NEW CHAMBER PLANS

Chew Valley Chamber of Commerce will be aiming to increase its activities as it begins its third year as a fully independent body.

At a well attended Annual General Meeting, members enthusiastically supported a plan to set up small working groups which would give the business community a clear voice on a range of local issues.

The Chamber had previously contributed to the debate on parking in Chew Magna and access problems arising from the continued growth of Bristol airport and Highways and Transport were still considered a high priority. Meanwhile a second group will be set up to look at Economic Development and explore the wide diversity of businesses operating in the Valley.

President Jim King paid tribute to the efforts of members and in his review of the year he covered what had been a busy 12-months.

“We have had a range of interesting and informative speakers at our regular meetings but we have also been involved in other matters, such as a meeting to discuss anxiety in the area over crime and the punishment of offenders,” said Mr King.

“There is a strong membership in our Chamber, but there is always room for more people to join. I think we are showing how useful it is for businesses to have a voice in local affairs and I’m confident the new working groups will ensure our views are heard in the corridors of power.”

“But it’s not all serious, because we have regular social gatherings which don’t only offer people a chance to network, but to relax and enjoy themselves. So there are any number of reasons why anyone who is not already a member should join us without delay,” he added.