Brexit, business and British trade on agenda at QES breakfast

Challenges, opportunities and the economic outlook facing the local business community will be placed under the spotlight when the final results of the Sheffield City Region’s Quarterly Economic Survey are revealed in January.

Throughout November, businesses from across the Sheffield City Region were asked their views on a number of subjects, ranging from growth and expansion plans to how they felt the local economy was performing. The results will be delivered by Dr David Littlewood, a lecturer in strategic management at the University of Sheffield’s Management School.

The event will focus upon how South Yorkshire businesses are rising to the challenges of the current economic climate, the impact of Brexit upon local and international trade as well as placing the support business owners need under the spotlight.

Attendees will also have the chance to voice their concerns and opinions during a panel discussion, which will examine ‘The struggles businesses face when accessing new markets’. Chaired by Greg Wright, Deputy Business Editor of The Yorkshire Post and featuring a number of local business leaders including William Beckett, Chair of the International Trade Forum, Chloe Watmore, General Manager of Thermotex Engineering Ltd, Edward Naylor, Chief Executive of Naylor Industries Plc and a representative from the Sheffield City Region.

Sponsored by The Source and funded by the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and Growth Hub, the Quarterly Economic Survey is run by the Sheffield City Region’s four Chambers of Commerce; Barnsley & Rotherham, Doncaster, Sheffield and East Midlands. The results of each survey help to shape the support available to the local business community within the region.

Lisa Pogson, President of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, said:

“In the current economic climate local business owners and industry leaders have a lot of concerns, especially in regards to the impact of Brexit, and what this will mean when it comes to exporting overseas and how they can harness local and international trading opportunities. Impacts on our domestic market, particularly around inflationary pressures and wage increases are also a key concern that we hear repeatedly from our members.

“Our Quarterly Economic Survey provides a snapshot of the local economy and visitors to this event will be given the chance to be amongst the first to find out about the health of the local economy, whilst offering an opportunity to debate issues which are impacting upon business growth with senior business leaders.

“Our last event highlighted how businesses are struggling to access new markets. To encourage and support businesses, a “How to Access New Markets” workshop will also be taking place at the event, hosted by Vanda Priestly, Trade Adviser from the Department of International Trade (DIT)”

The Quarterly Economic Survey Breakfast is taking place on Friday 12th January at The Source, 300 Meadowhall Way, Sheffield, from 8am to 10am. The event is free to attend and is open to business leaders and owners across the Sheffield City Region. To book your place, please visit https://screconomy.org.uk/events/