Businesses from Cambridge and the wider Cambridgeshire region have gained national attention following a high-profile business visit organised by Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce.
The visit brought British Chambers of Commerce Director General Shevaun Haviland together with businesses and employers from across the region, including Cambridge-based Stagecoach East and Novotel Cambridge North.
A key part of the visit was the Great Business Debate, hosted at Ely Cathedral, which brought together representatives from a range of sectors to discuss the realities facing businesses across the region. 55% of businesses attending voted that the UK is not a great place to do business, indicating there are some significant challenges that businesses are facing.
Facilitated by Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, the discussions focused on issues including skills shortages, rising employment costs, training pressures and business confidence, while also highlighting the resilience and innovation of businesses across the region.
Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Charlotte Horobin said:
“Cambridgeshire is home to some of the most innovative and ambitious businesses in the country, and it was important that their voices were heard on a national stage.
“We were pleased to facilitate this visit and bring together businesses from Cambridge and across the region to speak openly about both the opportunities and the pressures they are experiencing.
“The issues raised in the discussions reflect what we hear every day from our members and the wider business community. That is why it is so important for businesses to continue sharing their experiences through our Quarterly Economic Survey.”
In response to the challenges highlighted during the visit, the Chamber is also encouraging businesses to connect with the support and opportunities available locally through its upcoming CambsB2B North exhibition.
The event will bring together businesses and partners from across the region to share knowledge, build connections and support growth across the local business community.
Charlotte added:
“There are clear challenges facing businesses right now, but there is also a huge amount of innovation, collaboration and support within our business community. Chamber events provide businesses with an opportunity to connect, share experiences and access support.”
Businesses across Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire are encouraged to complete the latest Quarterly Economic Survey, which feeds directly into national business policy discussions through the Chamber network.
Find out more and register here: https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/cambsb2b-north/
Complete the Quarterly Economic Survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SYRMYX5