Strategic partnership adds value

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has unveiled another new strategic partnership designed to help members save money on their day-to-day operations.

The Chamber is lining up a series of collaborations throughout the year to broaden the support available to local businesses.

The latest is a link-up with Shropshire motor dealership Furrows which will include a series of member-exclusive offers for the long-term leasing of vehicles.

This is the fifth new partnership announced by Shropshire Chamber since the start of the year, following previous agreements with technology firm WeChange.AI, telecoms specialist SY Comms, carbon solutions company Auditel, and energy firm Octopus EV.

WeChange.AI has created a simple, cost‑effective diagnostic tool that helps businesses assess how effectively they are using their existing Microsoft technology, whether they are ready for AI adoption, and where smart, transformative improvements can be made.

SY Comms is offering Chamber members a minimum 15% saving on their current telecoms contracts (subject to supplier terms), alongside bespoke, locally supported solutions tailored to each organisation’s needs.

Auditel has agreed to offer free utilities reviews and practical guidance to Chamber members – as well as in-person conversations with those seeking support to make savings or improvements.

And Octopus EV is offering a salary sacrifice scheme, which involves long-term leasing of a range of electric vehicles and the opportunity to have a free electric charging point fitted at home.

Jenny Pearson, Shropshire Chamber’s head of commercial success, said: “One of our key missions is to provide our members with meaningful connections and valuable access to new ideas and innovations.

“Members tell us that many of their biggest pain points currently relate to technology, communications, utilities and vehicles – so these are the areas we are targeting.”

These new partnerships sit alongside a wide range of existing services already available to all Shropshire Chamber members, including:

• Specialist advice lines for HR, health and safety, tax, VAT and legal matters
• A comprehensive Knowledge Hub packed with free information and compliance guidance
• Libraries containing almost 800 templated documents covering HR, legal issues, health and safety, debt collection and more
• £1,000,000 legal expenses insurance, including tax investigation, jury service cover, tribunal support and ACAS mediation costs
• Expert tax and VAT advice
• A free one‑to‑one meeting to review a company’s compliance with current legislation

Jenny added: “We’re delighted to see many Chamber members now taking advantage of these new partnerships, which sit alongside the many other cost and time-saving services our membership offer provides.

“Here at Shropshire Chamber, we ask ourselves what costs businesses money, and then explore how we can help them make savings, improve efficiency and operate with greater confidence.

“In an unpredictable economic climate, Chamber membership is one of the most reliable investments a business can make. It opens doors, reduces risk, and gives organisations of all sizes access to expertise they would struggle to afford on their own.”

Picitured: Jenny Pearson and Drew Burley from Furrows