Construction and Property Networking Businesses discussed sector pressures including rising costs and price increases, alongside ongoing skills shortages.

Insights were given from the LSIP, which highlighted a shrinking workforce and hard-to-fill roles, with focus now on strengthening training pathways and aligning skills with major projects.

EVENT ROUNDUPS

Build Visibility Over Breakfast Businesses explored digital marketing and personal branding as strategic growth tools. Key takeaway: effective visibility goes beyond social media, requiring clear messaging and consistency to influence how audiences think, feel, do and see your brand. Thank you to our guest speaker Sue Keogh, Founder of Sookio, and Novotel Cambridge North for hosting.

Ely Networking – Difficult Conversations

SME Business Support Networking Breakfast

Businesses explored how to handle difficult conversations, focusing on preparation, clarity and self-awareness.

A key insight is confidence comes from understanding underlying fears, with stronger communication and psychological safety driving better team performance. Thank you to Katie Allen of Katie Allen Consulting for delivering an expert presentation, and Grovemere Property for sponsoring.

Alongside local authorities, education providers and business support organisations, we explored practical support to drive growth, including access to grants, funded internships and apprenticeship pathways - helping SMEs scale, recruit and remain competitive.

Thank you to East Cambridgeshire District Council for sponsoring.

Transforming Workplace Wellbeing Businesses explored the impact of mental health on performance, with poor wellbeing costing UK employers £51bn annually. Key insight: investing in training delivers results, with up to £10 return for every £1 spent and improved retention, engagement and productivity. Thank you to our guest speakers Jamma Wellbeing for sharing insights on their Brain Smart training.

Roundtable with Sam Carling MP Businesses highlighted growing caution amid cost pressures and policy uncertainty, particularly around the Employment Rights Act. Key concerns included transport, planning delays and water infrastructure, reinforcing the need for joined-up policy to support sustainable growth. Thank you to Sam Carling MP and IT Naturally for hosting.

Construction and Property Networking Industry professionals explored leadership, project delivery and specialist services within construction. Guest speakers Graham Worraker and Sam Lawrence BSc MCIOB FACQP from Concrete Renovations Ltd, shared long-term growth relies on experience, collaboration and technical expertise across increasingly complex projects.

Ely Networking – Project Delivery and Facilities Management Brian Rogers of McArthur Global shared practical approaches to aligning day-to-day operations with strategic goals, improving project delivery and stakeholder engagement. Digital tools, including AI-driven asset management, are helping organisations boost efficiency and reduce costs. Thank you to Grovemere Property for sponsoring.

Events are being announced and uploaded regularly. Click here to head to our website!

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NEW MEMBERS

New Members Alun Bedding Coaching & Consulting Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk 07824 872561 alun@alunbeddingcoaching.com

BTG Eddisons

The Lawns, 33 Thorpe Road, Peterborough, PE3 6AB 01733 897722 enquiries@eddisons.com

Cambridge Education International Centre

Hinxton Hall Conference Centre Hinxton Hall Conference Centre, Wellcome Genome Campus, CB10 1RQ 01223 495123 conference.centre@hinxtonhall.org

Imara Systems Limited

85 Great Portland Street, First Floor, London, W1W 7LT 07388 871 016 hello@imarasystems.com 93 High St, Somersham Huntingdon, PE28 3EE 01487 843311 info@impressionscs.co.uk

Capytech UK Ltd

Irwin Mitchell

Cambridge & London 07983 896470 contact@capytech.co.uk

1st floor, FORA, 20 Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 2JD 01223 859 903

CS Training

Lowick Hedry

St Neots, Cambridgeshire 01954 718648 flttrainingltd@gmail.com

9 Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 1GE tomorrow@lowickhedry.com

Domainex Ltd

110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY 020 3036 4445 enquiries mcarthurglobal.com

McArthur Global Ltd

Nebo Solutions Ltd

Cambridge info@farsightsentinel.com

Caldecotte Business Park, Milton Keynes, MK7 8FD 0800 4521505 info@nebosolutions.co.uk

Fisher Refrigerations

No BS Ventures

Farsight Sentinel Ltd

37 High Street, Landbeach, Cambridge, CB25 9FR 01223 861 103 trevor@fisherrefrigeration.co.uk

Growth Partners for Business

Brightfield Business Hub, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6XU 0800 669 6560 info@growthpartnersuk.com

Gryphon Advisory Cambridgeshire & Rutland

07585 551295 james@gryphonadvisory.co.uk

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– DragonHeart Homes

Impressions Creative Solutions

St Johns Innovation Park, Cowley Rd, Cambridge, CB4 0WS 0330 350 0668 info@cambridgeceic.org

Churchill Building, Chesterford Research Park, Little Chesterford, Saffron Walden, CB10 1XL 01223 433180 enquiries@domainex.co.uk

“The Chamber’s events, networking opportunities, and ongoing support have made a real difference to our growth and confidence as a business. It’s not just about networking; it’s about being part of a local business family that celebrates and supports each other’s success.”

Cambridge letstalk@nobsventures.vc

Printerbello Ltd

3B Crome Lea Park, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB23 7PH 01223 855195

Recycle for Future Ltd

183 Fengate, Peterborough, PE1 5BH 01733 358807 info@recycleforfuture.com

Seetec

Head Office, Main Road, Hockley, Essex, SS5 4RG 0800 334 5525

The Opportunity Provider

Suite F4, BlueSky Business Centre, 25 Cecil Pashley Way, Shorehamby-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5FF 0800 093 5892 info@top.training

Thomas Paine Hotel

33 Whitehart St, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 1AA 01842 750372 enquiries@thethomaspainehotel.co.uk

Travelex

Worldwide House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB

Turning Factor

St John’s Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, Cambridge, CB4 0WS 01223 656554 info@turningfactor.com

Unified Business IT

Town Hall, Market Hill, St Ives, Cambridgeshire, PE27 5AL 01480 877388 info@unifiedbusiness.it

Whippet

2 Rowles Way, Buckingway Business Park, Swavesey, CB24 4UG 01954 230 011 info@whippet.uk.com

WPH Solutions Ltd

Cambridgeshire 07584 164422 WPH@wphsolutions.com

YMCA Trinity Group

Queen Anne House, Gonville Place, Cambridge, CB1 1ND

MEMBER BENEFITS

Wellbeing: The foundation of business success Summer offers an opportunity to pause, recharge and take stock.

While longer days and warmer weather can boost energy and morale, balancing annual leave, workload pressures and business demands can still present challenges for employers and employees alike. For organisations looking to build resilient, engaged and productive teams, prioritising wellbeing is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential.

At the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, we believe that strong businesses are built on healthy foundations. That’s why membership is designed to support wellbeing in its broadest sense – from physical and mental health to financial confidence, operational security and peace of mind. When businesses feel supported, they perform better. When people feel valued, they stay engaged.

One of the most direct ways Chamber members can invest in employee wellbeing is through access to affordable healthcare and health support.

Exclusively available to members, the Chamber Primary Health Plan from Westfield Health starts from just £7.41 per employee per month. It allows staff to claim money back on everyday health costs such as dental care, eye tests, glasses and therapy, while also providing access to GP services, counselling, expert medical opinions,

gym discounts and retail rewards.

Small interventions like these can have a powerful impact on morale, attendance and overall wellbeing.

We are also pleased to partner with AXA Health for their business healthcare cover.

At AXA Health, we know that your people are your greatest asset. Offering healthcare cover shows your employees that you really value what they do for you.

That you’re ready to invest in their health and wellbeing – and in getting them back on their feet again if they become unwell.

Healthcare cover can help to provide you with peace of mind that your team’s health and wellbeing is being looked after, so you can focus on your business.

Wellbeing doesn’t stop at healthcare.

Financial uncertainty, operational disruption and cyber threats all take a toll on business owners and teams.

Chamber members benefit from access to trusted partners who help reduce stress and create stability – from Moneycorp’s foreign exchange expertise and Swoop’s Chamber Finance Finder to specialist HR, legal, tax and health & safety advice through Quest’s four essential services.

Digital wellbeing is also increasingly important. Reliable IT systems, secure data and efficient workflows enable teams to work confidently and

“When businesses feel supported, they perform better. When people feel valued, they stay engaged.”

collaboratively. Through exclusive member discounts with Cambridge Support, Cambridge Cyber Security and Kinabase – valued Patron members – businesses can strengthen their infrastructure, protect against risk and unlock productivity – all contributing to a healthier working environment.

Even practical benefits like AA Roadside Assistance discounts play a role, reducing disruption, saving costs and freeing up time and resources to reinvest where it matters most – in people.

Chamber membership is more than a badge. It’s a cost-effective support system that promotes, protects and expands your business while putting wellbeing at its core.

Investing in wellbeing isn’t just about looking after your team – it’s about building a stronger, more resilient future for your business and our wider business community.

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STAY CONNECTED

Connected

Grow your knowledge and build connections at the Chamber, through a variety of our events and marketing opportunities.

Connect your business Connect with like-minded professionals and businesses, from promoting your organisation in the next edition of our official Chamber magazine, connected, to sharing your news and stories through our weekly newsletters and social media channels.

By featuring your business in our connected magazine, you’ll reach thousands of local businesses every quarter. The magazine is available online, with links included across all our digital communications, and is distributed at every Chamber event – over 110 events annually. It’s an excellent way to increase your visibility and make an impact within the local business community.

Within connected, you can showcase a wide range of content - from advertorials and “Ask the Expert” features, to interviews, case studies, spotlights, event highlights, and thought leadership pieces. You can be as creative as you like! To place an advert or article, or to find out more about Chamber promotional opportunities please email marketing@ cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk For businesses looking to broaden their horizons, the Chamber can also help you connect globally. Whether exploring new markets or expanding existing operations, we connect you with key contacts, resources, and opportunities across global markets to help your business trade successfully and thrive internationally. Email internationaltrade@ cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk for more information.

Secure Your 2026 Corporate Sponsorship As Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce celebrates 100 years of impact in Peterborough, we invite corporate partners to align their brand with the region’s most influential business network. With 110+ events annually and access to senior decision-makers across multiple sectors, Chamber event sponsorship positions your organisation as a trusted leader in the local economy. Packages start from £500, with bespoke corporate partnerships available for multi-event and year-long visibility.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available • • • •

High-profile brand exposure Direct access to local decision-makers Measurable ROI and meaningful connections Targeted exposure across priority sectors www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/contact

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Cyber Essentials, or even better Cyber Essentials Plus certification proves you take security seriously. This helps you build trust, meet customer and insurance requirements, plus gain a competitive advantage.

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