The April edition of Grapevine is packed full of fantastic articles from our Members, sharing their good news and expert advice on a variety of topics. From promotion announcements and latest charity news to HR and marketing guidance there is so much great content that we are proud to share with you.
April has been a busy month for the Chambers. As we bid farewell to the past month, it's time to take a moment and reflect. The past few weeks have been filled with exciting events, meaningful activities, and noteworthy achievements that have shaped our community and left an indelible mark on our collective experience.
We hope you enjoy this edition with all our brilliant Member content. Would you like to be featured in Grapevine? Then get in touch today.
Cross Party Political Engagements
Our CEO, Denise Rossiter, was delighted to facilitate a visit from Shadow Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, to the Port of Tilbury on Thursday 11th April. Denise welcomed the Shadow Secretary and Jen Craft, Labour’s candidate for Thurrock, to the Port and accompanied him on a tour with Carole Cran, Chief Commercial & Finance Officer at Forth Ports Group, owners of the Port of Tilbury.
“Thurrock jobs and economy will thrive under Labour’s Great British Energy scheme” said Ed Miliband as he pledged that Labour’s mission to ‘Switch on Great British Energy’ would help bring jobs to Thurrock. The group witnessed firsthand the Port of Tilbury’s transition to 100% green energy and cleaner fuels, while exploring its ambitious future plans. Part of Labour’s mission to Switch on Great British Energy is to invest in clean Hydrogen and Wind power, which the Port could accommodate under their new plans.
Denise commented on the visit saying “We welcome the Shadow Secretary of State's commitment to energising Thurrock's economy through sustainable initiatives. Investments in clean hydrogen and wind power will spur job creation and economic growth. The potential of Tilbury to become a hub for sustainable energy innovation is undeniable, and we look forward to seeing how such initiatives will benefit local businesses and drive forward economic prosperity and environmental sustainability.”
This month, Denise had the pleasure of welcoming some of our Members to a dinner at the House of Commons. It was wonderful to be joined by Gillian Keegan, Secretary of State for Skills, Julia Lopez, joint Minister of State for the Department of Culture, Media & Sport and Department for Science, Innovation & Technology and Anna Firth MP for Southend West.
The meal was a great opportunity to debate directly with the Minister’s on the skills agenda for Essex. Our LSIP team Andy Sparks and Joanne Giles were there to discuss the fantastic work the Local Skills Improvement Plan is doing for the county.
Denise and the team were also delighted to welcome Pamela Cox, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Colchester and Darren Jones MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury to the Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway in Colchester. They were joined by invited local Members for a private lunch where the group discussed issues such as Taxation, Freeports, the Lower Thames Crossing project and Labour’s fiscal plans for the future including how they intend to revitalise the economy.
Twilight Networking at Genting Casino
Our attendees enjoyed first class hospitality by the sea at one of Southend’s prime entertainment and leisure spots at our recent evening of networking at Genting Casino Westcliff. With delicious food and great conversations, the bar area was a buzz with excitement as our attendees expanded their networks and caught up with old friends.
A huge thank you to Stuart Green and John Harland for a fantastic evening and for welcoming our attendees so warmly. The pair spoke to those gathered about the emergency measures needed to get the venue functioning again after RAAC was discovered in the roof. A perfect example of how a business can overcome adversity through fast action and quick thinking. They’ve shown that even in seemingly dire circumstances, especially for a hospitality venue, where there’s a will there’s a way to be operational again.
LSIP in the Business Community
Our LSIP Project Director Joanne Giles had the pleasure of attending the Portcullis Business Club Breakfast with the Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP, Alex Burghart MP and Cllr Dan Swords Leader of Harlow Council.
Jo enjoyed hearing all about the fantastic work taking place in Government, developing the use of AI to their improve services. The skills required within this sector are changing exponentially and at a pace that is unprecedented. The work that the Essex Local Skills Improvement Plan is facilitating within this sector will support the evolution of skills and platforms within the county.
May we extend our thanks to Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP for the invitation.
Nick Brown – Celebrating 5 Years at the Chambers
Our Client Relationship Manager, Nick Brown, recently celebrated his 5-year work anniversary at the Chambers!
Nick takes care of our Members in the north of the county and many of you will have worked and collaborated with him on his travels. He’s dedication and passion to supporting our Members and expanding our great network of businesses is fantastic. The ‘cheeky chappie’ of the Chambers, Nick is friendly and approachable whilst always remaining professional.
When he’s not out and about visiting great Essex businesses, Nick is based at our Colchester Office at the Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway. He has also recently set-up a base at our office in Harlow College. One day a week Nick will be in the Harlow area to support local businesses and expand our reach in the area. If you would like to arrange to meet up with Nick to discuss membership, events or how we can help your business then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.