FIRSTWORD FIRSTWORD


THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF DEVON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


CONTACT DETAILS


Devon Chamber of Commerce 22 Lockyer Street, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2QW T: 01752 220471 E: chamber@devonchamber.co.uk W: www.devonchamber.co.uk


News and articles should be sent to: Editor Lauren Edmonds E: lauren.edmonds@devonchamber.co.uk


All material is used at the editor’s discretion. Front cover: Technology & Innovation


Published by Kemps Publishing Ltd 11 The Swan Courtyard, Charles Edward Road, Yardley, Birmingham B26 1BU T: 0121 765 4144 W: www.kempspublishing.co.uk


Managing Editor Laura Blake Designer Lloyd Hollingworth


Advertising Jon Jones E: jon.jones@kempspublishing.co.uk


Printed by Buxton Press Buxton, Derbyshire W: www.buxtonpress.com


Chamber Profile is produced on behalf of Devon Chamber of Commerce by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed without charge to more than 1,500 key businesses and all Chamber members in Devon. The publisher is 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, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without the prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.


Staying strong in the face of uncertainty


Many businesses have had a good start to 2017 and this was reflected in the results from the first Quarterly Economic Survey of the year. However, the future remains somewhat more uncertain. Much of that uncertainty is caused by the Brexit negotiations which are


expected to be long and hard, with no clarity as yet about what the outcome will be. Increasing that air of uncertainty is the General Election which will come after County Council elections. The Chamber will continue to advocate the need for clarity and stability, for many companies unimpeded access to European markets is essential, for others continuing to be able to employ workers from Europe will be crucial. Devon Chamber of Commerce moves forward slowly and it would thank all who


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GEORGE COWCHER CHIEF EXECUTIVE, DEVON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE


CHAMBER PATRONS


have given active support during these challenging times. It is hoped as it gets stronger it will help give Devon the leadership needed locally, regionally and nationally. Many of you have recently completed a survey organised by our Board Director, David Williams, about the current state of the Chamber. This is currently being analysed and feedback will be given at the AGM on Tuesday 16 May at Plymouth College of Art.


4 Chamber Profile May/June 2017


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