Greater Manchester Chamber Bulletin

We have now had our Action For Business plan out for the last few months and have been making strong representation to government on our "Calls for Action" designed to get measures in place to help businesses through these tough times. It hardly seems like a day goes by without another government announcement about another initiative designed in some way to offset the effects of the current economic downturn.

We will be taking forward and refining our Calls for Action over the coming weeks and months and your input and information are aboslutely crucial to this. In meetings with government ministers the one thing they all want is evidence from business about the current state of the economy and what still needs doing. 

Click here to access our Action for Business plan and keep coming back to check on progress so far. Email us with information or comments on actionforbusiness@gmchamber.co.uk

Your input allied with our skill at getting in front of the key decision makers is an unbeatable combination.

Business News

Chamber Poll

Is your bank giving you full support in the current economic situation? If not, what are the problems? The Chamber runs frequent polls to find out what you think about business issues. Your feedback helps to inform our policy activity, so please consider your response carefully. To take part click here

Financial Help for Small Businesses

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson has unveiled a package of measures designed to address the cash flow, credit and investment needs of small and medium businesses. £20billion is being made available to help businesses survive the economic downturn. Read the full details here  and the Chamber's reaction to it.

Golden Hellos for Businesses

The Government has announced a new package of intensive support plus access to "Employers' Golden Hellos", new training places and cash to start-up your own business. Also guaranteed extra help for people unemployed for six months. Read more. 

Survive and thrive in 2009

Do you have any practical advice for coping with the economic downturn? The Chamber is launching a dedicated area at www.gmchamber.co.uk where we would like to hear any hints and tips you have for surviving the slowdown. Ranging from staying in close contact with suppliers and keeping employees in the loop to exploring green opportunities, reducing utilities and waste bills to lower costs and even re-examining your brand, we want to hear all about the practical ways you have adapted your business during these tough times.

Please contact Matt Hall on 0161 237 4124 or at matthew.hall@gmchamber.co.uk with your advice, hints and tips.

Downing Street - £140 million apprenticeship boost

The Prime Minister has announced a £140million boost for apprenticeships across the country, as the Government aims to promote a further 35,000 places in 2009-10. Gordon Brown commented in Derby recently 'We want to assure people that apprenticeships will be available, in fact we will have 35,000 more apprenticeships throughout the country over the next year. So we continue to train for the future, but what I want to do is to listen and to learn and to act on what people are saying.' Read more. 

Business Survey

GM Chamber is taking part in a monthly survey being conducted by British Chambers of Commerce during the economic downturn to get feedback from businesses on issues that arise within the business environment. December's survey generated some really good responses and received some good coverage in the press. Participate in this month's survey here

Cycle to Work

Cycle to Work is a tax incentive aimed at encouraging employees to cycle to work. With a budget of £200, an employee in the high tax band can afford a bike plus accessories worth £400.

For help contact Chris @ OnYourBike 0161 429 4151 or go to www.onyourbike.gb.com

Manchester Metropolitan University

During their third semester, the university's MBA students have the option to take part in a business consultancy project with an external client. The university has had considerable interest from students who want to take up this option. If you would be interested in submitting a project click here for more information.

Train to Gain Event

British Chambers of Commerce are holding an event with the North Lancs Chamber of Commerce and the Learning and Skills Council for the whole of the North West. The aim of the free event is to show businesses the Government's new £350 million business support package delivered through Train to Gain. For more information click here.  

Calling Green Heroes

For the seventh year running, the organisers of the North West Business Environment Awards are looking for green heroes who are putting the environment at the heart of the company's success. For more information email f.bhatti@merseybasin.org.uk or phone 0161 242 8200.