Patrons put forward Shropshire’s business case
Senior members of the Shropshire business community were given the opportunity to experience first-hand the country’s ‘corridors of power’ at a recent trip to the Houses of Parliament.
A delegation of Patron Members from Shropshire Chamber of Commerce was treated to a full tour of the House of Lords, including the historic Chamber, before being given the chance to quiz Lord Bruce Grocott, the former MP for Telford, on the ins and outs of life at Westminster.
The group, led by Shropshire Chamber of Commerce Managing Director Richard Sheehan and President John Clayton, then moved on to the British Chamber of Commerce’s London office in Petty France, Westminster, where they held high level discussions with Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy and External Affairs.
As well as finding out about some of the BCC’s key economic priorities for the coming year, including a renewed focus on export and international trade, Patrons were also able to raise a number vital issues facing the Shropshire business community. Dr Marshall also emphasised the importance of Patrons encouraging responses to the Chamber’s Quarterly Economic Survey, revealing that influential bodies such as the Bank of England regularly rely on the data to shape their own economic forecasts.
Chris Owens, of Shrewsbury-based Zen Communications, said: “Not only was this visit a great social occasion, but it also offered an opportunity to discuss some of the core issues we as Patrons, and as members of the wider Shropshire business community, face. The meeting with Dr Marshall at the British Chamber of Commerce was particularly informative, as it gave us the chance to highlight some of our county’s priorities with someone who has direct links into Government Ministers, departments and decision-makers.”
Chris Jones, Communications and Relationships Manager for Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, commented: “This visit was another example of how by actively networking and working together, sharing best practice, and helping each other to develop their respective businesses, our Patrons help to make a stronger Chamber, and business community in general. Lord Grocott was a most welcoming host at the House of Lords, and we look forward to reciprocating Adam Marshall’s generosity when he joins us at January’s Patrons’ Gala Dinner.”
The Patrons’ expedition to London followed on from a similar trip undertaken earlier this autumn, when a Chamber delegation visited the European Parliament in Brussels, and had the chance to meet the British Ambassador and several MEPs to discuss key issues such as international trade and get to grips with the business opportunities offered throughout the single market.
As well as such formal events, Patrons have also been offered the chance to attend numerous social gatherings and networking sessions throughout the past year, including the ‘Cirque du Ciel’ at the Theatre Severn, with a range of social meetings already scheduled for 2013, including January’s annual Gala Dinner at the Lion Quays, Oswestry. This is in addition to other Patron benefits, including exclusive discounts on events, and legal expenses insurance.
