Wirral Life December 2018 | Page 83

W BUSINESS L WIRRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2019 – THE YEAR AHEAD AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE PAULA BASNETT, CEO OF WIRRAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WRITES… As 2019 approaches Wirral Chamber of Commerce is preparing for another busy twelve months in which we will focus on developing effective services and establishing collaborative business support and partnerships. Partnerships are essential, both for the Chamber and for our members, and we will further strengthen our links with the Liverpool City Region LEP and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, together with collaboration with other partners, such as the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce and Wirral Council. We have become a modern, proactive organisation which addresses and challenges issues affecting our business community, and, as such, we will continue to be pivotal in supporting our members and driving their growth. We are setting out a number of key business areas which will form the focus of our service activities, provision and delivery, including membership, partnerships, business growth, assets, place, and community. We continue to develop links with the Isle of Man Chamber of Commerce, a business relationship which promises benefits for both Wirral and Manx businesses respectively. We will support our young people in raising their aspirations and work readiness for career paths through Wirral Young Chamber, which provides our businesses opportunities to connect, engage and influence the potential workforce of tomorrow. Business accommodation is the bedrock of our business model, and we will continue to strengthen our property portfolio for the benefit of businesses, community and the wider economic growth. We have made improvements to the Pacific Road Business Hub, The Lauries, and Egerton House, resulting in attracting both business and third sector organisations to these locations in environments suited to their development. Place will form a significant focus area during 2019. Wirral Chamber of Commerce will support Place Shaping development through initiatives such as the Birkenhead BID and in promoting and developing our Visitor Economy. A vibrant visitor economy is essential to developing our offer and shaping our resources to meet the needs of a modern visitor industry. We will lead the Wirral Visitor Economy Network (WVEN) within the mainstream chamber membership strengthening all sector activities in working with partners in identifying, actively engaging and creating local, national and international market opportunities. Through Community Action: Wirral we will develop community support related to the economy, social, and education, together with adding value to the local authority’s Wirral Together vision in creating a partnership of residents and communities in building a vibrant economy. For further information about Wirral Chamber of Commerce support and services or membership please contact: [email protected] By connecting our members we can help to create growth and development, a basic foundation on which a successful Chamber of Commerce membership is built and which can grow. It is key that we continue attracting new members at all levels from Patron, Strategic and Essential, but also supporting our existing membership through key services, member benefits and by developing working relationships. wirrallife.com 87 83 wirrallife.com