Latest Updates From Surrey Chambers CEO – 23rd September 2024

24th September 2024

After an incredible start to our fresh season of activities, it is clear we are delivering the right programme of events. The Annual Property Lunch filled the Guildford Pavilion with over 80 movers and shakers from the sector, and our International Trade Training got off to a flying start (pardon the pun) with a fully booked course on Customs Procedures and Documentation. A group of Manufacturing businesses were treated to a fascinating tour of the State-of-the-Art Vision Engineering factory, before discussing solutions to recruitment and export challenges.

Our website lists all future events, but we are also promoting a great offering from Business Surrey.

Titled “Navigate the Business Lifecycle”, Business Surrey is presenting a series of free webinars designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Surrey.

Over four engaging sessions, they will explore essential topics to help your business thrive at every stage of its journey. Each session will consist of a 45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A session. Our expert speakers will share practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable tips. The sessions will take place from October 7th to 11thand they are titled:

Click on the links above for more details.

More collaboration in the County

Surrey County Council, in partnership with Surrey’s three leading universities, Royal Holloway, University of London; University for the Creative Arts; and the University of Surrey, recently announced the launch of a new Civic Agreement for Surrey. This groundbreaking initiative defines a shared commitment for these organisations to work collaboratively in the interests of the wider Surrey community: ensuring that no one is left behind. By pooling resources and expertise, the partners believe they are better placed to address local needs, drive innovation, and create a more inclusive and resilient Surrey by 2030.

The Civic Agreement was formally signed at an event in Woking last week and Surrey Chambers was there to help clarify to businesses how it will benefit them. Alongside various other forums and groups, where the business voice is strong and heard, Surrey is shaping up to be one of the most collaborative counties in the country. Further details and projects will be forthcoming.

Working on behalf of businesses in Westminster

We have been working with the British Chambers of Commerce network on a Budget submission highlighting the key priorities we want to see from the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves in her statement next month. We are focussing on policy recommendations to encourage investment, strengthen the workforce and develop our local economies. Our top five recommendations are:

  • Create a competitive investment environment by expanding full expensing to leased assets and promoting North Sea investment.
  • Support a healthier workforce by reducing the employer and employee tax on workplace health services.
  • Engage employers in skills planning by extending investment in Local Skills Improvement Plans and addressing gaps in local training provision.
  • Reform business rates, with the aim of lowering the multiplier to 45p by the end of this Parliament.
  • Invest in infrastructure by delivering previously planned transport projects, improving rail capacity, and updating planning rules to increase employment land supply.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce can be reached on 01483 735540, info@surrey-chambers.co.uk, @surreychambers www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

We are always happy to help businesses find what they need to help them grow and prosper.

Related Posts