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Cannock Chase MP hails jobs and wellbeing event as a ‘fantastic example’ of local collaboration

The MP for Cannock Chase, Josh Newbury, has praised the recent Cannock Wellbeing and Jobs Event as a “fantastic example” of how local collaboration can create real opportunities for both residents and businesses.

By contributor Josh Newbury MP
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Held on Friday, September 26, at Cannock’s Jobcentre Plus, the event was organised by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, AKG UK, and supported by Josh Newbury MP.

Going beyond a traditional jobs fair, the event welcomed a wide range of wellbeing organisations offering advice on everything from mental health to employment support. The event attracted a strong turnout, with jobseekers engaging directly with employers, training providers, and charities about job, learning and volunteering opportunities across Cannock Chase.

(Left to right) - Michelle Peakman, Business Manager, AKG, David Mitchell, President, Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, Josh Newbury MP, Member of Parliament for Cannock Chase, Richard Brooks, Head of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce & Michael Evans, Employer Adviser | Department for Work and Pensions
(Left to right) - Michelle Peakman, Business Manager, AKG, David Mitchell, President, Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce, Josh Newbury MP, Member of Parliament for Cannock Chase, Richard Brooks, Head of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce & Michael Evans, Employer Adviser | Department for Work and Pensions

Josh Newbury MP, speaking after the success of the event, said: “It was brilliant to see so many businesses and organisations pack out the Jobcentre. This event was a fantastic example of how local partnerships can open doors, especially when it comes to helping people back into work.”

Josh Newbury MP spoke with many businesses, including local organisations such as Newlife, the Charity for Disabled Children.
Josh Newbury MP spoke with many businesses, including local organisations such as Newlife, the Charity for Disabled Children.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in bringing this great event to life, but I’d like to give a special shout out to Richard Brooks from the Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce and Michael Evans from the DWP, who really helped make this event a reality. The feedback from everyone involved was outstanding, so we’ll definitely be holding another one soon!”

Despite a last-minute water leak, the event went ahead successfully, with businesses from across the district hosting stalls and engaging with attendees.

Richard Brooks, Head of Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce said: “It’s been a pleasure for the Cannock Chase Chamber of Commerce to partner with the DWP and support this fair alongside our MP, Josh Newbury. Recruitment remains a key issue for businesses, so it’s encouraging to see so many employers, jobseekers and wellbeing providers networking together.

Josh Newbury MP opened the event.
Josh Newbury MP opened the event.

“It was also great to see our Chamber President, David Mitchell, Managing Director of The Marketing People, getting hands-on on the fair floor, directing and advising jobseekers, as well as Josh who was engaging with every stand, a real example of the supportive business community we have here.’

With a strong turnout and strong feedback from attendees, organisers are already planning future events. Josh Newbury MP added: “I am keen to build on the event’s success to ensure Cannock Chase remains a place where people can thrive, connect, and access meaningful, lasting opportunities for work, training and volunteering."