Our President, Craig Oakes, welcomed a great turnout to the March breakfast meeting.
The meeting started with a huge thank you to Guy Bridge, who after 6 years of doing a fantastic job is stepping down as the Admin, Membership and Communications Co-Ordinator . We hope to be able to thank Guy for his service in person at a meeting later in the year (gold watch not guaranteed). Once again thank you Guy! Richard Langdon of Richard Langdon, The Contemporary PA takes on the mantle – we wish him well in his new role.
Craig then introduced our newest Exec members, Adrian Imrie of AIBS Bookkeeping Limited, Angelo Fichera of Peppina, Josephine Parker of Ebike Cafe @ Deheers and latest member, Laurie Whyte of CM Energy. If you are interested in joining the Executive, further details can found here – https://www.wpchamber.co.uk/about/ or email info@wpchamber.co.uk
This month’s meeting was kindly Sponsored by Paul Appleby, MD of Tech Wessex, local IT company and member of the Exec. Paul gave a very informative and insightful talk on the importance of backing up you IT systems (Back up! Back up! Back up!). A copy of Paul’s presentation can be found here
If you are a member and are interested in sponsoring one of our breakfast meeting’s please get in touch – info@wpchamber.co.uk
The floor was then handed to our treasurer, Brodie Cook of Chamber accountants, Albert Goodman to give us a review of the now formally signed off 2020 accounts, her report can be found on the home page of the website. Albert Goodman are also running a fantastic competition for small businesses at the moment – further details can be found here
Craig then turned to the members to see if they had any news following the PM’s recently announced roadmap;
Nicki Cattel of Changing Grooms Hair and Beauty Spa advised that although not able to open just yet, they have had a refit and in preparation for reopening have launched a Pay it Forward Haircut – enabling people to budget for that post lockdown haircut/restyle.
Gina Wood of Weymouth College told us about the college’s preparations for the students return next week, including rapid test of staff. Gina also mentioned that there will be upcoming news regarding doubling employers incentives for apprentices over 25.
Angelo Fichera of Peppina informed us he had a great first week of trading and he has received very positive feedback. He has asked if anyone knows of a studio apartment or flat for rent locally for his imminently arriving chef – please let us know if you know of anything and we will pass it on.
Alison Fox of Alison Fox Counselling has been very busy over the last few months.
James Tourgout of Deep South Media briefed us on his recent busy spell and says he’s optimistic for the future.
Remember if you have any Member news, you can either email us – info@wpchamber.co.uk or fill in the form on the website here
There is still time to join us for the discounted £49 membership fee for the year from March 1st; Invoices have been despatched and we will be sending polite reminders shortly. The Chamber needs financial support to represent and support local business. There are many benefits to joining the Chamber. If you have any questions please get in touch.
Our next meeting is on 6th April 2021 at 8am, sponsored by Albert Goodman – Managing Partner, Richard Bugler will be discussing the recent Budget. Book your ticket here
