New vice president for Black Country chamber

THE Black Country Chamber of Commerce has appointed the chief executive of Wolverhampton-based Paycare as its new vice president.

Kevin Rogers said: “I am delighted by the confidence my fellow board members have in me. The role is integral to the realisation of our aim, to double the size of the Black Country economy by 2023, and I look forward to working with our president and board members to clearly define the steps on our journey.

“The Black Country has a great future and we need to ensure that we overcome obstacles, work with the right partners and challenge unproductive practice. We need to find the right place for the Black Country in a competitive global economy; a place that uses our heritage, our industry mix and our assets to create the conditions for high growth.”

Paycare is a not-for-profit organisation that has been providing health cover for over 140 years.

Kevin Rogers has more than 20 years experience operating in senior management and board positions in the manufacturing and services sectors. A chartered management accountant, he has expertise in defining, implementing and managing strategic change within a business and managing lean manufacturing projects to ensure operational efficiency.

Worcestershire businesses invited to join innovative network

BUSINESSES in Worcestershire have been invited to attend a series of events designed to highlight innovation in the workplace.
 
‘Worcestershire Innovation Wednesdays’, are held each month to showcase innovation opportunities across the county.
 
The sessions provide an opportunity for businesses and experts to come together to share ideas and thoughts about innovation and creativity. A guest speaker will  provide specialist insight at each session.
 
The concept, which was initiated by defence supplier QinetiQ, the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and Worcestershire County Council, has already proved successful following its launch in February.
 
The next event takes place between 5-9pm on June 17 at Yamazaki Mazak UK in Worcester. The topic will be Advanced Manufacturing. This will be followed on July 15 with a session on the Business of Sport, which takes place between 5-8.30pm at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, New Road. Worcester.

The final session takes place on August 19, between 5-8.30pm at QinetiQ’s Malvern depot. The topic will be International Trade Opportunities.

Gary Woodman, executive director of Worcestershire LEP, said: “These events are an excellent opportunity for Worcestershire’s businesses to network with like-minded individuals, share information on new processes and learn about opportunities for innovative business practices.”
 
Places are limited and must be booked in advance. Further information is available on the LEP’s website at www.wlep.co.uk 

North Staffordshire chamber outlines business needs to councils

BUSINESS leaders in North Staffordshire have are calling on local authorities to create a pro-growth environment that encourages enterprise and aspiration.  
Following the local election results, the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said businesses were ready to deliver prosperity, jobs, and sustained economic growth but they needed to see commitment and action from the new councils on six key issues.
 
Transport: the need for a direct connection to HS2 plus ongoing investment in roads and public transport facilities.
 
City and Town Centres: the need to build a strong, vibrant city centre, together with a defined role for town centres.
 
Skills: businesses need schools to equip young people for the world of work and to forge closer links with employers.
 
Energy: delivery of the District Heat Network for stable energy and supply chain development
 
Procurement: local public sector bodies need to spend more of their budgets in North Staffordshire.
 
Premises: access to quality land and buildings is vital if business is to grow.
 
Jonathan Mitchell, president of Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce said: “To create more jobs in North Staffordshire, we have to create the right conditions for our local firms to grow.  That means making sure we have the very best transport connections, including an HS2 station in the city.  

“We need to offer a great supply of land and premises, a skilled and flexible workforce and a ‘can-do’ attitude to make it easy for people to do business here.   

“Critically, we must now send a clear signal to the UK and beyond that North Staffordshire is open for business and is a fantastic place to invest.”