Representation at every level
Another facet of Northamptonshire Chamber’s lobbying work is to act on behalf of members and represent their interests, either as individual companies or as a whole membership.
We can do this because we are uniquely placed as a business representative on numerous local and regional committees and partnerships. We have strong ties at the political level and an understanding of all key legislation.
Case study – A local Company contacted us when they found themselves with an illegal encampment just in front of their premises. The Chamber advised the company of its rights and also used its contacts in the local authorities, as well as its seat on the CTU (County-wide Travellers Unit, to find out what the status of the encampment was and when it would be moved on. The encampment was successfully and peacefully directed to leave, and the Chamber ensured that the resulting rubbish was cleared away in a timely fashion.
The Chamber responds with speed and knowledge to any regional issues that concern business. We do this so well because of our close relationships with the Government Office for the East Midlands and the East Midlands Development Agency. In the past, these relationships have helped us support the British Grand Prix, gain funding for the business support projects that matter and let you be involved in strategies, such as the Milton Keynes South Midlands growth plans.
In response to these growth plans we have formed a strategic alliance with two of our neighbouring Chambers – Milton Keynes & North Bucks and Bedfordshire & Luton – called SEMCA, the South East Midlands Chambers Alliance. This ensures that we have a stronger and united voice for business across the growth area, and means that we can lobby together to see that the planned housing and jobs growth works to support local business. An example of our joint lobbying is our SEMCA response to the government’s Planning White Paper (Summer 07).
We make sure that Northamptonshire’s views echo around the corridors of power by working with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). Your views are fed into the BCC policy unit who in turn lobby direct to Government and the EU.
The BCC is constantly consulting government and actively pursuing policy campaigns; submitting Budget proposals to the Chancellor, working with HM Revenue and Customs to simplify taxes, and keeping a record of how much “red tape” is costing your business. The policy unit also has a specialist media division raising the profile of those issues central to your interests.
