2021 hasn't been an easy one for many businesses. However, through these difficult times, Business West Chambers of Commerce & Initiative supported our members, individually and collectively, through multiple channels. We have a huge influence representing businesses both locally and nationally.
We worked hard with government and the British Chambers of Commerce to make sure that the package of support for Covid-hit businesses was extended and maintained during much of 2021, from furlough to business grants and business rate relief.
Our Quarterly Economic Survey gives an up-to-the-minute pulse of local business thinking – 1,588 people completed these is 2021.
We have raised the profile of countless businesses. Our cases studies and comment have been featured locally and nationally, with coverage in local press, local and national BBC and ITV, the Financial Times, the Independent, the Guardian, the Independent and the Times. This kind of significant meida coverage can have an overnight impact on sales. We have also shared over 200 pieces of member content via our website which reaches a massive 24,000 businesses across the South West.
We have offered over 20 money-saving promotions to members such as Journolink, peer-to-peer board experience and discounted service offers!
Over 3,000 people have connected via our online and in person Chamber & Initiative events across Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire & Wiltshire. Bringing businesses together is what we do best. We have also offered free high-level training workshops to help our members with marketing.
We continued to support and advise businesses through our Trading through Coronavirus support service. We have signposted members to over 50 support schemes and grants in 2021.
We have kept our members up-to-date with the latest news, events and coronavirus updates by sending over 100 email campaigns to our membership community in 2021.
Policy Wins
Our Policy Team have regularly engaged with government about the impact of Covid on business health, indebtedness, sales and recruitment, to help inform and shape government interventions. This includes taking part in the West of England’s economic recovery board, Bristol’s One City Economy board and regular discussions with the business department, the Treasury and the Bank of England.
Locally we have worked with Bristol City Council and central government to make the support package for the forthcoming Clean Air Zone more generous and able to reach businesses who are located both inside and outside the zone.
We have continued to support businesses in their adaptation to the changes brought about by Brexit, including continue to run our Trading through Brexit service. We have also successfully argued with government that it should extend implementation periods for businesses that would struggle to adapt in time, for example successfully winning a one-year extension to the implementation of the new UK standards mark until 2023.
Need our help?
We’re proud of our achievements in 2021 and have lots planned for 2022. We’ll be there to support our businesses in whatever way we can. Do keep in touch and let us know how we can help your business.
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