Local businesses are being invited to the launch of an important new initiative to create a voice for local businesses in the form of the Somer Valley Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, 29th September, 6 p.m. at the Somer Valley Campus of Bath College.
“Experience shows that there are good reasons for having a Somer Valley wide Chamber”, said Tina Veater, Chairman of the Somer Valley Chamber. “When it comes to tackling an issue like Superfast Broadband or lobbying for improved transport links, the traditional model of a High Street focused Chamber with members drawn from business in the town centre doesn’t really work anymore. So what we’re doing is to launch a Somer Valley Chamber for all businesses across the valley – from Westfield to Timsbury and from large employers to sole traders and those working from home. We’re also joining forces with the Somerset Chamber of Commerce which will mean that we will have so much more to offer our members. There’s such a lot we can achieve by simply sharing our skills, finding out more about potential customers and suppliers on our doorstep and above all, ensuring that we understand the needs of local businesses if we are to unlock the economic potential of the Somer Valley.”
Starting with the launch, members will come together at the newly-named Somer Valley Campus of Bath College (the old Norton Radstock College). A strong working partnership between the College and the business community is seen as crucial in developing the local skills base.
At the same time, Somer Valley Chamber Hubs are being considered for businesses wanting to have additional locally focused meetings in Paulton, Peasedown St John, Midsomer Norton, Westfield and Radstock. So whilst issues like transport, skills requirements and Superfast Broadband can be discussed with members from across the valley at the main meetings, smaller items can be tackled in local Hub meetings.