Businesses from Ely and the wider Cambridgeshire region have gained national attention following a high-profile business visit organised by Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce.
The visit brought British Chambers of Commerce Director General Shevaun Haviland together with businesses and employers from across the region, including Ely-based Thorlabs and Poets House Hotel and Restaurant, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing firms in Cambridgeshire.
A key part of the visit was the Great Business Debate, hosted at Ely Cathedral, which brought together representatives from a range of sectors to discuss the realities facing businesses across the region. 55% of businesses attending voted that the UK is not a great place to do business indicating there are some significant challenges that businesses face.
Facilitated by Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, the discussions focused on issues including skills shortages, rising employment costs, training pressures and business confidence, while also highlighting the resilience and innovation of businesses across the region.
Representatives from sectors including manufacturing, hospitality, transport, technology and education took part in discussions, sharing how national policy decisions are affecting local employers.
Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Charlotte Horobin said:
“Cambridgeshire is home to some of the most innovative and ambitious businesses in the country, and it was important that their voices were heard on a national stage.
“We were pleased to facilitate this visit and bring together businesses from Ely and across the region to speak openly about both the opportunities and the pressures they are experiencing.
“The issues raised in the discussions reflect what we hear every day from our members and the wider business community. That is why it is so important for businesses to continue sharing their experiences through our Quarterly Economic Survey.”
In response to the challenges highlighted during the visit, the Chamber is also encouraging businesses to connect with the support available locally through its upcoming SME Business Support Breakfast at Soham Town Rangers Football Club on 27 May from 8.00-10.00am.
The event will bring together local organisations and business support providers to showcase practical advice, funding opportunities and resources available to help SMEs navigate current economic pressures and plan for future growth.
Charlotte added:
“There are clear challenges facing businesses right now, but there is also strong support available locally. Events like our SME Business Support Breakfast are designed to help businesses make connections, discover support opportunities and have honest conversations about the issues they are facing.”
Businesses across Ely and East Cambridgeshire are encouraged to complete the latest Quarterly Economic Survey, which feeds directly into national business policy
Find out more and register here: https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/events-training/events/sme-business-support-breakfast/
Complete the Quarterly Economic Survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SYRMYX5