CHAMBER NEWS


BCC demands Government clarifies Brexit intentions


The British Chambers of Commerce has written to Prime Minister Theresa May demanding the Government makes clear its intentions for Brexit. Adam Marshall (pictured),


Director General at the BCC, and President Francis Martin, co- signed the letter, which said:


Directors Sandra Wiggins and Paul Tomlinson in front of the new saw purchased with funding from Collaborate


Collaborate grant helps DPI achieve rapid growth


Dear Prime Minister,


As President and Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, we write today to make an urgent appeal for clarity on Her Majesty’s Government’s objectives at a critical moment in the UK’s negotiations with the European Union.


In Chamber business communities all across the United Kingdom, there are a range of views on the depth and breadth of the UK’s future relationship with the EU.


As a consequence, the BCC has refrained from entering into the noisy political debate on the shape of the final settlement in recent weeks. We have instead emphasised the need for answers to the many practical questions businesses now face. Our aim has always been to maximise, not constrain, the Government’s chances of success as ministers and the civil service work to secure the best possible deal for the UK.


Yet businesses need those elected to govern our country to make choices — and to deliver a clear, unequivocal statement of intent.


The perception amongst businesses on the ground, large and small alike, is one of continued division. Even amongst the many optimistic, future-oriented firms — those who see opportunity in change — patience is wearing thin. Directly- affected companies are poised to activate contingency plans. Many others, worryingly, have simply disengaged.


Clear UK negotiating objectives are crucial to both business and public confidence.


While the BCC has campaigned strongly in favour of a status- quo transition period, to give businesses time to plan for change, this transition must lead to a clear endpoint. There is no room for continued ambiguity as companies make investment and hiring decisions. The Government must set out its plans.


A company that makes lightboxes and aluminium structures for retail, airport and exhibitions has received a £12,000 boost from Collaborate, the business support project that helps growing small and medium-sized businesses in Leicester and Leicestershire, run in partnership with the Chamber. Chamber member DPI (UK) has


grown rapidly since it was launched three years ago by directors Sandra Wiggins and Paul Tomlinson. That growth led to an increase in customers which has fed a rise in the number of employees and a move to larger premises. The company received a grant


for £12,253 from Collaborate to help fund the purchase of a new automated twin-headed mitre saw. The new saw enables DPI to cut


larger profiles (aluminium panels) and produce larger structures in the UK rather than importing them. It also allows the business to reduce lead times to meet client demand and will lead to the creation of new jobs in the firm’s workshop and sales office. Sandra said: “The new saw has


given us the capacity to not only cover existing workload in the event the old one breaks down, but also for us to produce the larger profile lightboxes and stands in- house, making us much more competitive. It also allows us to double our output as we’ll use the old one for smaller or lightweight operations.


“Without the Collaborate grant


we probably wouldn’t have been able to make this investment for another year or two, making us dependent on EU suppliers and less price-competitive. Last year the business grew by 37% so we’re very grateful for the support at this critical time in our growth.” Leicester City Council is the


accountable body for Collaborate. Sukhbinder Basra, Collaborate Grant Manager, Leicester City Council, said: “We’re delighted to support DPI and it’s gratifying to see that the Collaborate grant has enabled it to accelerate its plans and achieve such positive results. “We’re about a third through our


£1.2m grant funding pot so we are very keen to support more businesses that can demonstrate their potential to grow.” Eligible businesses can access


grants from £5,000 to £25,000 for a third of the cost of projects in addition to free sector-specific workshops and business advice.


Businesses interested in Collaborate should visit www.llepbizgateway/collaborate and complete a simple enquiry form to access free support.


For further details, contact Kalpna Mistry, Marketing & Events Executive at Collaborate for Growth, on 0333 320 0333 ext. 2242 or email kalpna.mistry@emc- dnl.co.uk


The East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) continues to gather intelligence on the short, medium and long-term impact of the UK's decision to leave the European Union on behalf of its members. For all the latest news, visit bit.ly/ChamberBrexit


26 business network March 2018


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