Struggling Rugby businesses can get support from The Chamber

Karen Shuter, chair of the Rugby branch of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, writes a regular column for the Rugby Advertiser. Here is her latest column.
Karen Shuter.Karen Shuter.
Karen Shuter.

As we approach the end of 2022, there is still huge uncertainty for businesses across the region.

We began the year with optimism. We hoped the worst of the Covid-19 crisis was behind us and, after two years of lockdowns and a stop-start nature to business, we could get back to normal.

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In that time, however, global events coupled with domestic instability have made life difficult for companies in Rugby and the surrounding area and, now, nobody is completely sure what normal is, let alone how we will get back to it!

At the Chamber’s recent Annual Business and Economic Conference at the Coventry Building Society Arena, it was an opportunity to delve into some of those issues that are affecting all of us – rising costs, supply chain difficulties, soaring energy bills and recruitment problems,

to name but a few.

It was great to hear from a range of experts on these topics and to look at some of the potential solutions.

The conference also focussed on some of the opportunities that are out there for businesses and how firms across our area can make the most of them. Coventry and Warwickshire’s economy is still seen as vibrant, where businesses want to invest and create jobs and it’s

important we maintain that image.

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Of course, we all have to look inwardly at our own businesses and make sure we adjust and adapt to the circumstances we are faced with. It is what companies across this region have done for decades and the Chamber has always been there to support and guide firms

through tough times.

We must also be outward facing too – we need to seize whatever opportunities come our way and be ready for the upturn in the economy.

The Chamber’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES), which is delivered in partnership with Prime Accountants Group and analysed by the Economy & Skills Group at Warwickshire County Council, showed that confidence has dropped over the course of the past 12 months.

However, the wider economic outlook from the QES suggested that the region would grow – albeit only very gradually – in the coming months.

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Back in January I wrote: “After the past two years, I know companies across the region are keen to grow and make up for some of the lost time.

“My advice to any business – no matter stage you are at – is to make full use of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.”

And, with the year coming to a close, my advice remains the same! If you are hitting a brick wall with an issue get in touch with the Chamber but, equally, if you can see an opportunity to grow, make the most of the services on offer.”

Contact Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on 02476 654321 or visit their website https://www.cw-chamber.co.uk/