COMMENT
THE LAST WORD
THE YEAR AHEAD It feels like so much has happened since I wrote the previous edition’s Last Word – come to think of it, a lot seems to have happened since becoming President back in November! It’s been interesting to read the Politics
section of this edition, which is based on the recent findings from the Chamber’s important Quarterly Economic Survey work. The narrative in this edition of Business
Network is very much around leaving an uncertain political period behind and looking ahead positively, while making sure we secure the investment our region needs and deserves to enable it to become even more successful than it already is. Undoubtedly, challenges lie ahead but so too
do opportunities and the Chamber will be there every step of the way, supporting and representing its members and helping them to navigate any bumps in the road of which there will be some – we don’t, for example, fully know yet how Brexit and subsequent trade negotiations with the EU and the rest of the world will play out now that we have formally left the EU.
Chamber President Dawn Edwards addressing the audience at the Chamber Christmas Lunch 2019
DAWN EDWARDS, Chamber President, on the issues that are worth talking about From a personal perspective, I am immensely
looking forward to representing the Chamber as your President throughout the year. The short period between taking the reins and the festive break was a fantastic initiation into the role and there have been highlights already – the memorable annual Christmas Lunch at Athena, Leicester, in December being one of them. I am looking forward to working towards my
main goals for my period as President - Driving the skills agenda and igniting passion for learning; Creating a fully-inclusive Chamber where we listen even more carefully to the needs of our member businesses; Investing in our own communities for the benefit of those who live and work here in the East Midlands; and Encouraging and supporting more women into business. I am just as much eagerly anticipating
meeting, engaging and working with as many individuals and member businesses as possible in 2020; of all shapes and sizes and from all sectors.
ANNUAL DINNER The Chamber’s 2020 Annual Dinner is fast approaching and, as one of our flagship events, is once again set to be a memorable occasion as the East Midlands’ business community come together in a fantastic setting to network, celebrate the achievements of our businesses and enjoy first class entertainment and hospitality. It will be an honour to address so many of you
at the Annual Dinner, which this year takes place on 19 March at Colwick Hall, Nottingham, and I am particularly looking forward to hearing from Olympic gold medallist Greg Rutherford. Greg has had to work incredibly hard,
overcome many challenges and be wholeheartedly dedicated to his cause in order to achieve the fantastic success he has on the very biggest stage and these are, I am sure, qualities that resonate with all of us in the world of business. If you’re interested in attending this
prestigious event, please do contact the Events team for more information. I hope to see you there.
98 business network February 2020
ENTERPRISING WOMEN Preceding this year’s Annual Dinner on 6 March is the Enterprising Women Awards and Gala Dinner – another highlight of the Chamber’s events calendar. The atmosphere at this important evening is
always fantastic as we celebrate and recognise the journeys and achievements of women in business. Eileen Richards and Jean Mountain – Vice-
President and Past-President of the Chamber respectively – do a fantastic job in Chairing Enterprising Women and the Awards and Gala Dinner really is an inspiring event befitting of the network. Good luck to all the deserved finalists across
the many categories. A full review of the evening, and all the winners, will be featured in a forthcoming edition of Business Network.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT In my day job I am Managing Director of a
training company, specialising in management, leadership and business skills, so it will come as no surprise to you that I am extremely passionate about helping and supporting individuals - and by association the businesses they represent - to be the best they can possibly be. As ever, the Chamber has a great suite of
training offerings this year across a wide range of themes critical to business – from First Aid sessions to comprehensive, Director Development qualifications. They can also help with consultancy to
establish your training needs and tailor courses specifically to meet those needs, delivered at a time and place to suit. Few would argue investing in personal and
staff development of all ages and levels contributes to a diverse workforce with the skills and knowledge to drive business growth, whatever your sector or size of company. So why not kick-start 2020 with some dedicated training?
For more information on what the Chamber offers, and to view all upcoming training options, visit
www.emc-dnl.co.uk/all-training-courses
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