Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce

Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce Where Business Belongs.

Help us hear from more businessesWe're collecting responses for the Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey (the UKโ€™s largest and m...
24/08/2026

Help us hear from more businesses

We're collecting responses for the Q3 Quarterly Economic Survey (the UKโ€™s largest and most influential business survey) and want to make sure businesses across our region have the opportunity to share what's really happening in their organisation.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey - and, if you can, share this post with other business professionals or colleagues in your network.

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Have your say: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V6GJJC5

Key findings from Q2 2026 included:

๐Ÿ”ธThe proportion of businesses reporting decreased overseas sales has fallen from 41% in Q1 to 34% in Q2
๐Ÿ”ธBusinesses reporting increased UK sales rose from 25% to 33%
๐Ÿ”ธFuel cost pressures have risen notably from 32% to 57%
๐Ÿ”ธUtilities have also increased as a pressure, rising from 62% to 74%
๐Ÿ”ธRecruitment activity increased from 56% in Q1 to 61% in Q2, while the proportion experiencing recruitment difficulties rose from 67% to 73%
๐Ÿ”ธBusinesses reporting stable cashflow fell from 48% to 38%
๐Ÿ”ธBusinesses operating below capacity increased from 62% to 67%

We urge businesses of all sizes and sectors to participate in this quarterโ€™s survey. The more businesses that take part, the clearer picture we can build of the opportunities, challenges and priorities facing the local business community.

Your insight helps influence policymakers and informing national media coverage.

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ Have your say: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V6GJJC5

๐Ÿฆพ Manufacturing, Defence and Security Summit coming this September Join business leaders, policymakers and industry expe...
23/07/2026

๐Ÿฆพ Manufacturing, Defence and Security Summit coming this September

Join business leaders, policymakers and industry experts for a morning of insight, discussion and networking focused on the future of the manufacturing, defence and security sectors.

Together, we'll explore:
โœ… Emerging technologies
โœ… Supply chain resilience
โœ… Innovation and commercial opportunities
โœ… Skills for the future
โœ… Collaboration across strategically important industries

We're delighted to be welcoming an outstanding line-up of speakers, including:

๐ŸŽค Keynote Speaker
โ€ข Sir Laurie Bristow, President of Hughes Hall and former British Ambassador to Afghanistan

๐Ÿ’ฌ Panel discussions featuring:
โ€ข Steven Lynch MBE, International Trade Director at British Chambers of Commerce
โ€ข Richard Oppenheim, Director, Diplomatic Advisory Hub at
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
โ€ข Stefan Peikert, member of the Board and Expertgroup Defence at British Chamber of Commerce in Germany e.V. (BCCG)
โ€ข Dr Ilona Karpanos, Associate Partner - International Trade and Economic Development at Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce
โ€ข Michelle Sacks, CEO at Huntingdonshire District Council
โ€ข Edward Ackland, RAF Wyton / Project Fairfax
โ€ข Prof. Tim Minshall, Dr John C Taylor Professor of Innovation and Head of Institute for Manufacturing at Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), University of Cambridge
โ€ข Tony Pearce, COO at Paragraf
..with more speakers still to be announced!

Save the date: Friday 18 September | 8.30am-1.30pm | The Welding Institute

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read more and book your place: https://shorturl.at/g42Xq

Whether you're looking to stay ahead of industry developments, strengthen your network, discover new opportunities or hear directly from influential voices shaping these sectors, this summit offers valuable insights for businesses of all sizes.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Complimentary entry is available for businesses operating in the manufacturing, defence or security sectors (including cyber security). To claim your complimentary place, simply email [email protected].

We look forward to welcoming you in September!

๐Ÿš€ Cambridge Networking continues...Following a fantastic launch last month, we're excited to welcome you to the second e...
16/07/2026

๐Ÿš€ Cambridge Networking continues...

Following a fantastic launch last month, we're excited to welcome you to the second event in our new monthly Cambridge Networking series.

We're bringing business professionals together in Cambridge to connect, and build meaningful relationships within the local business community, all while hearing practical, actionable insights from leading experts.

This August, we're delighted to welcome Jamie Stenton, Managing Director at Amplified, who will be sharing: ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜„ ๐˜๐—ผ ๐—ฏ๐˜‚๐—ถ๐—น๐—ฑ ๐—ฎ ๐—บ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ธ๐—ฒ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ป๐—ด ๐˜€๐˜†๐˜€๐˜๐—ฒ๐—บ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฎ๐˜ ๐˜„๐—ผ๐—ฟ๐—ธ๐˜€ ๐—ผ๐—ป ๐—ฎ๐˜‚๐˜๐—ผ๐—ฝ๐—ถ๐—น๐—ผ๐˜ ๐˜„๐—ต๐—ถ๐—น๐˜€๐˜ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚'๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐—ฏ๐˜‚๐˜€๐˜†.

If your marketing tends to stop when business gets busy, this session is for you. Jamie will explain how to create a sustainable marketing system that continues to generate growth, even when your focus is elsewhere.

You'll gain practical insights into:
โœ… Website strategy
โœ… SEO
โœ… Artificial Intelligence
โœ… Email marketing
โœ… Paid advertising
โœ… Social media
โœ… Reviews
โœ… CRM
โœ… Reporting

Whether you're an SME owner, marketer or business leader, you'll leave with ideas you can put into action straight away.

Thank you to our event sponsor, S&W, for supporting this series, and Graduate by Hilton Cambridge for hosting us in such a vibrant venue.

Wednesday 5 August | 5.30-7.00pm | Graduate By Hilton Cambridge

๐Ÿค Book your place: https://shorturl.at/DAZgg

We will be hosting the Cambridge Networking series on the ๐—ณ๐—ถ๐—ฟ๐˜€๐˜ ๐—ช๐—ฒ๐—ฑ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐˜€๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐˜† of every month. Keep an eye on our events page!

๐Ÿ“Š The latest Quarterly Economic Survey paints a challenging picture for businesses across the region.While there are enc...
07/07/2026

๐Ÿ“Š The latest Quarterly Economic Survey paints a challenging picture for businesses across the region.

While there are encouraging signs of resilience in domestic trading, confidence remains fragile. Rising labour costs, increased taxation and growing overheads are continuing to squeeze profitability, forcing many firms to delay investment, rethink recruitment and focus on managing costs.

The wider global outlook is also creating uncertainty, dampening export opportunities at a time when businesses need the confidence to invest and grow.

The message from our business community is clear: government must create the right conditions for businesses to succeed. Supporting investment, boosting productivity and helping firms access international markets will be essential to driving sustainable economic growth.

Read the Quarterly Economic Survey results and commentary here: https://shorturl.at/kLLVA

๐Ÿ“Š New Skills Survey Report reveals the recruitment and training challenges facing employers across Cambridgeshire and Pe...
24/06/2026

๐Ÿ“Š New Skills Survey Report reveals the recruitment and training challenges facing employers across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority latest Skills Survey, based on responses from 341 employers across the region, highlights growing concerns around skills shortages, recruitment difficulties and workforce development.

Key findings include:
๐Ÿ”ธ52% of employers found recruitment difficult or very difficult over the past year
๐Ÿ”ธ60% reported applicants lacking the technical skills needed for roles
Demand for digital skills is set to grow significantly over the next 2โ€“3 years
๐Ÿ”ธ46% cited that cost and staff time remain the biggest barriers to training
๐Ÿ”ธMore employers want stronger connections with education and training providers

The findings will help shape the next Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), ensuring employer voices remain at the heart of skills development across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, said: 'This survey provides valuable, first-hand evidence from businesses across the region. It shows where recruitment pressures are most acute, where skills gaps are emerging and what practical action is needed to help employers invest in their people.'

Andrea Sanders MBE, Assistant Director for Skills and Employment at Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority added: ' The findings reinforce the need to build clearer pathways into work, strengthen technical and transferable skills, and ensure training provision reflects the real needs of the local economy.'

๐Ÿ‘‰ Read the Skills Survey 2026 Report and the full article here: https://shorturl.at/gXYrb

Discover what it means for employers, educators and policymakers across the region.

28/05/2026

Thursday 11 june | Holiday Inn Peterborough West

28/05/2026

๐ŸŽค Tiny mic, big business energyโ€ฆ and the bloopers are worth watching ๐Ÿ˜‚

Just 2 weeks to go until North business event. The excitement is building in the Chamber office!

This year is extra special as we celebrate 100 years of the Chamber supporting businesses across Peterborough and helping our local business community grow with confidence.

To mark the occasion, the team took part in a fun video where Marketing and Communications Executive, Shauna Kelly went around with a (tiny) mic asking everyone one simple questionโ€ฆ
๐Ÿ‘‰ โ€œWhat are you looking forward to about CambsB2B North?โ€

From networking opportunities, vibrant exhibition stands and informative speakers, thereโ€™s genuinely something for everyone on the day.

๐Ÿ”— Attend, exhibit or sponsor CambsB2B North - head to the link in our bio to find out more.

Expect:
๐Ÿฅ Business Breakfast with economic and business updates from expert leaders
โœจ A lively exhibition area
๐Ÿค– AI & Automation Without the Hype: Where to Start with Jason Mashinchi
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง In Conversation with Entrepreneur and Founder of Kiddicare: Neville Wright and host Dr Mike Greene
๐Ÿฅ‚ A drinks reception to round off the action-packed day

Whether youโ€™re looking to grow your business, make valuable new connections, discover opportunities or to simply step away from your desk for a few hours, this is the place to be.

Youโ€™ll want to stay until the end for the bloopers ๐Ÿ˜‚

We canโ€™t wait to celebrate 100 years with you all!

Looking after our Patrons and Club Members through exclusive Chamber experiencesFrom the elegance of the Mayorโ€™s Finale ...
20/05/2026

Looking after our Patrons and Club Members through exclusive Chamber experiences

From the elegance of the Mayorโ€™s Finale Ball to the excitement of Huntingdon Races, we were delighted to spend time with a number of our Patrons and Club Members.

These exclusive experiences are just one of the ways we continue to bring together senior business leaders and valued members. Creating opportunities to strengthen relationships and make meaningful connections in memorable settings.

As we continue creating opportunities for businesses to collaborate and grow through meaningful face-to-face networking, weโ€™re now looking ahead to our upcoming Centenary Dinner in Peterborough. Where we will be unveiling the Peterborough Top 100 Awards.

โœจ Join us for a truly special evening as the Chamber marks its 100th anniversary in Peterborough: https://shorturl.at/WW567

Book your ticket or reserve a table of 10 for your team or guests.

Chamber members benefit from exclusive discounted rates, but places are limited and expected to sell out quickly, early booking is strongly recommended.

We have something for everyone!There isn't long to go until   North, one of the region's biggest business events of the ...
19/05/2026

We have something for everyone!

There isn't long to go until North, one of the region's biggest business events of the year.

Start the day at the Business Breakfast with national and regional business experts: Matthew Gladstone of Peterborough City Council, Kate Shoesmith of British Chambers of Commerce, Judith B. of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority and Garry Wiles of Price Bailey.

๐Ÿ”— Read more and register your interest: https://shorturl.at/SqTs6

Walk around the vibrant exhibition and meet impactful businesses from a wide range of sectors and industries, make valuable connections, spark meaningful conversations, and start collaborations.

Attend our guest speaker sessions throughout the day and gain valuable insights into AI, entrepreneurship, and the latest industry trends from Jason Mashinchi of Cambridge Kinetics, Dr Mike Greene of The Growth Syndicate and Neville Wright, best known for the creation of Kiddicare.

End the action-packed day with a complimentary drinks receptions. It is the perfect opportunity to continue conversations and build valuable relationships with businesses and professionals from across the region.

There are also exciting sponsorship opportunities available for businesses looking to raise their profile, increase brand visibility, showcase their expertise, and connect directly with key decision-makers from across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Attend, exhibit or sponsor CambsB2B North: https://shorturl.at/DwVtG

Will you be joining us in Ely on Monday?This Monday at Ely Networking, we have the pleasure of hearing from Katie Allen,...
14/05/2026

Will you be joining us in Ely on Monday?

This Monday at Ely Networking, we have the pleasure of hearing from Katie Allen, Managing Director and Leadership Confidence Coach at Katie Allen Consulting Limited.

๐ŸŽค Topic: Difficult Conversations with Confidence

Letโ€™s face it, most people dislike and avoid difficult conversations at work. But avoiding them rarely solves the problem.

Katie will be sharing practical tools from her signature โ€œME US WEโ€ framework to help you:
โœ” Handle challenging conversations with confidence
โœ” Build stronger teams and relationships
โœ” Improve communication and decision-making
โœ” Become a โ€œsafe personโ€, not just create a safe space

If you want better conversations and stronger leadership skills, this definitely a session is for you.

๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ Complimentary to attend: https://shorturl.at/Ue87N
Monday 18 May | 5.30-7.00pm | Poets House Hotel and Restaurant

This event is kindly sponsored by GROVEMERE PROPERTY LIMITED

We'd hate for you to miss out on such an important topic.

Spotted in Ely, Cambridgeshire Visit Ely Ely Cathedral Business Group

Address

Clifford House, Station Yard
Cambridge
CB243AH

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441223237414

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce:

Shortcuts

Share