CHAMBER NEWS
Discussing what matters with your key representative
Chamber facilitates crucial meetings between members and their local MPs
Chamber member Surescreen Scientific hosted an informal business briefing recently with mid-Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham (Conservative) at its Morley Retreat offices. These meetings give firms a
chance to raise with elected members any concerns they have around day-to-day operating issues affecting them, particularly at the moment when Westminster’s preoccupation is focused on the impasse surrounding Brexit. On Brexit, those present
expressed deep dismay at the lack of progress, clarity and leadership. Firms reported that hard-working Eastern European workers are going home, leaving vacancies in both agriculture and the care sector that are becoming increasingly difficult to fill. Businesses told Pauline about
their frustration with the education system, in that schools/colleges aren’t measured on employment outcomes and prefer to focus on Ofsted requirements. As a result, they tend not to be
receptive to approaches from industry and show little interest in areas such as engineering and construction. It was felt that teachers have little experience of industry and that more effort needs to go into encouraging apprenticeships. The perennial issue of under-
investment in infrastructure for this region was raised, along with concerns that there doesn’t seem to be a strategic plan to join-up efforts. Indeed, the three cities of Derby,
Nottingham and Leicester are perceived to be rivals rather than partners that would add combined value to schemes that are prepped and ‘ready to go’ as soon as the funding becomes available. There were also calls for more
support for early-stage SMEs, guidance for entrepreneurs towards affordable means of finance and innovation funds to be made available.
Toby Perkins Pauline drew attention to her
participation in getting Derbyshire recognised as a ‘County of Culture’, which would bring countywide benefits and a distinct boost to the arts and culture industry. A broad cross-section of
Chesterfield business leaders also met with their local MP, Toby Perkins (Labour), recently to discuss a range of topical issues affecting the town and its aspirations against a backdrop of ongoing uncertainty. Teaming up with Destination
Chesterfield to deliver the event at Markham Vale, the Chamber was eager to demonstrate real-life scenarios that reveal the effect that the political impasse surrounding Brexit is having on business confidence. The future of the town centre
was discussed, regarding the impact of online shopping on local retailers, and the need to promote Chesterfield as a ‘place’ that both investors and property owners will continue to find appealing. It was felt that the town needs to
capitalise on the opportunities that HS2 is bound to bring, although those present were quick to point out the necessity of restarting the
Pauline Latham
‘Firms reported that hard-working Eastern European workers are going home, leaving vacancies in both agriculture and the care sector that are becoming increasingly difficult to fill’
cancelled upgrading of the Midland Mainline’s electrification programme. Firms drew Toby’s attention
toward the need to relieve congestion on the A61, and the significance of superfast broadband connectivity leaving firms less- reliant on access to London. There was criticism of the
Government’s new Making Tax Digital legislation, which firms felt was hardly assisting businesses, and more akin to having them do the Government’s own job. The cost of buying - and getting familiar – with the new software was something that firms felt
placed an unfair burden on them and their staff. Chris Hobson, Director of Policy
and External Affairs at the Chamber, said: “These sessions are valuable ‘real-life’ business surgeries that enable our MPs to gain a genuine sense of sentiment from the firms they’re representing in Parliament. Delegates made no secret of
conveying the sense of urgency and ownership that MPs need to take in finding an acceptable compromise on Brexit, given that so many firms may end up having to change their very business model to stay afloat.”
ENGAGING DECISION-MAKERS East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is the British Chambers of Commerce Chamber of the Year. It has influence with local authorities and other public bodies and
stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally as well as across the EU, ensuring business concerns of members throughout Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire are heard at all levels and on all issues that are important to our region’s businesses. The Chamber is the region’s largest business support organisation
and is the number one facilitator of businesses engaging with key decision makers in the region. Whether addressing concerns to your local MP, engaging with Ministers in Westminster or getting the latest updates from the Bank of England, we provide you with these opportunities and more.
For more information on our MP briefings, Strategy and influence groups, Bank of England forums and all policy activity, visit
www.emc-dnl.co.uk/helping-you-influence
business network March 2019 37
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