The Voice Of Business

With more than 3,400 members and 8,000 affiliates, the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber is the leading voice of local business in the East Midlands, representing the views of its members and the wider business community on local, regional, national and global issues.

It was named Most Effective Campaigning Chamber at the National Chamber Awards in 2010 and has influence with local authorities and other public bodies, key decision-makers in Whitehall and Westminster and across the EU. It is an accredited member of the National Chamber Network headed up by the British Chambers of Commerce.

Lobbying Priorities For 2012

The Chamber campaigns on behalf of its Members to improve conditions for business and has a number of Lobbying Priorities for 2012.

President Ian Greenaway said: “The theme for 2011 was A Year for Growth. I intend to sustain that in 2012 by campaigning to ensure that any new rules, regulations and policies introduced create the right conditions for business to flourish and grow, rather than holding them back.

It is also important to ensure that business leaders and employees are equipped to meet the challenges of fast moving technology and the need to improve productivity.

I want skills and training to be the main theme of my year in office, with particular emphasis placed on encouraging business and education and training providers to work together in true partnership to help unlock the potential of school leavers and young adults.”

Nationally, the Chamber will:

• Support policies to reduce the deficit and maintain liquidity, financial stability and low interest rates.
• Support the rebalancing of the economy - promoting manufacturing, exports and the growth of the regions - particularly Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
• Promote economic sustainability including green economy, healthy workforce and carbon reduction.
• Champion new technology, productivity and increased investment.
• Continue to fight for reduced red tape burden, particularly in relation to Health & Safety, employment law and taxation.

Locally, the Chamber will:

• Support D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership to ensure it remains business led, tackling issues of direct benefit to local business and raising the profile of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire business in Whitehall.
• Showcase the potential of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire business to help develop supply chains and attract new inward investment.
• Develop the infrastructure needed to service local business, particularly: Superfast Broadband, Electrification of Midland Main Line, Secure HS2 through the two counties and Road improvements including the widening of the A453, Nottingham ring road and improvements to the A38 junctions at Derby
• Improve skills and training by engaging more SMEs in commissioning training, highlighting best practice of business engagement in schools and promoting the take up of apprenticeships through media campaigns and showcase of best practice
• Maximise opportunities for business from the Olympics, local procurement, tramlink, outsourcing etc, supply chain development and the effects of economic shocks.
• Help the rural economy, particularly through supporting the Destination Management Partnership for both counties and assisting with market town development.
• Assist businesses who miss a one to one business support service provided by Business Link, through providing an information service and events under the branding "Business Helping Business".

It will also work with other Chambers through the British Chambers of Commerce to fight for:

• Faster cuts in regulation
• A reduction in National Insurance for companies employing young people
• Raise tax allowances to stimulate investment
• Secure effective implementation of planning reforms
• Improve public sector procurement to ensure British companies are not at a disadvantage in competing for Government contracts and preference can be given to local suppliers
• Assist energy intensive industries to adapt to carbon price support

MPs' Newsletter

The Chamber produces an MPs' Newsletter every quarter, which is sent to all constituency MPs, local authority leaders and chief executives and large employers in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, with the aim of updating them on the latest business priorities and highlighting relevant Chamber activities to support its membership.

The latest issue was sent in February 2012 and includes updates on:

• The latest local economic intelligence
• Promotion of Growth & Investment
• Business rates
• Red tape
• International trade
• Planning reform proposals

Share Your Views

In order to lobby effectively on behalf of its membership, the Chamber needs your input into snap polls on specific issues and the Quarterly Economic Survey and at the many consultation and information events it runs throughout the year.

In addition to this, the Chamber’s Policy Team runs a programme of Members' Councils, which give businesses the opportunity to shape and influence its campaigning plans and activities, along with regular informal sessions giving businesses the chance to engage directly with their constituency MP over current economic and political issues.

To get involved or share your views, submit your details by clicking the 'request further information' button below.