News, Information & Events
News from the AGM
The Maldon District Chamber of Commerce held its first annual general meeting on the 31st March and the new officers and executive committee members are now as follows:• Chairman Bob Roberts MBE
• Vice Chair Chris Tibballs
• Secretary Keith Williams
• Treasurer Una Norman
• Committee
o Roy Frances-Ewen
o Robin Bassil
o Liz Murphy
o Terry Quinlan
o Colin Edwards
Previous chairman, Terry Quinlan with the new chairman, Bob Roberts MBE.
To contact the Chamber please email the secretary.
info@maldoncommerce.co.uk
Posted By: Keith Williams, 6th May 2008 10:35:11
Edited By: Keith Williams, 6th May 2008 10:39:33
Networking Bulletin
The following notes are intended to be a regular feature to help make members aware of possible impacts upon their businesses and assist them in Networking and Training opportunities.The Maldon District Council Website contains the following items:
Two sets of consultations have taken place in connection with the Local Development Framework Core Strategy. The District Council is drawing up a new Framework to guide the future of the District up to 2021. Subject to the completion of related work it was anticipated that the third consultation will take place in March/April 2008 but now the expected dates for the next phase will be the summer of 2008. Copies of the completed documents are available at libraries or on the MDC website.
Plans for a new Vocational Training Centre are progressing but prospects for utilizing the CEFAS building in Burnham are not likely to feature in the final decision.
British Chambers of Commerce Summaries comment on:
Results from the British Shops and Stores Association (bssa) quarterly Sales Monitor reveals a disappointing March and Easter period. Although the overall average performance during the quarter of January to March 2008 was down just -0.2% compared with the same period last year, it was fairly minor when current market conditions are taken into consideration. Performance varied according to geographical location and industry sector. The biggest downturn was witnessed in the North East, reporting an average decrease of -6.4% while trade in East Anglia rose by an average of 3.5
Politicians do not understand business needs says a poll commissioned by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). It revealed low levels of confidence among entrepreneurs. When asked whether a Labour or Conservative government would pay more attention to the needs of business, the answer was ‘low for both parties’, with just 14% of businesses placing their faith in Labour, and 22% in the Conservatives. More than a third of businesses said taxation was their most important issue, with almost 30% saying the priority should be red tape, and just over 10% placing an emphasis on transport.
County News:
The first enquiry into the operation of the A12 trunk road has begun. The enquiry was commissioned by Essex County Council in February 2008. It is being undertaken by an independent group of four commissioners, who are scheduled to provide their findings to Essex County Council at the end of June for publication in July 2008. The Commission has set up a web page to ensure the public have an opportunity to contribute to the inquiry: A!2inquiry@essex.gov.uk
A number of regulation changes came into effect on April 6th and details are available at
www. businesslink.gov.uk
Networking. The Essex Chambers have advised the following:
7th May Southend Networking Lunch at Maxims Casino
14th May Chelmsford Networking Lunch at Anglia Ruskin University
4th June Southend Networking Lunch sponsored by 2C2
11th June Chelmsford Networking Lunch at Clydesdale Bank plc.
30th June Essex Chamber AGM at Holiday Inn, Basildon
1st May 2008
Local Networking Events
Burnham Business Breakfasts
The Contented Sole, Burnham 12th May 7.00 am
0845 053 3660
Woodham Connections
? 20th May
01245 425160
Maldon BNI
Every Wednesday The Bull Inn, Gt. Totham 7.00 am
0800 977 5479
Posted By: Keith Williams, 9th May 2008 13:06:53