PROSPER SPRING DIGITAL

WELCOME TO PROSPER
We are ready for future opportunities
With Black Country businesses reporting greater confidence than the national average, the enhanced
Chamber of Commerce team will be supporting members in more ways than ever before as they capitalise
on the opportunities ahead despite the surrounding economic challenges, says Sarah Moorhouse, CEO
Welcome to the first Prosper magazine
of 2024, a year that will see the Black
Country Chamber of Commerce play a
leading role in supporting members and
growing the local economy.
No doubt there will be challenges
ahead, but the Chamber is here for you.
We are working to represent you, support
you in unlocking new opportunities and to
help you build on our region’s proud
heritage to generate future economic
success.
Ready for 2024
The optimism of Black Country
businesses for the future is encapsulated
by the responses to our Ready for 2024
campaign, which you can read about in
these pages.
Companies that took part revealed
plans for growth and investment in
technology, innovation and colleague
development, so there is a lot to feel
positive about.
We want to celebrate our member firms
of all sizes who are looking to build
success in the 12 months ahead, with
many of you wanting to make the most of
Chamber support to do so.
It was noticeable how many of you
wanted to prioritise working with other
Black Country businesses when choosing
suppliers and partners, which really
highlights the importance of collaboration
between our members.
The optimism felt in our region in the
face of the adversity we are all
experiencing with the economic
backdrop, was seen clearly when the
Chamber hosted its first ever Quarterly
Economic Survey data reveal event in
January. The key takeaway from the QES
was that Black Country firms were viewing
2024 with greater confidence than the
national average; 71% believe that their
turnover will improve in the next 12
months, well above the UK average of
56%.
We strongly encourage all businesses,
whether Chamber members or not, to
complete the Quarterly Economy Survey, as
it is closely watched by national
policymakers, including the Treasury, the
Bank of England and the Office of Budget
Responsibility. At a local level, we use the
data when meeting with MPs and council
leaders to develop economic strategies
and policies to promote growth and
enterprise. So why not make a note to join
our next QES event in April? It will be an
excellent opportunity to gain valuable
insight into local and national data, hear
from guest speakers and network.
A year of change?
One thing is clear: 2024 will be a year
where voters decide the future course for
the country and its businesses, with the
economy a key focus. Not only is a
General Election on the horizon, but we
have the West Midlands mayoral election
coming up in May.
Among the frontrunners, Andy Street
has a huge following, but with Richard
Parker promising fresh ideas, it will be
interesting to see whether it is loyalty or
the appeal of something new that wins
over the voters.
New services
Just as change is a constant for our
member businesses, we are enhancing
our offering to give you the best possible
support for 2024 and beyond.
We have a new team dedicated to
supporting our members. Strong,
purposeful and enthusiastic, we want to
do our best to deliver what you want from
us, so please reach out – we are ready to
help.
Two new appointments will help us
deliver even more fantastic events this
year. Stephanie Sullivan has joined the
Chamber as Head of Marketing and
Communications, while Marie Shuker has
been appointed our new Events and
Project Officer.
As we mark International Women’s Day
on March 8, it is great to see how many
women we have taking up senior roles
within the organisation.
The arrival of Prosper means we are
nearly a quarter of the way into 2024.
Despite the challenges, we know our
members are ready to embrace the
many opportunities ahead, and as you
will see in the following pages, the
Chamber is committed to supporting
you in more ways than ever before.
As I have said consistently, we have
your back and will work with you as we
shape a new future.
Contact Sarah via
sarahmoorhouse@
blackcountrychamber.co.uk
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