image courtesy off bbc.co.uk
Well here it is the first post of the Chamber of Trade blog. I thought I would start with an introduction to the Chamber. We are a bunch of people, business owners and representatives who got together after the incident with the gas works on Clwyd Street. Little or no liaison with businesses meant that everyone suffered with the closure of the street whilst the works ploughed on, regardless of the impact it would have on local economy.
The people in that room felt that a body was needed to represent the local trades people, and a working Executive was put together. I volunteered for the role of membership secretary, and several others were nominated or volunteered for the other roles. Those people in that room that evening showed true grit. Not just that their businesses and livelihoods had been effected by road works, that unfortunately was inevitable. But that they shown a passion to stand up and make their voices heard, as a Business Community. They were fuelled by anger that not a single person in any official capacity had taken the time to prepare them for the following couple of months which was possibly going to put their business in jeopardy. I felt like I was really becoming a part of something significant, and I was extremely surprised that business owners felt that they didn't have a voice, some even mentioned that they felt they were paddling up stream, against a constant stream of doubt and uncertainty.
I must admit, the whole world of constitutions and executives put my head in a bit of a spin, but I was excited to get cracking none the less. Unfortunate circumstances meant that some people, though willing to support had enough on their already broad shoulders, than to carry more responsibility and through one way or another I ended up as Chair. Scary, daunting, and one heck of a responsibility I made myself a little promise and took on the role. In for a penny in for a pound.
The Chamber is brand new, it's been going now a little over 9 months and you may think that is a while, but this is just the beginning. We will (and have on a couple of occasions already) battle for what is going to keep independent trading alive, and we aim for what will make it prosper. I have made a commitment, as well as every member on the Executive Committee to stand on your behalf for what you believe is the best for your business and economy. However we can't do it alone, and the people and business owners that were stood in that room that evening should remember why they were stood there, and what they wanted out of their presence. Anyone who feels that certain town issues don't effect them will be the first stood in line when it comes to dishing out blame. Together you have the chance of standing up with other businesses owners for what is in the Independent Traders best interests. Be that Business Rates, Car Parking Fees, Town Plans, local branding, training for you and your business or even the future of shopping in the town, can all be shaped and defined by what YOU put in. It's amazingly powerful stuff, and I feel privileged to be representing businesses alongside other people who want to put their business and the towns best interests at heart. We work together with community, tourism, and civic groups to make sure we are all pointing in the same direction, with the same aims at heart.
I thought I would start the blog to serve local businesses, we will touch on topics important to local businesses and traders. I will also feature local businesses each month, to give everyone a little insight into who they are, what they do, and hopefully make you think 'I'll go there'. There's only one way to support your local business, and that's with your feet! Walk in there and support the amazingly unique and hand raised businesses that are sat on your doorstep. Take some time and choose the fresh meat from your butchers instead of the vacuum packed stuff from the supermarket that has been stuck there for who knows how long. Walk into the local toy shop instead of looking on some Retail Giants soulless 'buy everything here' web site and see if there is something that you used to love as a child that you can pass on to the next generation (Can you believe my nephew never played with Lego?!). Have a look at the local restaurants that have everything from gourmet cuisine to hearty home cooked meals, all a five minute walk away.
This town has some truly amazing businesses and a whole array of things to offer you. However if you don't use it, then I fear that Ruthin may become another one of those towns that has passed it's time. I want people to visit my town and see how beautiful and unique it is, not wonder 'what happened here?'. The only people that can change that are the people that are in it. Yes... That's YOU!
If you want to help contribute to your town as a business owner then please feel free to e-mail the chamber with the address on the home page.
I hope to see you soon, in a shop near you!
Gavyn :-)
The people in that room felt that a body was needed to represent the local trades people, and a working Executive was put together. I volunteered for the role of membership secretary, and several others were nominated or volunteered for the other roles. Those people in that room that evening showed true grit. Not just that their businesses and livelihoods had been effected by road works, that unfortunately was inevitable. But that they shown a passion to stand up and make their voices heard, as a Business Community. They were fuelled by anger that not a single person in any official capacity had taken the time to prepare them for the following couple of months which was possibly going to put their business in jeopardy. I felt like I was really becoming a part of something significant, and I was extremely surprised that business owners felt that they didn't have a voice, some even mentioned that they felt they were paddling up stream, against a constant stream of doubt and uncertainty.
I must admit, the whole world of constitutions and executives put my head in a bit of a spin, but I was excited to get cracking none the less. Unfortunate circumstances meant that some people, though willing to support had enough on their already broad shoulders, than to carry more responsibility and through one way or another I ended up as Chair. Scary, daunting, and one heck of a responsibility I made myself a little promise and took on the role. In for a penny in for a pound.
The Chamber is brand new, it's been going now a little over 9 months and you may think that is a while, but this is just the beginning. We will (and have on a couple of occasions already) battle for what is going to keep independent trading alive, and we aim for what will make it prosper. I have made a commitment, as well as every member on the Executive Committee to stand on your behalf for what you believe is the best for your business and economy. However we can't do it alone, and the people and business owners that were stood in that room that evening should remember why they were stood there, and what they wanted out of their presence. Anyone who feels that certain town issues don't effect them will be the first stood in line when it comes to dishing out blame. Together you have the chance of standing up with other businesses owners for what is in the Independent Traders best interests. Be that Business Rates, Car Parking Fees, Town Plans, local branding, training for you and your business or even the future of shopping in the town, can all be shaped and defined by what YOU put in. It's amazingly powerful stuff, and I feel privileged to be representing businesses alongside other people who want to put their business and the towns best interests at heart. We work together with community, tourism, and civic groups to make sure we are all pointing in the same direction, with the same aims at heart.
I thought I would start the blog to serve local businesses, we will touch on topics important to local businesses and traders. I will also feature local businesses each month, to give everyone a little insight into who they are, what they do, and hopefully make you think 'I'll go there'. There's only one way to support your local business, and that's with your feet! Walk in there and support the amazingly unique and hand raised businesses that are sat on your doorstep. Take some time and choose the fresh meat from your butchers instead of the vacuum packed stuff from the supermarket that has been stuck there for who knows how long. Walk into the local toy shop instead of looking on some Retail Giants soulless 'buy everything here' web site and see if there is something that you used to love as a child that you can pass on to the next generation (Can you believe my nephew never played with Lego?!). Have a look at the local restaurants that have everything from gourmet cuisine to hearty home cooked meals, all a five minute walk away.
This town has some truly amazing businesses and a whole array of things to offer you. However if you don't use it, then I fear that Ruthin may become another one of those towns that has passed it's time. I want people to visit my town and see how beautiful and unique it is, not wonder 'what happened here?'. The only people that can change that are the people that are in it. Yes... That's YOU!
If you want to help contribute to your town as a business owner then please feel free to e-mail the chamber with the address on the home page.
I hope to see you soon, in a shop near you!
Gavyn :-)
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