COMMENT
THE LAST WORD
Chamber president EILEEN RICHARDS MBE on the issues worth talking about I
believe that I speak on behalf of many organisations when I say 2021 did not start quite the way we had intended, with another national lockdown resulting in many shutting their doors.
However, the general feeling is that
organisations are still open for business and have adapted well to new ways of working to continue to operate. The first month of my presidential year, while very much virtual, has started off as a busy one with key plans underway for my main objectives for the year ahead.
CHARITY FUNDRAISING UNDERWAY I am delighted to say that fundraising has already began for this year’s three chosen charities: Chesterfield Samaritans, Help the Homeless Leicester and the Nottinghamshire Hospice. I have meetings arranged with each of them
to discuss how we can maximise charitable funds throughout 2021. The Chamber is in the process of setting up a
JustGiving page to fundraise on behalf of the three organisations, so if you would be interested in choosing to support these charities, we would be interested in hearing your ideas and get you involved.
MEMBER TO MEMBER January saw us welcome various new members and patrons to the Chamber. Our members have been overwhelmed by the support provided by our organisation over the past 10 months – a period in which the Chamber really has been recognised as the trusted voice of business. We have a fantastic team on hand, full of
people who are willing to help our members in any way they can, and we are always keen to introduce new members who need any guidance to join our membership and collaborate with one another. We have some incredible members, patrons
and strategic partners, and the support we can provide to one another across the East Midlands is incredible, so please do take advantage of this.
GENERATION NEXT As Generation Next is one of my key
presidential focuses, I am thrilled to have been 90 business network February 2021
Eileen Richards and Jean Mountain, co-chairs of Enterprising Women
asked to be an ambassador for the network by supporting the next generation of leaders. The network designed for 18 to 35-year-olds
aims to support young professionals through events, webinars and workshops. Headed up by the Chamber’s director of
resources Lucy Robinson, we have been selecting “board champions”, which will consist of 10 young professionals to work alongside the Chamber board of directors. It is important to support and develop young
employees to prepare them for the next stages of business.
ENTERPRISING WOMEN EVENTS TO CONTINUE VIRTUALLY The East Midlands is incredibly fortunate to have so many innovative and inspiring female leaders, and our Enterprising Women network enables professional women to connect, communicate and collaborate. Our webinars will continue virtually over the
coming months until we can welcome you back to our physical events once more. The Enterprising Women team has made the decision to postpone the Enterprising Women Awards 2021 until later in the year so that we can make it a celebration to remember, once it is safe to do so. The deadline for applications has also been extended until 26 February. As co-chairs, Jean
Mountain and myself are really looking forward to this and our upcoming webinars.
BREXIT AND COVID UNCERTAINTY CONTINUES While a decision has finally been made, Brexit has now firmly returned to the centre of conversation, with many questions and uncertainties still on the horizon for organisations. The Chamber’s Brexit support offer will help
firms of varying sizes and sectors to ensure they are better prepared for the changes Brexit may bring. To this end, our Business Readiness for
Change programme is evolving with the needs of members, and our Chamber Day of Resilience on 12 February will aim to prepare companies for the constant disruption of both Brexit and Covid-19. At some point this year, we’ll be in a position
to begin thinking about the post-Covid economic recovery. The Chamber is working alongside the
appropriate corporations to ensure we can “Build Back Better” by increasing sustainability across our regions. Alongside our Sustainable East Midlands campaign that will ramp up activity later this year, we have various focus groups and events coming up that will really help us all to shape our businesses with a greener tint going forward.
LOOKING AHEAD WITH OPTIMISM While it has been a challenging start to 2021 for many organisations, there is hope in the months that lie ahead. I believe that if we continue to collaborate
with our members, patrons and strategic partners by sharing best practice, we can come out of the next few months in a stronger position. The Chamber is on hand to support each of
your unique business needs and I encourage each of you to access the resources on hand to you via the Chamber website. I hope you are keeping safe and well, and also
making time for yourselves, whatever your position may be within your organisation. Remember every single person counts!
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