Issue 3 - 2017
A word from the CEO
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s I was basking in the sun for two weeks my colleagues were busy supporting Surrey businesses, with some fantastic opportunities on how entering global markets can be made easy.
With the support of our own International Trade team, the Department of International Trade and the local growth hubs it has never been a better environment for new exporters. We are keen to see a strong Surrey group at this year’s International Trade Summit taking place in Birmingham on October 12th where delegates will have the opportunity to learn from experienced exporters, take part in breakout sessions on the practical aspects of exporting and network with other exporters from all over the UK
Education and Business More recently we were present at the British Chambers of Commerce Business and Education Summit, with more than 300 delegates attending to hear from high-profile speakers including Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP and Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening MP on the importance of investing in education and skills training. Other highlights included young entrepreneur Ben Towers, who took the stage to discuss the practical challenges he faced starting a company at the age of 13, and our three panel debates focusing on collaboration between educators and the business community. Our work with schools around Careers Fairs has been well received and we plan to encourage more of this interaction going forward.
Brexit snap poll One year after the Brexit vote, along with our national network of Chambers we surveyed over 2,400 business people to understand business views of Brexit negotiations in the wake of the General Election. Our results make it clear that there are a range of views on what the UK should be seeking in a final deal with the EU, but there is near-universal consensus that a deep and comprehensive agreement is needed. ‘No deal’ isn’t seen as a viable option. Businesses want a pragmatic settlement on the practical, real-world issues that affect their operations, not arbitrary political red lines. By more than three to one, businesses want a transition period on the way to a final agreement with the EU. This is critical to prevent firms facing the prospect of repeated, costly adjustments to new trading conditions. If companies have to change their business model once in 2019 and again several years thereafter, the competitiveness and investment potential of our firms will be undermined. Getting transition arrangements on the negotiations agenda as quickly as possible would give businesses - many of whom are considering big investment decisions now - the confidence to press ahead. We will continue to be the voice of business in the hope that early resolutions will boost business confidence.
Louise Punter CEO Surrey Chambers of Commerce
The Team GROUP
PLATINUM PUBLISHING PUBLISHER The Platinum Publishing Group CHAMBER EDITOR Molly Edwards Molly.Edwards@surrey-chambers.co.uk Tel: 01483 735545 Web: www.surrey-chambers.co.uk If you have a news story for publication, email molly.edwards@surrey-chambers.co.uk
Directors: Maarten Hoffmann maarten@platinumbusinessmagazine.com Tel: 07966 244046 Ian Trevett Ian@ platinumbusinessmagazine.com Tel: 07989 970804 Website: www.platinumbusinessmagazine.com
Advertising Director: Lesley Alcock Tel: 07767 613707 lesley@platinumbusinessmagazine.com Head of Design: Amanda Harrington Travel Editor: Rose Dykins Sub Editor: Kate Morton Food Editor: Amanda Menahem Photographer: Sarah Walker-Bennett Motoring Editor: Maarten Hoffmann
For editorial and advertising enquiries email lesley@platinumbusinessmagazine.com SURREY CHAMBERS
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