Tag Archives: Chambers Wales South East South West and Mid

Business, Business Advice, Economy & Jobs News, Wales

Recruitment, trade and taxation sticking points for businesses in Q3

Businesses in Wales have revealed the opportunities and challenges they faced in Q3 of 2024 in Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey.

Businesses in Wales who trade goods and services domestically performed well. Over two thirds (68%) of businesses taking part in the survey traded in the UK only. 38% of these businesses stated that there had been an increase in UK sales and 33% reported an increase in orders and advanced bookings, with both of these figures up from Q2.

It was a mixed picture, however, for Welsh businesses who trade internationally. Almost a quarter (23%) of businesses in Wales shared that their export sales had increased in the last three months, up from 15% in the previous quarter, but only 7% saw export orders and advanced bookings increase in Q3.

David Peña, the Chamber’s International Trade Manager, said: “Many of the survey respondents cited new markets as an opportunity for their business so we need to ensure that those who wish to export can access the guidance, support and contacts they need to fully achieve their trade ambitions.

“Welsh businesses have so much to offer on the international stage. Different markets bring different challenges, and penetrating these markets requires innovation and information. We heard several inspirational success stories from exporters across Wales at our recent exporting excellence event held in collaboration with our partners Atradius and Welsh Government, showing how the right support and ideas can make exporting a reality.”

The Quarterly Economic Survey for Q3 also revealed that recruitment continues to be a sticking point for many businesses in Wales.

54% of the businesses surveyed attempted to recruit staff in the last quarter, primarily for full-time positions. 79% experienced difficulties recruiting, particularly for professional and managerial positions, citing a lack of appropriate, experienced candidates and skills requirements not being met.

While recruitment and retention remain an issue, an improved economic picture has led to a shift in which external factors are more of a concern to businesses in Wales than they were three months ago. 55% of businesses in Wales stated that taxation was more of a concern this quarter, more so than interest rates, business rates and inflation.

Paul Clark, President at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “With an ongoing skills shortage in the private sector and concerns regarding taxation, businesses in Wales will be watching the Autumn Budget later this month with great interest. Throughout the election campaign and their time in office to date, the government has repeatedly stressed its commitment to boosting economic stability and growth, and the Budget will be chance to set these measures to develop the economy and remove barriers to a higher growth future.”

Appointments, Business, Business News

New appointment to support Welsh businesses’ trade ambitions

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has appointed David Peña as its new International Trade Manager.

David, who is originally from Barcelona and speaks English, Catalan, French and Spanish, joins the Chamber from International Trade Matters.

With his professional career spanning the retail sector, licensing industry, business development and trade support, David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with him to the Chamber.

In his varied career he has worked in culturally different companies, opened access to new markets for companies in all continents and liaised with businesses, organisations and brands such as Asmodee, Ministry of Defence (UK), Royal British Legion and The Smurfs.

Additionally, David holds a Level 5 Diploma in International Trade from the Institute of Export where he is a full member and was awarded twice in his graduation ceremony including the Prize for Academic Excellence from the Worshipful Company of World Traders.

In his new role, David will lead the trade team at the Chamber and assist members, partners and businesses in Wales with their exporting and importing needs including compliance, training, access to new markets and supply chain connectivity. David will share his invaluable knowledge and experience, becoming an asset to the team.

David said: “I am looking forward to supporting all our members in their international trade journey. I know from experience how challenging it can be, but I trust that Chambers Wales will be the right partner to be alongside our members at every step of the journey.

“As a native Catalonian and a Catalan speaker, I fully understand the particularities of being a nation within a nation, and the challenges but also the opportunities that this uniqueness can bring to the table.”

In his spare time, David trains with his local rugby club and plays the occasional veterans game as a scrum half.

Commenting on David’s appointment, Penny Lock, Director of Partnerships at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming David as a core member of our team who will be instrumental in supporting our members in their international trade journeys.

“This appointment represents another step in our mission of taking Welsh businesses to the world across our global network. David will be a tremendous asset to the Chamber, and we are very excited to work with him and to learn from his invaluable knowledge.”

Appointments, Business

Paul Butterworth appointed Vice Chair of Regional Learning and Skills Partnership

Paul Butterworth, the CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, has been appointed as the new Vice Chair of the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership (RLSP) for south-west Wales.

Covering Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea, the RLSP is dedicated to bridging the gap between education, skills, and regeneration. It aims to ensure that the skills provision is aligned with the economic priorities and opportunities of the region, as well as tackling the new skills landscape that is happening within the energy, construction, manufacturing and digital sectors.

As CEO of Chambers Wales, Paul brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the economic and skills development of Welsh businesses with him to the board.

As the voice of the business community with policymakers, Paul will advocate for enhanced skills training, infrastructure improvements and the creation of skilled jobs, all aimed at creating local economic growth.

Upon his appointment, Paul said: “I am determined to create a better and fairer business landscape for West Wales to ensure that the local economy has the best available skills development for future project development and the transition into the green economy and energy sector to ensure West Wales thrives.”

Jane Lewis, Regional Partnerships Manager at RLSP, said: “We are delighted to have Paul on the board. He will be instrumental in achieving our goals and look forward to the positive impact his appointment will have on the region.”

Business, Business News, Wales

Chamber and Feefo announce partnership

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid has announced a partnership with Feefo, the award-winning ratings and reviews platform.

The platform works with over 6,500 brands worldwide, collecting reliable and constructive reviews that businesses can learn from and display. The company has a confirmed-customer-only policy for reviews and an extensive post-moderation process to enable businesses to benefit from authentic feedback.

As a Corporate Partner of the Chamber, Feefo joins an exclusive group that shares a special relationship with the Chamber, connecting with its members to provide support and resources to the Welsh business community.

The Chamber and Feefo have joined forces to offer members access to the platform’s expert feedback tools and specialist insights which can support business growth and development.

The partnership will ensure that Chamber members benefit from the power of customer feedback and the knowledge of how to use it. Honest customer feedback can not only boost a company’s reputation and social trust, but it can also provide invaluable insights to help shape business strategies and opportunities to thrive.

Paul Butterworth, CEO of Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said: “We are delighted to partner with Feefo, the business feedback tool that offers verified feedback on service; an outstanding tool for businesses to develop insights to enable them to improve and prosper.”

Jats Slezak, Head of Partnership at Feefo, said: “The Chamber shares our values for helping business thrive and supporting communities. We’re so excited to help them utilise the power of customer feedback and leverage the wealth of knowledge that comes with it.”