A warm welcome from Chamber President Sandy Bell.

 

We continue to have a strong membership base from businesses from a variety of sectors, operating right across the Chew Valley.

 

Right back at the very beginning, our first President, Jim King, said something which is still true today, perhaps even more so: “People outside the area may regard the Valley as a sleepy, Somerset back water. But the truth is it is a hive of industry and our members reflect a wide variety of businesses, from traditional rural pursuits right the way through to the most modern of high-tech companies.”

 

Jim, who is now our Honorary Life President, was succeeded by the current Vice President and Treasurer, Rod Podger, and later by myself, the third President and first woman to hold the office.

 

Starting as a sub-group of the Norton Radstock Chamber, we quickly became an independent Chamber in our own right. The original aim was to provide the two main traditional Chamber of Commerce services. First, by providing a forum for people to meet, helping them to get to know one another, do business and have some fun at social events. Secondly, to represent the interests of our members when decisions affecting the local economy are made.

 

Over the years we have done exactly that, during a period in which there have been enormous changes in the way the economy works. For example, the impact of the Covid pandemic meant that many more people were working from home and its effects will be felt for years to come. 

 

We will continue to represent the interests of members on a range of relevant topics, such as keeping up pressure for improved public transport links, which if achieved, will be of benefit to businesses and residents alike. The Chamber has also continued to highlight the problems of parking in Chew Magna, suggesting a second main car park could be used for people who work in the village and so freeing up space for customers in the Pelican car park.

 

Probably most important of all, we have celebrated the success of our members’ businesses and we are always delighted to hear about things going well. This year we are going to produce a leaflet to help raise the profile of our members and highlighting our thriving local economy.

 

The Chamber has kept in close contact with Bath and North East Somerset Council, thanks to regular visits from Cabinet members, which are an opportunity to raise matters of concern and through membership of the Initiative in B&NES and Business West, has played a role in the broader business community.  

 

By working together, I am confident we will do our very best to continue to grow the local economy which is to the benefit of the whole community.

 

Please contact me should you wish to find out more about the Chamber or wish to join us.

 

With best wishes,

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Sandy Bell, President.