JULY 2010
A Note from the Chair
We held another Breakfast Meeting this morning, with Brookes Newmark MP and Alan Massow from Braintree District Council, both talking about the different changes that have been announced since the change of Government.
Brookes was very informative, even if some of his message was “wait and see” while some of the details are worked out. He is the Whip on business matters now – so let’s see how much he can use it in our favour!
Alan Massow gave us a useful overview of the current situation – even if again it’s a bit “wait & see”. No doubt the BID Group will be interested to investigate the current Guidance for Braintree Town Centre.
Speaking of which, representing the BID Group, I gave a quick rundown on the BID’s activities to date – explaining that the Braintree Town Centre BID is about to start widening the spread of its publicity drive, entreating input by all the businesses in the specified area. (Braintree Chamber of Trade & Commerce has supported the formation of the Braintree Town Centre BID, and continues to so do as the BID becomes a formal entity in its own right)
The holiday period obviously took its toll as we had just under 30 rather than our 40 plus people present – however, with a different audience than previous meetings, it shows that Chamber is still talking to lots of different sectors.
A timely reminder - Invoices are on their way for this year’s membership fee. Chamber have maintained the fee at the same level for the third year, I am pleased to be able to report. Bear in mind that if you come to every Breakfast meeting, you have more than recouped the cost of your membership – in addition to us representing the Business Sector to Braintree District Council and others.
In the last year the following meetings have been arranged with Free Breakfast for members!
23 July 09: Business Local
1 Oct 09: Joint Forum Meeting Braintree Business Council and the 4 Chambers: BAA, Cultural Partnership, Agent for the Bank of England
26 Nov 09: Employment & Local property market issues
28 Jan 10: Braintree in Numbers, Derek Salmon Awards Presentation
18 Mar 10 Launch of Braintree Town Centre Business Improvement District
10 June 10 Joint Forum Meeting Braintree Business Council and the 4 Chambers: Banking on Essex, Trading Standards Scheme, Apprenticeships
30th July: Changes in Government policy – local effects
Chamber has continued to support the F7 Festival organised by Braintree District Arts as it is considered that this is good for business and indivdauls in the town.
Dates arranged for this coming year include:
Breakfast Meetings : Sept 9th, Oct 21st , Nov 18th , Jan 20th 2011
Nov 11th Annual Chamber Dinner, Howard Hall
If there is a topic you would like to see covered, please feel free to suggest it!
Happy Holidays
Brenda Baker
Chair
Braintree Chamber of Trade & Commerce
June 2010
A Note from the Chair
After a lengthy period without a fully operational website, I am pleased to say it is working again. Further changes are to be made over the next couple of monthes - please feel free to send contributions and comments to chair@braintreechamber.co.uk
The wind of change has certainly been blowing over the last few months. Now we are facing a future made uncertain, not least by the impending Emergency Budget statement.
Our recent Breakfast Meetings have been well attended, with the most recent, another Joint Meeting for the Braintree Business Council and the Four Chambers of the District.
The Skills Team spoke about the new Apprenticeships Scheme - for more information contact info@bctconsortium.org.uk
John Hull from Trading standards talked about the growing Trader endorsement Schemem which they operate. This sounds an exciting promotion possibility -because you cant just buy the opportunity to use the logo. Trading standards will be having a stall in George Yard Shopping Centre layet in the year to help make our custoemrs more aware of the scheme. Its not just about retail either - the first time I came acrooss the Scheme, it was because Chamber member Paul J King has the logo on his papaerwork.
Finally County Councillor Bentley, supported by his officer Ian Wotton, spoke about Banking on Essex. Working with Santander, the County Council will effectviely match fund a loan from Santander - which doubles the loan and offers guarantees to the Bank, whiclst supporting businesses in the county. There are of course some restrictions - its not available for start-ups for instance- but sounds as if it can be effective in the long term. Visit www.bankingonessex.com for further information
The next Breakfast Meeting - Friday 30th July (note NOT a Thursday) - Braintree District Council Planning will talk about the changes that losing the regional input will make. Brookses newmark will talk about the changes that the Coalition are making. There will also be be an update on the Braintree Town Centre BID Business Improvement District from one of the Board Members. Sign up by emailing chair@braintreechamber.co.uk or calling 01376 550373.
Please note that the AGM is to be held on 3.30 Thursday 8th July at George Yard Shopping Centre Management Suite. All memebrs are encouraged to attned - please RVSP 01376 550373 or chair@braintreechamber.co.uk
March 2009
A Note from the Chair
From a cold January and February we have moved into a mild-ish start to March – but that’s probably not an indicator for the economic situation, though we can always hope.
Website
The chamber website has moved from one host and the new design will be unveiled shortly. We have changed the method by which we are sending emails and hope that everybody is now receiving this Note. We will be writing to those few businesses that have not supplied us with a web address.
Breakfast meetings
The last Breakfast was well attended and enjoyed by the members and visitors who joined us.
Nick Forsyth gave us an understandable, edited version of some of the developments over the last few months – and urged us to take decisive action to make sure that we know where we are and do something about it if necessary.
A work group was set up to look at town centre signage and seek one more member of the group. If you have concerns or views about town centre signage, please contact me – the first of about three meetings is already arranged.
We were also interested to hear from new member Christchurch Pharmacy about the dangers of high blood pressure, whose symptoms may only manifest in the form of a stroke or heart attack. He suggests that employees should be offered a health check in the workplace.
The next Breakfast meeting is set for 26th March 2009. We will hear a short presentation from Farleigh hospice, with the main speaker Steve Sharp offering some timely advice about business in these difficult times. Please respond by telephone (01376 550373) or email chair@braintreechamber.co.uk
Member Pack
There is a new Member Pack available on request to all members. Your business may add details about your business to the pack as well as being able to request a free pack, which contains valuable information.
Brenda Baker
January 2009
A Note from the Chair
Ouch! Seems to be a word to use at the moment. Everybody is aware of the need to tighten the belt one way or another at the moment. Retail has seen some very public hits with the recent developments of which we are all only too aware. But of course the situation is also affecting manufacturing and service sectors as well and the future is not looking at all clear.
However, not all is totally doom & gloom – the situation is seen by some as a long overdue correction and perhaps the precursor of very big changes in the way that finance is organised on an international scale. Change is, of course, always very uncomfortable. If you are directly suffering, please accept my sympathy.
There are some sources of advice around – if not us, try our local Business Development Services (01376 340770) or Business Link for example.
Fortuitously, whilst writing this Note I received a letter from EEDA (East of England Development Agency) pointing out that there is currently available over £30 million worth of help for business in the East of England – see www.bizmapeast.co.uk. Any help gratefully received!
And indeed Braintree District Council seems to be trying very hard to find ways to help and should be congratulated on their efforts. If you can think of a way that they can assist please contact me or someone at the council (try Russell Everard) and discuss your idea.
Which leads into the next Breakfast Meeting – THURSDAY FEBRUARY 19th, 7.45AM, again at Braintree Football Club. Nick Forsythe of Lambert Chapman will be taking about the “Economic Furore” and we will discuss what can be done locally; Baba Akamalofe will be pointing out what can be done about The Silent Killer (also known as high blood pressure); Alan Massow of Braintree District Council will be leading us through the maze of town centre signage – we are looking to set up a workgroup to pursue this prohject. A busy schedule but it should still leave a few minutes to pass time (network) with other members. Usual procedure, the Breakfast is free to members, £10 to non-members, finish at 9.00am, places should be booked by calling 01376 550373 or email chair@braintreechamber.co.uk . There are printable details about the event on the website www.braintreechamber.co.uk
PS If you haven’t paid this years subscription yet, please do so now – we might charge for your breakfast otherwise!
December 2008
A Note from the Chair
There are a number of issues that need looking at this month.Firstly, Brian Cutmore, Chair of the Braintree Business Council is looking to make an up to date assessment of the current feeling within the business community about the second runway at Stansted.BDC are currently opposing the runway, although there is some indication that the community in fact supports the runway development
What do you think?
Does the extra business expected to be generated by the runway make sense for
Braintree? Will such extra business exist and actually come our way? Could the
current economic difficulty mean that a second runway will just be a white elephant?
Or does the predicted environmental damage outweigh any potential benefit?
Are these the right questions?
Please send your comments
Please send your comments - even if only – "yes to runway" or "no to runway" – to Chamber by way of the form below. Please feel free to make comments as well if you wish. But don’t forget the silent majority doesn’t have to be silent!
The comments will be collated and passed to Brian Cutmore as well as posted on the Chamber website.
Another issue… Christmas approaches (in case you hadn’t noticed)… the Chamber Christmas Lunch is to be held on Tuesday December 9th at “34” (previously Dominques). Please book your space on the form below or call 01376 550373.
Last but not least. The Local Development Framework is the skeleton upon which BDC will hang many decisions in the next ten years. Eleanor Dash has agreed to come and explain the Framework implications at a Breakfast Meeting on December 16th. Please find further details on the website. I know that this is rather short notice but the consultation period requires that comments are made by December 19th – and again, your comments at the meeting will be collated and passed on.
See you soon…. or Seasons Greetings, which ever you prefer.
Brenda Baker
September 2008
Annual Chamber Dinner…an annual success
Braintree Chamber of Trade & Commerce Annual Dinner was held in Howard Hall, Braintree on Thursday September 18th.
It was an enjoyable evening with good food and interesting musical accompaniment. Quintessential, a group of local musicians played and R2G2, a barbershop quartet, sang along.
One of the higher points of the evening was the announcement of the Winners of the Annual Derek Salmon Retailer of the Year Awards.
Clarks were chosen as the Customer Service Outlet of the Year whilst Dan Robinson of M & S Simply Food was declared Retailer of the Year. Dan made a touching acceptance speech, which was well received by the entire room.
If you did not come you missed a good evening!
Next Breakfast Meeting .. Thursday October 23rd to be held at Braintree Football Club.
On the agenda (apart from a good breakfast) we will be looking at the statement from Chamber to Braintree District Council relating to the town centre redevelopment on the site behind the Old Town Hall (3 Towns, One Vision)
The other subject will be the launch of the new MEMBERS BENEFITS PACKAGE. This package includes entitlement to discounts on employment law advice and access to FREE Installation Monitored security system for SME businesses. The security product, known as MonitoredShop or MonitoredUnit is supported by AABC Action Against Business Crime and one of their regional managers will give a short presentation.
Please let us know that you are coming by returning the acceptance sheet by email or fax to 01376 550373.
July 08
Questionnaire Three Towns: One Vision
Survey concerning Braintree Town Centre proposal
Braintree Chamber of Trade & Commerce is collecting business responses to the proposal by
Braintree District Council encapsulated in their document “3 Towns: One Vision”
(see www.braintree.gov.uk if you do not have a full copy).
Please send your comments
Download the PDF for full details of this event