Chat from the Chair – Choosing your recovery

For quite some time, I have had a running injury in my hip and have just completed 4 months of physio. I am now on a gentle increase in my exercise, which on my Strava app is listed as ‘Repair and Recovery Run and Walk’ as I gradually increase the load. It is tough to work through a challenge personally, and it can be equally so when you face one in business. Here are a couple of challenge areas that you may face, and it’s important to know that you are not alone. You are part of Stow Chamber, and so we are a community of support.

Budget Recovery

It is all too easy to get into a worry tailspin when we look at the news and see not only political world tensions but also media speculation of how the budget could impact our business. At the time of writing this, we have not had the Autumn budget announced, but we have had lots of indicators of taxation changes that can affect business.

Stow Chamber is here to support you, and that is why the Chamber breakfast this month had Elliot Watson from FWD explain some of the taxation reporting changes that may affect some of us. Good information helps us work out our locus of control and therefore reduce any anxiety we may have. When it comes to the budget, if you have been negatively affected, we are here for you. Our top tips if you are a little worried about the budget:

• Pause & breathe. It might feel bad, but you have overcome challenges before, and if you haven’t had one, you can work through this one.
• Remember, as a chamber member, you are not alone. We are here as a listening ear. Call or message me or anyone on the committee, as we are a safe space to explore any worries you might have.
• Seek professional advice. Talk to your accountant. They will be able to guide you. If your accountant can’t guide you, then we suggest you talk to our chamber member, FWD Accounts, either Jason Ford or Elliot Watson. Remember – Good information helps us work out our locus of control and therefore reduce any anxiety we may have.

As I write this, there is uncertainty. By the time you read this, there will be clarity on what is happening. Maybe it was not as bad as you expected. Maybe it was. If you have worries, just talk to one of the committee members. You are not alone.

Disaster Recovery

It struck me last month that a couple of our businesses had significant challenges or disasters to deal with. One with a fire and one with a significant injury to one of the leaders. We are so glad they have both found ways through the challenges. We hope we never have them, but just like in life, big challenges can occur. In my experience, preparing for the unforeseen and making it visible and coming up with risk management plans in a simple disaster recovery and business continuity plan is a great idea and makes it easier when something happens. It is particularly helpful if you are a single-person business. You can note where everything is and who you can call upon to support you. You may already have a plan in place, but if not, we suggest making a simple plan. Even if it is listing your key suppliers, contacts and providers. There are simple templates online you can download, and your insurer may even have one they can send you and FSB members can access a free toolkit. If you can’t access one, contact me, and I will send you one I found. Spending a little time now can save you a lot of worry in the future.

MSBE

Targeting growth is part of business and definitely part of recovery. When budget and disasters can lead you to feel out of control, then finding what is in your control is important. You are in control of finding reasonably priced ways of advertising the business, and MSBE (Mid Suffolk Business Exhibition) is part of that. This is an ideal opportunity to celebrate your business and build new and deeper connections of support, so sign up for a stand now! https://portal.offbeattickets.com/event/msbe25 I have booked my stand – have you booked yours?

For the Future

It was great to see those of you who were at November’s breakfast. I look forward to catching up with others of you in December. Do let me know if there is anything you want to chat to me about in your business.

I’m always happy to receive any suggestions for what members want to see the Chamber doing in the future. Please send your ideas (and your wish lists) to [email protected]

Dates for your diary:

Please check the website in case of any last-minute changes.

Christmas Celebrations	Coffee Morning
The Mix Stowmarket, 127 Ipswich Street, Stowmarket IP14 1BB	Suffolk New College – Suffolk Rural (Otley), Charity Lane, Otley IP6 9NE
Friday, 12 December 2025	Friday, 9 January 2026
10:00 am to 12:30 pm	10:00 am to 12:00 pm

For more information, contact Keely Taylor by email: [email protected].