THIS WEBSITE IS IN DEVELOPMENT AND IS NOT COMPLETE - THIS PAGE IS HOWEVER CORRECT
Bideford Chamber usually meet the first Tuesday in the month at 6.00 p.m.
Important Changes
We would like to take this opportunity to bring you up to date on the changed role of the Bideford Chamber of Commerce since the North Devon Chamber was dissolved.
To date a great deal of the activity has been concentrated on two important basic requirements; increasing the range and number of businesses in membership and joining with those bodies that are committed to the improvement of the business environment.
What we have done so far and what we have planned include:
Increasing membership
· We have reduced membership fees so that the Chamber is affordable to businesses throughout Bideford.
· A recruitment campaign is under way which has attracted new members and brought back former members.
· We are currently arranging a series of forums with guest speakers on specific business topics.
· We are in the process of setting up, with Geoffrey Cox MP, a Business Forum which will be open to all businesses in Bideford.
· A programme of consultation with as wide a range as is practical of businesses in Bideford is planned to gain a better understanding of the key issues for the business community.
· We have begun to revitalize our role as lobbyist on strategic and tactical issues and have already represented some members on important issues.
Joining with other bodies
· We are in the process of putting the existing meetings with Bideford Town Council on a regular basis.
· A proposal to hold regular meetings with Torridge District Council has been positively received.
· Work has begun on establishing firmer links with the chambers in Holsworthy, Torrington and Westward Ho! to create a Torridge approach to business issues.
· We are currently producing the “Bideford Chamber Calendar of Bideford Events” that will increase awareness in the region of the: Carnival, Folk Festival, etc.
· Discussions have been initiated with other interested parties to form an action group to work on future business opportunities for the town.
· We are already working closely with other bodies committed to the regeneration of Bideford and Torridge.
The above, hopefully, has given you a clear picture of how the role of the Chamber has changed and the steps being taken to rapidly establish it as the voice of business in Bideford.
We look forward to seeing you in the near future and discussing how we can work together to make Bideford a better place to work, to live and to visit.
Bideford Town Council web site can be found at: http://www.bideford-tc.gov.uk/
