Opinion CHAMBER LINK
The Official Publication of Greater Birmingham Chambers of commerce
Editor’s View
By John Lamb
Hard work is paying off for the region’s businesses
Sutton Coldfield
Chamber of Commerce
“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” The late crimper Vidal Sassoon is credited with saying that, as well as inventing the “bob” cut. And if what he says is true, it can be no more
apposite than here in Greater Birmingham, where this month we have celebrated some amazing success and reasons to be cheerful (with due deference to Ian Dury). While not pretending that we are out of the
Front cover: Tom Champan, chief executive of Kompas See page 26
Editor John Lamb 0121 607 1781, 0797 1144064
j.lamb@
birmingham-chamber.com
Deputy Editor Dan Harrison 0121 607 1887, 0797 1144052
d.harrison@birmingham-chamber.com
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woods, our latest Quarterly Business Report (QBR) – see page 5 - demonstrates the amazing resilience and determination embodied in businesses from every sector in our region.
‘Greater Birmingham business is in good hands and will in the future be able to come through hard times’
Despite the unfavourable and uncertain
economic conditions, the Q3 results were remarkable, particularly in the export field. All credit is due to those businesses who have
bit the bullet and sought business overseas, some of them for the first time. And the Chamber can claim a little bit of credit
Published by
too with its International Hub working flat-out to encourage and help businesses to export. As explained on our website
(
www.greaterbirminghamchamber.com), the International Business Hub is a one-stop-shop for all importers and exporters, from established
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Managing Editor Laura Blake
Advertising 0121 765 4144
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kempspublishing.co.uk
CHAMBERLINK is produced on behalf of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce by Kemps Publishing Ltd and is distributed to members without charge. The Chambers and the publisher are committed to achieving the highest quality standards. While every care has been taken to ensure that the information it contains is accurate, neither the Chambers nor the publisher can accept any responsibility for any omission or inaccuracies that might arise. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of the Chambers. This publication (or any part thereof) may not be reproduced, transmitted or stored in print or electronic format without prior written permission of Kemps Publishing Ltd.
4 CHAMBERLINK October 2017
businesses to those who are considering trading internationally for the first time. As well as being able to tap into the expertise
of international trade advisers, businesses can seek assistance with export documentation, market information and contacts, language and translation services and foreign currency exchange. The Hub also provides international trade training through a series of events and seminars, as well as organising marketing visits and exhibitions overseas. And we have big plans for this part of the
Chamber’s operations – so watch this space! Another reason to be cheerful was
demonstrated at Edgbaston Stadium, the home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club and the scene of many famous Tests. The occasion was the annual dinner and awards
of Future Faces, the “young” arm of the Chamber. Future Faces was created by the Chamber to help businesses support and develop staff who are committed to fashioning their careers. It is dedicated to maintaining a networking
forum for aspiring business people in Greater Birmingham. And this was overtly in evidence at Edgbaston. Here was a group of young people having a
good time but, more importantly, celebrating their success and their future. Their drive and enthusiasm should give us
confidence that Greater Birmingham business is in good hands and will in the future be able to come through hard times – like in the third quarter of this year.
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