Date: July 14th 2010

Welcome to our new monthly email for Chamber members – keeping you up-to-date with all the very latest news, events and offers.

This is replacing our quarterly newsletter (the last edition of which is on its way to you this week) as a more current method of keeping you informed.

Make sure you let us have your latest business news to include in next month’s email.  The deadline is the 5th of each month.  We can also pass on your news for consideration for inclusion in Wessex in Business, the monthly business supplement to the Gazette & Herald.  Exclusively for Chamber members, this is a great way to get your business name out to a wide area.

Chamber AGM
Those of you who came to our Cheese & Wine evening at Delicias last week will know that Paul Dunn from BizView.tv has agreed to continue as our President for another year.  Suzanne Gore from Only Mortgages is Vice-President, and Hazel Newson from Dandelion Gift Shop continues as Treasurer.   We are always looking for new ideas and help with projects, so feel free to contact any of the committee. For more info and contact details of any of our committee see our website http://tinyurl.com/39q2w4m.

Wiltshire Parking Strategy
This is your opportunity to have a say on the new parking strategy from Wiltshire Council.  The draft strategy is available for viewing on Wiltshire Council's website and they would welcome your comments on this document before the consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 3 September.  http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk/portal

Are you Claiming Small Business Rate Relief?
If your business has a rateable value of less than £12,000, you could obtain a reduction in business rates by claiming rate relief.  If you are not taking advantage of this and would like to know more see the attached letter (and offer of help) from committee member Jonathan Loader.

Closure of RAF Lyneham
We recently hosted a meeting with Ian Cambrook, Military Civilian Integration Programme Manager for Pidela Consulting, who gave an overview of the current situation.  A summary of this meeting is attached.
 
Updated Website Launch
Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce (WACC) is launching its updated website this week.  Some of the functions are still being fine-tuned, but check-out the improved site.  All Chamber members have a listing on the on-line business directory and there are additional Privilege Card offers.  See www.wessexchambers.org.uk.  

Member Offers
Lis McDermott Photography is offering Chamber members a FREE business profile photograph for you to use on websites, brochures, etc.  If you have an offer for local members or for the wider North/West Wilts WACC membership, email secretary@woottonbassett.biz.  All the latest offers for Wootton Bassett members can be found on our website at Members Discounts.

Events
Home-workers Drop-In - Those of you who work from home are invited to our first home-workers drop-in at Church Croft for coffee and a chat on Weds 21st July, anytime between 2 and 4.30pm.  There is no charge for Chamber members.  Click here for more details.
Look out for a free fun social evening event being planned for later in the summer (more details soon).

Classic Car Video
For pictures from our recent Brilliant Bassett Classic Car event on 5th June, see the video on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwriVMW673Q

Space Required in Town Centre
Do you have a room you are not using in a location near the town centre?  One of our members is looking for somewhere to rent to set up a business display. Please contact us if you may be able to help.

Early Doors
Fancy a drink and a chat when you finish work on a Friday afternoon?  A few of our members have started calling in at the Five Bells for ‘early doors’ drinks from 5.30pm onwards.  All welcome so join us if you can!

Enjoyed Mary Queen of Shops Latest Series?
Pick up more of Mary’s tips at one of the new master classes for small retailers.  Click here for more details.

Did you find this email useful/informative?  We are constantly looking at ways to improve services to members, so your feedback will be appreciated.

www.woottonbassett.biz

The Wootton Bassett Chamber is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
Registered in England No. 02911453
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