We are proud of our growing membership at Shropshire Chamber of Commerce as more and more companies discover the benefits it can bring to them, but it may surprise some to discover that it’s not just Shropshire firms who are members!

WPG, based on Welshpool’s Severn Farm Enterprise Park, is a Shropshire Chamber of Commerce Patron and a hugely successful family-run business proud of its reputation of being able to print anything.

Not only does WPG offer full litho and digital printing, but also provides a range of other services including signage and vehicle graphics, banners, clothing and workwear, promotional products and trophies and awards to meet customer demand from across the UK.

We asked the team at WPG to give us an insight into what being a chamber member means to the company and we are grateful to Andy Bebb, Kelly Griffiths and Alison Jones from the sales team for responding.  

Q: Why did WPG join the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce?

A: “We first joined because we wanted to develop business relationships in our local communities and there were so many benefits alongside the networking opportunities such as training, events, and ongoing business support.

“We are proud to now be patrons of the chamber, enabling us to raise awareness of our company further and show our commitment to the success of the Shropshire business community.”

Q: What are the main advantages of being a member?

A: “The best advantage to being a member of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce is the networking opportunities it provides which have enabled us to create strong partnerships and ongoing business relationships with both customers and suppliers alike. We have a strong network of clients that just keeps growing through recommendations and networking at events.”

Q: Being based in Welshpool, how important is it for you to be part of the chamber and how does it improve your business across the border? 

A: “We have grown our business within Shropshire through highly valued recommendations and testimonials from chamber members who have used our services, also through opportunities to present our core values and our wide range of products and services at events and expos alike.

“Being a family run business, it is really important to us to create trusting relationships and get to know our clients so we are able to best meet their needs. The chamber provides an excellent platform for us to do this in Shropshire.”

Q: What are the main areas of support you have accessed from the chamber?

A: “The training opportunities that Shropshire chamber has provided have been invaluable, always well sourced trainers with high quality content. This has enabled our team members to grow their skill base.”

Q: Do you use the chamber’s legal support, HR support and any of the other benefits available?

A: “Whilst we don’t specifically use the chamber’s legal and HR support, we use the advice lines to check that all our internal processes are up-to-date and that we are using the very latest regulations as specified by national and local legislature.”

Q: How valuable is it for you to exhibit at the expos, network and use the chamber training programmes?

A: “We love to attend any of the chamber events, it is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our products, build on existing relationships further to find new business prospects and to see how we may be able to support other chamber members too.”

Alison added: “It’s also worth mentioning that the team at the chamber go the extra mile to ensure you are always well looked after, adding a personal touch.

“I recently attended a training event, I didn’t realise lunch was provided so I didn’t let anyone know I would need a vegan option but Hollie from the chamber had noticed I was signed up on the course and requested a vegan plate for me which was a really lovely surprise when lunch time came.”

Q: How important is it for members to use the chamber to its full advantage?

A: “You will get out what you put into the chamber. There are so many benefits to being a member and as we have explored this further over the last few years we have been able to develop both our skills and our client base further whilst making long-lasting trusting business relationships.”

Q: What would your advice be to someone starting out in business or looking to grow and develop a business?

A: “Network, network, network! Speak with the local chamber and get to know other businesses and like-minded people. Chamber members are an invaluable resource with a wide range of products and services available. There is also a wealth of business experience to tap into and there is always someone willing to help.

“The team at the chamber are friendly and experienced and will always help direct you to solutions to overcome any barriers you may be facing as a business.”