Prosper Autumn, Black Country Chamber of Commerce magazine

WELCOME TO PROSPER
Most business leaders have never experienced the chaotic times we’re
living through, says Sarah Thompson, Editor, Prosper, but with help from
Black Country Chamber, you can plot a course through the storms
Good advice in the challenging times we all face
It’s Autumn, a time which marks the
transition from summer to winter, but this
year, as the nights draw in and the
temperatures drop, the season is tinged
with a deepening uncertainty for many.
A cost-of-living crisis and a return to
levels of inflation not seen for 40 years,
coupled with severe labour market
disruptions, means that an extremely tough
and uncertain economic environment has
very much returned to the forefront of the
public conscience.
In recent weeks the support announced
on energy bills, coupled with the fiscal
statement, which included the reversal of
National Insurance and corporation tax rises
as well as the Annual Investment Allowance
remaining at £1 million, may come as a little
light relief for businesses, but there is no
doubt that we are still facing an incredibly
tough autumn and winter ahead.
Companies face a challenging end to
2022 with rising costs affecting both their
operations and the lives of employees. Over
and above the standard day-to-day issues,
there are numerous challenges confronting
business leaders including inflation rising,
spiralling energy costs and political
upheaval following the recent change in
Prime Minister.
Against this tumultuous backdrop
Prosper speaks to the business partners
from the Chamber’s current campaign, ‘This
is the Black Country,’ and asks what’s in their
inboxes and what are their priorities as we
move through this challenging Autumn.
Focusing on three main themes, People,
Place and Power, our ‘This is the Black
Country,’ campaign hits the road with a
second Black Country Economic
Conference in November, where we will
hear the views of a host of well-known
keynote speakers including Mayor of the
West Midlands, Andy Street, Birmingham
Airport CEO Nick Barton, Carmen Watson,
chair of the Pertemps Group and Dr Julie
Nugent, director of productivity and skills
from the West Midlands Combined
Authority.
We also speak to the chairman and CEO
of car maker Bentley Motors, Adrian
Hallmark and ask him how the company has
continued to break all records in a market
for top-end luxury brands despite the
current climate, and we’ve legal debate on
the rise of workplace bullying and advice for
firms as more workers demand action to
tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
We talk retirement plans with local
businessman Kevin Rogers, CEO of
Wolverhampton-based Paycare, and
explore the number of businesses in the
region run by female entrepreneurs.
Plus, as Prosper marks its third anniversary
since relaunch in the autumn of 2019, we
take a closer look at how maximising
membership of the Black Country Chamber,
an organisation with a national reputation
and extensive reach, can help your business.
There’s also a round-up of all the events
and training offers from the Chamber and
we take a whistle-stop tour around the
region’s businesses bringing you their news,
views, opinion and debate.
Enjoy this edition of Prosper and don’t
forget to look out for the Chamber’s annual
business award winners in our next issue…
‘‘
A cost-of-living crisis, and a return to levels of
inflation not seen for 40 years, coupled with
severe labour market disruptions, means that
an extremely tough and uncertain economic
environment has very much returned to the
forefront of the public conscience.
PROSPER AUTUMN 2022
‘‘
CONTACT: SARAH THOMPSON
e: SarahThompson@
blackcountrychamber.co.uk
@SarahT_BCCC
linkedin.com/in/
sarah-thompson-83931813/
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