On behalf of the team at the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce I would like to wish our members and all Island businesses a very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
I hope that in 2022 your business has managed to recover some ground as we left the pandemic behind us, although without doubt it has been another turbulent year for many of us. The challenges of financial uncertainty, inflation, rising energy costs and the war in Ukraine have presented a backdrop that has made growth and investment harder to achieve.
There are still many things to celebrate as we reflect on the year. In tough times the Island’s business community came together in new ways, and I’m pleased to see that the spirit of community still continues to be felt. It’s great to see so many Island businesses collaborating and supporting each other in 2022.
It’s pleasing to see positive stories from the hospitality, events and tourism sectors, all hit so hard by the pandemic; we’re also seeing stability in the manufacturing and export sectors, again despite the challenges of Brexit, economic fluctuations and shortages of raw materials.
The Chamber’s Expo in September enjoyed strong visitor numbers and continues to provide a unique opportunity and a major part of the calendar for businesses to showcase their work and promote their products and services.
Our IW Chamber Business Awards in May brought our flagship event back with a bang. It was a wonderful evening of mutual celebration with an amazing shortlist and some incredible winners. Our awards that reflect this year’s activity will be presented in May and the entry process is open now. I would urge every business to take time to look at the categories and consider what makes your business exceptional, and to apply and engage with the process.
We’re also celebrating at the Isle of Wight Lottery, with a record £180,000 loaned this year in interest-free funding to Island businesses looking to grow and create new jobs. Since its inception the Isle of Wight Lottery has now paid out 111 business loans, totalling £1,168,431 and creating over 400 jobs. Remarkable statistics and a genuine pleasure to be able to support and nurture growth within the Island’s economy.
The IW Chamber continues to be the loudest voice for the Island’s economy, representing Island businesses at many levels. As we leave 2022 I’d like to thank you for your support for the IW Chamber. I hope that you are making the most of the benefits and services offered as part of your membership; I also hope that like me, you will be heartened by the fact that your membership is also allowing the Chamber to support the Island’s business community as a whole.
Right now, I’d like to end where I began, by wishing you compliments of the season and I hope that 2023 brings great things for you and your business.
All the best to you, from your Chamber!
Steven Holbrook
Chief Executive
Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce
