Chamber News

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce unveils new branding

Bugged by Business Finance?

If you have strong views on the next stage of developing effective finance for business in the UK, we want to hear from you.

Shadow Business Minister, Iain Wright MP, will be chairing a round table session at the Chamber on 17 June to gather business comment and opinion on proposals for a new Business Investment Bank.

Your views will influence the political and economic debate for business ahead of the 2015 General Election.

Places at the lunchtime session, between 12.00 noon and 2.00pm, are limited. To reserve yours, contact chris.fletcher@gmchamber.co.uk 

North of England Excellence & British Quality Foundation 2013 Annual Leadership Conference

This year's theme in the North of England Excellence & British Quality Foundation 2013 Annual Leadership Conference is "Transforming Performance in Difficult Times". Taking place on 25 September 2013 at Haydock Racecourse, the plenary session speakers include Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive Manchester City Council, Professor Michael Luger, Dean Manchester Business School, and Andrew Peters, Divisional Director, Siemens Drive Technologies.

The 2013 North of England Excellence Awards Ceremony will take place on 14 November at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club. Speakers will include Richard Else, Operations Director of Jaguar Land Rover. Tickets are available from Suzanne House on 01925 715242.

The Award for International Trade, supported by UK Trade & Investment, is a new category of award for 2013. 

Sounds like a plan

Over the past few months, the Chairman of the Chamber’s Property and Construction Committee, Mike Gibson, has been reporting the government’s proposed changes to the planning system. The latest relaxation in the rules came into effect last week, and planning permission is no longer needed for some changes of use, and the size of extensions, both to houses and business premises.

Skills Gaps in the Finance Sector

The Chamber is holding an event on 20 June from 4-7pm in Manchester for businesses in the finance and professional services sectors, keen to find out about our Employer Ownership of Skills initiative and how they can get involved. In an ever-changing and heavily-regulated environment, identifying training and skills gaps is key to delivering future growth for the sector. We want to work with businesses in these sectors to deliver practical skills and develop solutions. For more information on the event and to book a place, email events@gmchamber.co.uk

Going Overseas?

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales is holding a breakfast seminar on 11 June at Manchester Art Gallery to look at the success factors when expanding into international markets. How can private equity finance multinational growth? When is overseas M&A the right route? And what’s making businesses in the North West attractive to UK and non-UK investors and acquirers?

Be Briefed at Breakfast

New Economy is holding a breakfast briefing on Manchester science and innovation, taking place on Wednesday 19 June from 8.30am. The guest speakers will include John Pickstone from the University of Manchester and Dr Kieron Flanagan from Manchester Business School who will discuss the challenges and opportunities for Manchester. For further information, email Mike.Doocey@neweconomymanchester.com 

Need Funding for a new idea?

Social Incubator North has launched an investment fund to help create or build enterprises that offer real community, social or environmental benefit. Existing or new social entrepreneurs across the Northern half of England can apply, or anyone with a competitive and brilliant new idea. The investment from Social Incubator North comprises of two different loans, totalling £25,000.