A lot to look back on this year so far

Head of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce

JUST five months into the year, it is hard to believe that there is so much to reflect on in such a short space of time.

2022 signalled the turning of a new leaf for many, and there was certainly a buzz to be felt among local businesses as vaccinations and easing restrictions promised to breathe life back into the retail and hospitality venues that we all know and love.

While this is still true, we all know that the fall-out from the pandemic has meant that economic recovery has been hard hit by rising costs and an uncertain business landscape. And, of course, these anxieties have only been heightened by the devastation taking place in Ukraine, for which I highly commend the fundraising efforts and support from all corners of our community.

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in my brief time as head of the Burton & District Chamber, it is that our network is bursting with ambitious and innovative businesses who have and will remain resilient in the face of whatever hardship is thrown their way.

Evidence for this can be found in the results of the Chamber’s Quarterly Business Report (QBR) for Q1 which was released during April.

The QBR surveys businesses to provide an up-to-date snapshot of the performance of the Greater Birmingham business community, which includes Burton upon Trent. The report is underpinned by data gathered on key indicators such as sales, exports, investment intentions and recruitment difficulties.

Sentiments for Q1 were that business confidence is building across the region, despite thirty-three per cent of firms being more concerned about inflation than in the previous quarter, while half of those surveyed reported pressure to raise prices.

The results revealed that while businesses are still finding recruitment difficult, 40 per cent of those surveyed grew their workforce over the past three months and 50 per cent expect their workforce to grow over the next three months.

Domestic sales remain at a record high, with 54 per cent of firms reporting an increase, and export sales have improved for service firms (38 per cent increase) but dropped for manufacturers.

Growth in turnover remains steady, with 66 per cent of businesses confident of an improvement over the next three months and 55 per cent expecting profitability to grow in Q2.

Similar insights were shared in the Stoke-on-trent and Staffordshire LEP’S Situation Report (SITREP), with business owners reporting that they were largely confident for the year ahead, scoring a 7 on a scale from 1 to 10.

With all of this in mind, I echo the words of our Chamber CEO Henrietta Brealey in that the latter part of this year will be a time for the business community to work together to determine what the new ‘business as usual’ looks like.

As the Chamber continues to be a voice for businesses across all its divisions, there is much we can do on a local scale to bang the drum and shout about what Burton has to offer as a district. If the last two years has taught us anything it is that we must not underestimate the power of a unified voice and rallying together.

I look forward to seeing more of our members working together and with ourselves to boost their brand awareness, support each other in their future ambitions, and put the buzz back in Burton’s businesses. Should anyone have an interest in how the Chamber can help their business, please feel free to contact me at s.mattin@chase-chamber. com