BUSINESS REPORT


BUSINESS REPORT


Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce three new members of staff to the Management Team. Following the appointment of Louise Wall as


Interim CEO earlier in the summer, Mike Bottwood has accepted the position of finance manager, Matthew Cannon has joined the business as marketing and events manager, and Sunny Singh has been internally promoted to membership manager, following his successful tenure as business development executive. Joining Julie MacLennan, the office services manager, the Chamber is delighted that the management cohort is now complete, and attention can focus on developing an exciting new chapter. Sunny said: “Having worked at


Northamptonshire Chamber for the last 7 years, I’m really looking forward to having the opportunity to get to know the members at our sister Chamber in Milton Keynes as well. Both Chambers have so much to offer, and I can’t wait to get out there and ensure every business we represent are maximising the services available to them.” Joining the Chamber from Wasps Rugby Club, Matthew said: “There’s so much potential


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


CHAMBER WARMLY WELCOMES TRIO OF NEW STAFF TO THE TEAM


L-R Mike Bottwood, finance manager; Matthew Cannon, marketing and events manager and Sunny Singh, membership manager


across both Milton Keynes and Northamptonshire Chambers, and I’m keen to develop and expand the opportunities we offer our members. These are two great Chambers, with amazing businesses at their core; we’ve already increased the range and number of events available online, and this is only going to continue.” After joining on a temporary basis, Mike said: “It was an easy decision to accept the offer of a


MILTON KEYNES HAS THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT


Milton Keynes is one of Britain’s most entrepreneurial cities, according to GoDaddy. During national lockdown


(April to June 2020), one of the areas with the highest number of new entrepreneurs was Milton Keynes, which saw new businesses grow by 29% - double the national average of 14%. Polling of small business


owners in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes finds they are increasingly concerned about the impact of a local lockdown and say they would need government grants and financial support to survive.


Wellingborough, Corby and


Milton Keynes have been revealed as some of the fastest growing places for micro-business (fewer than 10 employees) ‘births’ across Britain. Analysis by GoDaddy, the company empowering everyday entrepreneurs, found that even at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of new businesses in Milton Keynes grew by 29% - double the national average of 14%. Yet micro-business owners in Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes are increasingly concerned about the threats posed by the impact of potential


new local lockdowns. Over a third (37%) say they would need government grants to continue to be operational, while 28% say they would need support with employee salaries – the top two measures needed were followed by a reduced VAT and a freeze on business rates. Go Daddy are holding a series


of events, in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce, and offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to gain advice, tips and support from other small businesses during these


challenging times. Louise Wall,


(pictured) interim chief


executive for Northamptonshire


and Milton Keynes


Chambers of Commerce, said, “Small and micro businesses are the lifeblood of prosperity in our region. “We’re delighted to be working


with GoDaddy to share knowledge and best practice with budding entrepreneurs, who will help drive prosperity and growth following the pandemic.”


permanent role at the Chamber. We were pleased to be able to support our membership with a £100k membership relief fund throughout lockdown, and I’m committed to ensuring the Chamber remains healthy and viable for the future.” Everyone at the Chamber wishes the new


management team every success for the future. Visit: www.chambermk.co.uk


inbusinessDECEMBER 2020/JANUARY 2021 5


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