BUSINESS REPORT


BUSINESS REPORT


Our Chamber Group is delighted to reveal we are now the seventh largest direct membership Chamber in the UK in the network of 53 Chambers accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce. During the past 12 months


membership of Northamptonshire Chamber of Commerce, its sister Chamber in Milton Keynes and Next Generation Chamber grew by more than eight per cent - the sixth largest percentage increase across the network. We recruited 503 new members


during the year – the fourth highest amount for a Chamber the UK. The Chambers’ chief executive


Paul Griffiths said: “In the past five years our membership has grown by more than 75% and as a result we have risen from being the UK’s 30th largest direct membership Chamber to its seventh.


“This has been achieved thanks


to our incredibly proactive staff, our forward-thinking board of directors and our vibrant membership. “We would like to say a big thank


you to our members for believing in us and supporting us. During the past year the number of staff employed by our members rose by more than 25%, giving our network even greater strength and ensuring we continue to be highly respected both locally and nationally.” The Chamber Group also came


second in the network for the amount of non-member businesses it engages with and was the 9th highest issuer of export documents. It was the seventh highest


provider of business training courses and had the seventh highest number of participants. Its inbusiness magazine had the fourth highest circulation figures in the


MICHAEL STEPS UP FOR COUNCIL ROLE


Michael Bracey (pictured), Milton Keynes Council’s Corporate Director for People, has been confirmed as the council’s acting chief executive. He will take up the role at MKC while a


permanent chief executive is recruited, following the departure of Carole Mills who leaves for Derby City Council at the end of July. Michael’s current role includes responsibility for


all children’s services and adult social services, including educational improvement, children in care, fostering and adoption, adult safeguarding, mental health services, and much more. He joined MKC in 2009. Michael has previously worked within the voluntary sector, for the


NHS and Ofsted and spent time on secondment to government prior to taking up his role at MKC. Cllr Pete Marland, council leader who chaired the cross party


recruitment panel said: “Michael has been a great asset at MKC for nine years. He’s highly experienced at helping services perform better and achieve more, and has built successful partnerships between MKC and other organisations who serve citizens. I have every expectation that MKC will continue to develop under Michael’s guardianship.” Speaking on his appointment, Michael said: “I’m delighted to serve


the people of Milton Keynes in this new capacity. I’m proud to live in MK and call it home – it’s an honour to be part of its continued growth and success.”


4 inbusiness OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2018


HR FIRM CELEBRATES A DECADE IN BUSINESS


A company which provides a cost- effective outsourced human resources service to businesses across the country will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. Acanthus Management Limited


was founded by Maggie Halsall and works with firms of all sizes and from a variety of sectors, including professional services, manufacturing, hospitality and charities. Maggie said: “When I started the


business not many people outsourced the HR function – they either tended to do HR in-house or even not at all – so I saw there was a niche in the market. “I help smaller firms, ones that don’t need a HR presence on a


daily basis but just need a helping hand - and as the “outsider” I can handle grievance or disciplinary issues for them - through to large corporate organisations who need ongoing specialist support. “My aim is to take the pressure


off management teams as well as making sure they’re fully compliant and up to date with changes in HR. “Acanthus has a strong local


presence and I’m proud to say many of my clients have been with me since day one. “I like to get to understand the


commercial aspect of my clients’ business so I can give them the best advice specifically for them, and help them grow.”


The Milton Keynes Chamber team at the 2017 Chamber Awards


network and its average monthly website hit rate was the seventh highest of any Chamber in the UK. Its number of Facebook followers was the ninth highest in the


network, its Twitter following increased by 12.82%, and its LinkedIn following grew by 47.4% meaning it has 14th highest number of followers in the network.


MILTON KEYNES CHAMBER keeps its members up to date with all the latest business news. Whether it’s through the pages of this magazine, our website or regular email updates, we will always endeavour to keep you in the picture and informed


GROWTH FOR CHAMBER GROUP


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