INBUSINESS VIEWPOINT
With the country officially on General Election countdown, all the political parties are putting their last energies into campaigning and reiterating pledges about clearing the deficit and building a stronger economy. The British Chambers of Commerce’s (BCC) Annual
Conference 2015: A Business Plan for Britain, which I attended, provided another pre-election opportunity for senior politicians from cross parties to set out how they would deliver a more confident and more enterprising Britain. I was interested in hearing the speakers and panellists
which included Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, and his Labour shadow counterpart Chuka Umunna MP, address four business- critical themes – developing the talents of the next generation, growing UK exports, devolution to all regions of the UK and Britain’s position in the world. Getting past the political point scoring, I found the debates stimulating, thought-provoking
and identified key challenges facing SMEs – our key drivers to the economic recovery. In my mind, the conference also provides a platform for the business community to have
constructive voice in debates on future policy. In this instance, it allowed BCC to highlight its manifesto “A Business Plan for Britain” setting out its expectations of the incoming government. It identifies seven core themes that must be at the heart of any plan for government, to ensure Britain becomes a more confident, more enterprising, and more skilled trading nation. The BCC manifesto issues a clear call to all
political parties to make these priorities for growth a reality. By setting out a true ‘Business Plan for
Britain’, the political parties can instil confidence among businesses in Milton Keynes and across the country. We await the results of 7 May.
PAUL GRIFFITHS
Chief Executive Milton Keynes Chamber
paul.griffiths@
chambermk.co.uk
CONTENTS BUSINESS REPORT
4 Van-tastic news for Milton Keynes Pressings as Vivaro production increases
5 Member Profile: James Abbey, director of BCL Power
GOING GLOBAL 6
Virtual assistant finds customer care airport role in Australia
ISSUE SPOTLIGHT
7
High Sheriff opens ambulance training facility and recognises long-serving staff
TALKING BUSINESS
CONTACT DETAILS
EDITOR: Lei Chan T: 01908 547820
MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 500 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 2BE W:
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NEWS AND ARTICLES SHOULD BE SENT TO:
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FRONT COVER Roger Churchill, MD of Lohmann Adhesive Tapes See page 8 COVER/INTERVIEW PHOTOS: Jane Russell Photography
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ABOUT THIS MAGAZINE: inbusiness is a bi-monthly 16-page publication and digital magazine distributed to over 1,500 Chamber members and key businesses in Milton Keynes. The publication focuses on news and information about local companies and the initiatives and advice available to increase the prosperity of firms in the Milton Keynes area. Milton Keynes Chamber welcomes newsworthy articles of business interest, giving preference to Chamber members. As editorial space is limited, inclusion cannot be guaranteed and the editor may amend or reject articles submitted.
inbusiness is produced on behalf of Milton Keynes Chamber by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed without charge to all Chamber members and other leading businesses in the Milton Keynes area. The Chamber and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. However, views expressed in the magazine are independent and while every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither Milton Keynes Chamber nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise.
For further information on Milton Keynes Chamber, call: 01908 547820 or visit:
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8
Roger Churchill, managing director of Lohmann Adhesive Tapes, talks to inbusiness about his expansion plans and why the firm relocated to Milton Keynes
ISSUE SPOTLIGHT
10 Milton Keynes is the place for all your exhibition and conferencing needs
TRAINING & EVENTS
12 Comprehensive list of training courses together with Chamber events
MEMBER ZONE
14 Find out which companies have joined the Chamber and what members are offering
BUSINESS ALLIANCE GROUP PARTNERS 2015
The June/July 2015 issue of inbusiness will include features on: Legal Services; and Education & Training
The deadline for copy & images is: 6 April 2015 APRIL/MAY 2015 inbusiness 3
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