MAKING YOUR VOICES HEARD

Skills And Recruitment

In all of our conversations and research, we often hear that businesspeople are not aware of various opportunities that could really enhance their businesses. One of our major focusses at the chamber is to fill that gap and help disseminate messages on all sorts of topics.

Following the findings of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which identified a need to improve the sharing of information, advice and guidance, we have created a Future Skills Forum, taking place on September 19th at Farnham Castle. By bringing everyone together, we will be able to increase knowledge and awareness significantly. It will also contribute to some key partnerships, which will result in collaborative working within sectors.

Still on the subject of people and recruitment, we are running some sessions on looking at untapped sources of talent. We are encouraging businesses to think outside the box and consider employing people from a wider pool of talent.

In Surrey, there are around 12,000 people who have been diagnosed with autism, many of whom would love to be working but they find the application process a real barrier. Once they secure a job, they become key employees and contribute a great deal to the business. In addition, there is a great deal of support available to help employers to understand the kind of adjustments they may need to make. We will be sharing this information in three locations around Surrey.

Look out for our new dates for the Multiply project, offering numeracy support to people who are working and would like a refresh on all things numerical in the workplace. For example; percentages, VAT, P&L, and making Excel work for them to take the strain out of calculations.

Our National Network

Whilst we are delivering locally, we are also working as a network across the country and with our team at the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) in Westminster to create a platform for larger businesses to have a direct voice into government.

Last month, we announced the formation of a National Business Council, with Heathrow, Drax, IHG Hotels & Resorts and BP joining as the first founding partners. The National Business Council will provide a new unified voice for firms up and down the country, developing business-backed, pro-growth policies to support the UK economy. This will enhance and add to the voice that all of our members already have in Westminster.

The work of the Council will be focused on fi ve key areas: People and Work; Global Britain; Digital Revolution; Green Innovation; and Future of the High Street. Surrey is well represented across these groups particularly with Heathrow involved and Michael Hayman MBE DL (in Surrey), co-founder

AND WHILE YOU’RE HERE...

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of StartUp Britain and Chairman of Entrepreneurs at Coutts & Co as chair of the Global Britain sub group. We look forward to being involved in all five areas, ensuring that our local Surrey messages are heard.

Surrey Chambers of Commerce can be reached on 01483 735540, E: info@surrey-chambers.co.uk

Twitter: @surreychambers www.surrey-chambers.co.uk

Louise Punter CEO Surrey Chamber of Commerce

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