Event description:
Leaders from Chambers of Commerce, MAKE UK, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Confederation of British Industries are coming together to discuss what businesses need to do to survive and grow in an economy impacted by Brexit, the Recession and COVID-19.
Speaker information:
Hannah Essex – Co-Executive Director at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC)
Hannah’s role is shared with Claire Walker at the BCC which sits at the heart of a business network that spans the length and breadth of the UK, with links to markets across the world.
Claire and Hannah lead the British Chambers campaigns, communications, public affairs, policy, and senior representative work on behalf of the Chamber Network.
Hannah joined the British Chambers of Commerce in September 2019 from social enterprise Teach First and together with Claire, they have a combined 35 years’ experience leading in a range of organisations, driving transformation and impact. Hannah is also Vice-Chair and Founding Trustee of The Girls’ Network.
Mike Cherry – National Chairman at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
An active FSB member for over 20 years and based in the West Midlands, Mike is committed to getting the voice of small firms heard at the highest level.
Previous to his current role, Mike led FSB’s campaigning and policy work for nearly a decade as National Policy Director. He remains a strong advocate of employability and enterprise, both in the UK and across the globe.
Ben Fletcher, Executive Director of Policy and Engagement at Make UK
Ben is responsible for promoting and representing the manufacturing and engineering sectors to key audiences in government, politics and the media across the UK and internationally, including at the EU. He also has responsibility for leading Make UK policy development work, providing a powerful voice into government, ensuring the sector has a strong role in shaping policy.
Ben joined Make UK (formerly EEF) from the London Legacy Development Corporation where he was Director of Communication, Marketing and Strategy for the largest and most successful urban regeneration programme in Europe.
Ben’s previous career spanned over 20 years in the civil service. This included leading the Home Secretary’s Strategic Policy Team, managing the 2012 Olympic Security communications programme, and establishing the Security Industry Engagement team in the
Home Office.
Callum Biggins – Director of Campaigns at the Confederation of British Industries (CBI)
Callum leads on the CBI’s political engagement programme and oversees coordination of the CBI’s policy outputs.
Prior to taking up his current role, Callum led the CBI’s work on fiscal events including coordinating the CBI’s budget submissions, managing CBI communication and campaign plans and working with key stakeholders to deliver policy wins for CBI members.
This event is hosted by Corin Crane, Chief Executive at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
Black Country Chamber of Commerce is the region’s leading business support agency, delivering a range of services and support to businesses of all sizes and across a range of industries for over 160 years.
Find out more here blackcountrychamber.co.uk
Follow BCCC on Twitter @BCCCmembers for live updates on news, events and opportunities across the region.