The Manchester Chamber of Commerce is set to recognise a number of outstanding businesses in Manchester on December 3, during what is expected to be a glitzy affair at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville.

Simone Spence-Johnson, president of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said highlighting the industrious efforts of its members is something the organisation considers an honour.

Spence-Johnson, speaking on the working space within the parish, said: “The need for job creation is critical to the parish as it continues to make a pivotal surge into the next phase of recreating its identity.”

“The landscape of the parish of Manchester is very dynamic and has shifted over the years. The make-up of the job market has also changed. We are in the post bauxite era and stepping into more technology driven industries. The concept of economic growth is an essential key in any developing society,” Spence-Johnson said.

She added that the right structure is now necessary to stimulate the economy of the parish and that investing more time, resources and efforts for growth is vital.

“The Manchester Chamber of Commerce aims to be the catalyst for information and driving the businesses to embrace the changes of the time and to use technology to drive productivity,” the president said.

The chamber president said there was no denying that the pandemic has permanently impacted the way individuals work and how jobs are executed.

“We are in the work from home and flexi work week era. Businesses in the parish have to get creative with how they structure their job descriptions, roles and delivery of products and service,” Spence-Johnson said.

She noted that businesses can examine how they used to deliver products and services to their clients and try to find the most efficient and cost-effective ways to get these tasks done.

“They can research new and emerging trends, complementary and totally new industries. The sooner they are able to do this, the better. The BPO sector is one that has adapted to technology and the changes in the job market seamlessly,” Spence-Johnson said.

The awards banquet was birthed out of the need to recognise the stalwarts in the parish who have made significant contributions over the past year.  

Awards will be presented in 10 categories, and will include Entrepreneur of the Year, Family Business of the Year, customer service and financial service awards to name a few.

“Our main aim is to serve and advocate for our members. We believe that recognising the businesses in their respective fields and highlighting their efforts and hard work is something we consider a privilege,” Spence-Johnson said.   

The guest speaker will be Senator Matthew Samuda, minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. Other invited guests include Dushyant Savadia, founder and CEO of Amber Group.

Admission is $8,500 for early bird tickets and regular tickets are $9,500. They are available at Fontana Pharmacy and Villa Pharmacy.

Part proceeds of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet will go to the Ebenezer Rehabilitation Centre.