President's column: All eyes on Chancellor
Investment is the name of the game, both locally and nationally, writes Richard Wileman (pictured).
While Burton’s businesses are thriving, I’m delighted to hear of East Staffordshire Borough Council’s ambitious new plans to regenerate the riverside area between High Street and The Washlands.
The council’s approved £10 million funding expression of interest, along with strong engagement with hospitality operators, investors, and brewing industry organisations, is a welcome development for the town centre.
These investments are essential to the area’s growth. That’s why a key priority of the Burton Chamber of Commerce in the upcoming budget is to ensure government support. We’re advocating for a competitive investment environment, including expanding full expensing to leased assets and committing to vital infrastructure projects.
On Wednesday, all eyes will be on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to see if she will reform business rates while lowering the multiplier. I also urge the government to support a healthier workforce by reducing employer and employee tax on workplace health services.
The government also needs to consider how it supports businesses on the ground, helping to reduce cost pressures that affect their day-to-day operations.
Local businesses are the backbone of our community, and by fostering a supportive environment, we can enable them to overcome challenges and continue contributing to Burton’s growth.
Additionally, engaging employers in skills planning by extending investment in Local Skills Improvement Plans and addressing gaps in local training is essential for our area’s success. By investing in the skills and well-being of our workforce, we’re not just building a stronger economy but fostering an already thriving community in Burton.
Burton’s spirit shines through in initiatives like the annual YMCA Burton sleepout, which took place last weekend at Pirelli Stadium. The charity is a voice for the voiceless in our region, assisting people without permanent housing and organising foodbanks.
This is why YMCA Burton is also the elected charity of the Burton Chamber, and I urge all readers to find out more about its valuable services and donate whenever possible. A huge congratulations to CEO Paul Laffey, who recently celebrated 25 years with the charity and participated in his 16th annual sleepout. Paul has been with the charity since the inception of the sleepout and continues to be a trailblazer for our town.
These programs remind us that Burton’s strength lies not only in its businesses but also in the dedication of those who call it home.
Elsewhere, our annual celebratory lunch is approaching, where we’ll honour Burton’s thriving business community. The awards will celebrate an up-and-coming start-up, the next generation of talent through the Future Face of the Year award, and Burton’s Business of the Year.
As president, I am proud to sponsor and present an award to a business that has gone above and beyond in supporting the locality. I invite all businesses to join the celebration and contact the head of Burton Chamber of Commerce, Richard Brooks, for more details.
As we welcome new members of the Burton Chamber—Mark Lambert Consulting Ltd, Leaflet Delivery UK Swadlincote, Spectrum Telecommunications Limited, In-Line Studio, Gaskell Safety Ltd, The Chartwell Practice Limited, SARAC, LMB Procurement, Eevolution Limited, Mint Technology East Ltd, and Tower Brewery Limited—I’d also like to highlight a few member stories worthy of recognition.
Congratulations to Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC), which recently won four awards at the World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics (WFCP) World Congress in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Meanwhile, Trent & Dove Housing and Rural Housing Solutions have published a new report, "There’s a Will—Here’s the Way," which highlights the challenges and opportunities in developing affordable rural housing.
Property agents Rushton Hickman also succeeded in bringing a new Hungarian sweet shop to our town centre. Sweet Hungarian Kiss Ltd, located at 335 Uxbridge Street, offers authentic Hungarian cakes and a variety of baked goods.
Burton is on the rise, and we look to Rachel Reeves to support this thriving town in the upcoming Autumn Budget.
If you would like more information on the Burton & District Chamber of Commerce or to attend one of our events, please feel free to contact me at richardwileman@selectcarleasing.co.uk or Richard Brooks at r.brooks@birmingham-chamber.com
Richard Wileman is the president of Burton & District Chamber of Commerce and principal of Select Car Leasing East Midlands
