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Lichfield & Tamworth Lichfield & Tamworth Chamber Patrons


Contact: Marilyn Castree T: 0845 603 6650


President’s campaign to protect economy


By Philip Parkin


New Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber president James Blackman has launched a campaign to halt late payments, which he says is damaging the local economy. Mr Blackman, managing director of Lichfield-


based digital marketing agency Cocoonfxmedia, said that he hoped the campaign – ‘Pay in 30 Days’ – would prove a boost to all local businesses. He said: “The impact that late payments have


on Lichfield and Tamworth businesses is detrimental to the growth of our local economy and subsequently our wider economy.


‘All businesses can support the campaign by ensuring prompt payment of supplier invoices within 30 days’


“Not only is it ethically wrong to refuse to pay for completed work in the agreed timeframe, but it can seriously damage cashflow and the survival of smaller businesses. “I will be encouraging all members and all Lichfield and Tamworth businesses to thoroughly


get behind this campaign which will benefit everyone involved.” “All businesses can support the campaign by ensuring prompt payment of supplier invoices within 30 days and proudly showcase their commitment to corporate social responsibility.” Mr Blackman took over from last year’s


president, Neil Lancaster of Adams Moore, at the Chamber’s annual general meeting at Swinfen Hall, near Lichfield. As well as the late payment campaign, he said


that in his role as president, he would be seeking to empower Lichfield and Tamworth businesses by ensuring regular, meaningful communication on issues which impacted on local businesses, such as new commercial developments, national government policies and HS2, the proposed high-speed rail line between London and the North West. In addition, Mr Blackman said he would be


aiming to assist the board in working closely with the education sector to support school leavers in becoming employment ready, helping to boost youth employment and bridge the gap between education and business. Chamber director Marilyn Castree said: “I’d like


to thank Neil Lancaster for the hard work and support which he has given to the Chamber over


Late payments campaign: James Blackman


the years, not only as president, but also as a board a member. “Neil’s commitment has surely demonstrated his


genuinely interest in the success of local business and thriving economy and has never wavered when voicing an opinion on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce in support of local projects. “James Blackman, the newly appointed


president, will bring a fresh perspective to the table, and is keen to champion amongst other initiatives, prompt payment of invoices. “The board is keen to support this, and have


personally signed up to it – late payment is damaging to business, particularly the SME market, who depend on prompt payment because they have a financial model that they have to work within.”


One hand not a disability: Nicholas McCarthy One-handed pianist plays at Lichfield


A pianist with only one hand is to give a performance at Lichfield Cathedral, to raise funds for the Chapter House Appeal. Nicholas McCarthy was born without his right


hand, but has not let this undoubtedly serious disability prevent him from becoming a star pianist.


Nicholas drew headlines around the world in


2012 when he became the only one-handed pianist to graduate from the Royal College of Music in its 130 year history. His motto,


26 CHAMBERLINK June 2016


appropriately enough, is ‘anything is possible.’ Now he is to tour the UK, playing pieces from


his top ten classical charting album ‘Solo’. The tour is a celebration of determination and


three centuries of music played by his left hand alone. It will feature composers as diverse as Liszt,


Chopin/Godowsky, Bach, Scriabin, Gershwin, Blumenfeld and others. This event at Lichfield will act as a fundraiser for the cathedral’s Chapter House Appeal.


The cathedral is urgently trying to raise £2million to reverse serious water penetration and weathering damage to the Chapter House, the only example of an octagonal two-storey Chapter House in the UK, stretched on its west- east axis. Jason Dyer, development director for Lichfield


Cathedral, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer visitors the experience of seeing Nicholas perform. He’s a huge talent, and it’ll be an honour to welcome him to the city of Lichfield.”


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