Inspiring Business by Sharing Success

Staffordshire region 'open for business' - Chamber president

Staffordshire region 'open for business' - Chamber president

President of Burton and District Chamber of Commerce, Nik Hardy, declared the Staffordshire region as “open for business”.

Mr Hardy reflected on his first year as president of the Chamber, and what he thinks is on the horizon as he enters the second year of his presidency.

Nik Hardy said:

“I’d like to take a moment to offer my personal thanks to the Chamber for their dedication and their support to me in my first year of office.

“It was with great optimism that I began my presidency just 12 months ago and my enthusiasm has only further increased in that time.

“I continue to be inspired by the business community of the town and surrounding areas in my quest to champion the Chamber and its members.

“The role has allowed me to spread that message across the wider, Greater Birmingham, area – in which I continue to make many valuable friends & connections.

“It's fair to say there have been some testing times over the course of the last year, including the infamous Burton bridge closures and the continued uncertainty of Brexit looming.

“However our region is doing exceptionally well, welcoming many new companies and investments which create new jobs in our community.

“With a number of exciting developments planned for the town and investment opportunities available to employers across the region, it gives me great confidence as president to declare that Burton and District is open for business.

“I have little doubt that we can continue to grow this Chamber, not just in terms of membership, but also in our ability to help our members deliver growth and profitability.

“Thank you for your continued support, keep up the good work and here’s to further success over the next 12 months.”

After Mr Hardy’s speech, businesses were able to network and hear from key note speaker, entrepreneur champion Shalini Khemka who spoke about business in Burton and the importance of entrepreneurs.

Ms Khemka is the founder, chief executive officer and board director of E2Exchange, a non-profit organisation which seeks to form partnerships with entrepreneurial and corporate firms in order to promote and connect entrepreneurs. 

Shalini said:

"The UK economy is at a challenging time in its development, therefore there is an increasing dependency for entrepreneurs to drive change and the UK forward.

“Business owners in Burton and South Derbyshire have an important role to play and we remain confident that we will see more businesses such as Riviera Travel, one of the UK's largest overseas Escorted Tour Operators.”

Monica Douglas-Clark, vice-president of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce, said: "Our annual meeting provides an opportunity for local businesses to connect and share. 

“It is great to see businesses coming together to recognise and review the good work that has been carried out by Burton and District Chamber and the members in our region.”

Pictured: Back row (l to r) - James Blackman (Lichfield and Tamworth Chamber president), Robert Elliot (Solihull Chamber president), Chris Plant (Burton Chamber director), Paul Faulkner (GBCC chief executive), Pam Wallis (Burton Chamber), Nik Hardy, Henrietta Brealey (GBCC director of policy and strategic relationship)


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