Chase Chase Chamber Patrons
Contact: Chris Plant T: 0845 6036650
New funding will help firms prepare for Brexit
Growth Hubs across the region are in line to receive a share of £108m of Government money that is being ploughed into helping businesses prepare for leaving the European Union. Regional clusters of Growth Hubs will receive
a share of the funding, and will use it to support firms operating in all sectors. Among those receiving funding are Coventry
and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s (CWLEP) Growth Hub, has been chosen to lead the Midlands’ cluster, which also consists of the Black Country, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, Greater Birmingham and Solihull, Worcestershire and The Marches. CWLEP Growth Hub managing
director, Craig Humphrey (pictured), says businesses across the Midlands should take full advantage of the support on offer. He said: “We
understand that uncertainty over Brexit – and the possibility of a no-deal Brexit - is a most pressing concern to many businesses. “We are
working closely
with the cities and local growth unit at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to ensure that companies are as prepared as possible. “We understand that for many business
owners and leaders, Brexit may not be a direct concern, however, we would encourage all business owners and leaders to consider the possible impact on their companies. “We are urging anyone who is unsure about how Brexit will affect their future operations to access their local Midlands LEP Growth Hub
website which features resources on Brexit guidance and business support. “With a strong support eco
system across the West Midlands,
Growth Hubs provide the best route into the support that is available.” It is estimated that around one third of the 5.7 million private sector businesses in the UK have carried out some level of preparation for Brexit but a further third are yet to do anything.
MP to be guest speaker at AGM
Cannock MP Amanda Milling will be the guest speaker at Chase Chamber’s annual general meeting (AGM) on 8 November. Ms Milling has been an active constituency MP,
and has campaigned on a number of local issues. These include the closure of the Rugeley B
Power Station and its redevelopment, maintenance of the local road network, the issues surrounding the Chase Line electrification project and overcrowding, and illegal waste site fires.
She has also supported initiatives to help
young people into work. In Parliament, Ms Milling has served on various
Amanda Milling
committees, including the business, innovation and skills select committee, the education, skills and economy sub-committee and committees for arms export controls. She has been involved in some high profile inquiries, including those looking at the quality of higher education, the working practices at Sports Direct and the collapse of BHS. The Chamber’s AGM takes place at Chase Golf Club, Pottal Pool Road, Penkridge, starting at 11:30.
HS2 green light hope
Cannock Chase Council is hoping that the Government’s review into the proposed HS2 high-speed rail project will result in a green light for the scheme. The council says that even though HS2 will not
go through its area, it will be vital to the success of a major retail scheme in Cannock which is due to open next year. That scheme is the McArthur Glen Designer
Outlet, a £160m project which will include 285,000 sq ft of retail space. Chase councillor Tony Johnson said:
“Although Cannock Chase District is not directly impacted by the route of HS2, which is due to come through our neighbouring districts of Lichfield and Stafford, the council is acutely aware of the economic potential and benefits the high speed line will bring to the wider West Midlands region. “The connectivity and increased capacity HS2
will bring could lead to enormous benefits for local economies like ours, through increased tourism, access to work for residents, and new business opportunities and markets for local companies and suppliers. We are keen to ensure that HS2 acts as a catalyst for further investment and enhancements to the region’s rail network and to continue to create supply chain opportunities for local businesses. “Next autumn’s opening of the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet in Cannock is expected to see a significant number of visitors arrive by rail and especially from Birmingham and beyond and the council has plans to work with rail partners to develop a business case for improving Cannock railway station. “We want to improve our local rail facilities,
therefore helping the region to win the argument for investment in HS2 should have knock on benefits for our district.”
Prospectus launched at breakfast event
Cannock Chase Council has launched its Town Centre Development Prospectus to potential private sector investors, developers and local businesses. The breakfast event heard why businesses and
organisations had invested in Cannock, and also which development sites had been identified in the town centre. Councillor Gordon Alcott said: “We have a
long term vision for Cannock town centre to create a culture and leisure hub and we hope this event has highlighted these opportunities and we get some investors that can help us.”
November 2019 CHAMBERLINK 53
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