Chamber News

It started with a QES…
Just a reminder that the first Quarterly Economic Survey of the year starts on Monday. We all know how important the QES is to businesses in our region, and many firms use the results to help with their forecasting for the coming year. We’ll be emailing a link to the survey on Monday morning, so keep your eye on your inbox, and if you fill it in via the link, you’re automatically removed from the mailing list! It only takes a couple of minutes, but if you have any queries, email christian.spence@gmchamber.co.uk  Many thanks in advance.

Lend us your ear, Mr Osborne
As usual, we’re writing to the Chancellor, George Osborne, ahead of his Budget report in March and we’ll be including your suggestions as to what you would like to see. Many thanks for all your ideas so far, but we’re still keen to hear more of your comments about what the Chancellor can do to help your business. If there’s anything you’d like to suggest, email our Chief Economist, Dr Brian Sloan: brian.sloan@gmchamber.co.uk  

On the Buses
Transport for Greater Manchester gave a presentation at today's Action for Business Forum in Manchester on their proposals for bus priority measures. There are some real benefits for bus users, as a guided busway linking Leigh and Atherton with Salford and Manchester is set to be introduced. However, the plans also include a radical idea to close part of Oxford Road and Portland Street in the city centre to cars to facilitate cross-city bus routes.

Digital Dialogue
As part of our ongoing lobbying work and dialogue with suppliers regarding digital infrastructure, we are looking for Chamber members who have taken up an online IT service that has benefited their business. Have you saved money by using VOIP? Upgraded your software in the cloud? Protected your data by backing up online? We would like to hear your experiences. Please e-mail matthew.kershaw@gmchamber.co.uk