Businesses from Peterborough 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 organisations from Peterborough’s manufacturing, logistics, education and professional services sectors, to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing firms in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
A key part of the visit was a business roundtable hosted at ARU Peterborough, where local business leaders had the opportunity to speak directly with Shevaun about the realities facing businesses across the city and wider region.
Discussions focused on issues including skills shortages, rising employment costs, workforce development, transport, investment and business confidence, while also highlighting the resilience and ambition of businesses across Peterborough.
The visit also included the Great Business Debate at Ely Cathedral, where 55% of businesses attending voted that the UK is not currently a great place to do business, highlighting the significant challenges many firms continue to face.
Facilitated by Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, the discussions provided local employers with the opportunity to share how national policy decisions are affecting businesses on the ground.
Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Charlotte Horobin said:
“Businesses across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire continue to play a hugely important role in driving economic growth, innovation and employment across the region.
“We were pleased to facilitate this visit and create opportunities for businesses to speak openly and honestly about both the opportunities and the pressures they are experiencing.
“The discussions held at the ARU Peterborough roundtable and throughout the visit 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 networking opportunities available locally through its upcoming CambsB2B North exhibition.
The event will bring together local businesses and partners to share practical support, opportunities and connections to help businesses navigate current economic pressures and plan for future growth.
Charlotte added:
“There are clear challenges facing businesses right now, but there is also strong support available locally. Chamber events are designed to help businesses build connections, access support and have honest conversations about the issues affecting them.”
Businesses across Peterborough and the surrounding area are encouraged to complete the latest Quarterly Economic Survey, which feeds directly into national business policy discussions through the British Chambers of Commerce 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