Coventry chamber prepares for AGM

HOW businesses in Coventry and Warwickshire weathered the recession will be one of the topics under discussion when the area’s chamber of commerce stages its AGM on Monday (September 20).

The chamber will present a range of figures and information to its members and showcase how it has helped companies survive through one of the most difficult periods for decades.

Services such as Member2Member offers, HR support legal advice, free credit checks, reduced health care costs will all be hailed as important tools in helping firms reduce overheads and win new business.

The chamber will also highlight its policy work during the year of a General Election and show how it has assisted more than 500 businesses with international trade opportunities across the globe.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the chamber, said it had been one of the busiest in its history.

“It has been a difficult 18 months for businesses across the world and firms in Coventry and Warwickshire have felt the full effect of recession,” she said.

“Our support for business has been essential and it will remain that way as we begin the road to economic recovery.

“We have given help on exporting, importing, human resources and networking, as well as numerous other subjects.

“In the past 18 months, the chamber’s events have helped over 2,700 business people to network, finding new contacts and business opportunities. Our aim is to build upon this success, providing support for even more local companies in the coming year.”

The AGM takes place at 4pm at the Oak Tree Court Conference Centre and will be preceded by a networking event for members.