Dr Adam Marshall from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) was the guest speaker at this year’s Business Leaders’ Dinner on Thursday 7 June, attended by around 40 business people from across Somerset.
Held at Woodlands Castle in Taunton, the event is one of the highlights of the business calendar, attracting many of Somerset’s most successful companies and biggest employers. Organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce, it provides an opportunity for influential business people to network over dinner, as well as getting an update from the Chamber on key business issues.
Guest speaker Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the BCC, addressed the room after dinner. He outlined the work of the BCC and spoke about some of the important lobbying activity they undertake on behalf of the accredited Chambers of Commerce and their members, stressing that “Being affiliated with the Somerset Chamber of Commerce means you are part of something bigger.”
Dr Marshall spoke about the importance of fixing the fundamentals to raise productivity levels, commenting, among other things, on the much-needed improvements to our roads, mobile network and energy supplies, all of which have a significant impact on productivity. He stated that more must be done to help UK businesses raise their game, attract investors and help UK businesses trade confidently for the future. He encouraged Somerset businesses to share their thoughts and views with the BCC via Somerset Chamber, adding, “Nothing resonates with MPs and civil servants more than a local business illustrating the problems they are facing.”
Jon Beake from Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, which sponsored the event, said, “Wessex RFCA had the pleasure to sponsor the Business Leaders’ Dinner at Woodlands Castle this month. It was truly great to hear the insightful keynote speech from Dr Adam Marshall about business versus politics. It was also a superb opportunity to spend time with like-minded Somerset based businesses, to learn about their successes and understand how the Armed Forces personnel agenda can add to those successes, as well as relieving some of the skills shortages spoken about.”
Somerset Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based business support organisation that promotes and lobbies for business development in Somerset in order to encourage a vibrant local economy. Accredited to the British Chambers of Commerce, Somerset Chamber ensures that member businesses stay well connected at a local, regional and national level, and that the voice of the Somerset business community is heard at all levels of government.
Join Somerset Chamber of Commerce to give your business a stronger voice both locally, regionally and nationally. Combined with local town chambers, we represent over 2,000 businesses across Somerset with a direct line to policy-makers at all levels.
