Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce (NM)

Say 'Konichiwa' at our lunch on 8th Feb

2012-02-01T17:43:29Z

Join us for a delicious eat-as-much-as-you-like Indian lunch buffet on
Wednesday 8th February, 12.30pm at Ganges Restaurant, 147 High Street, Wootton Bassett

Plus you can enjoy an informal talk from our speaker who’ll be telling us more about
building good working relationships with Japanese colleagues, including:

Japanese business culture & etiquette
Using ultra-simple English
How to measure cultural difference
Day-to-day Japanese words

£8.00 for members or £10.00 for non-members.

Pre-booking required to reserve a place

Call Angie on 01793 323103 or email info@woottonbassett.biz

(and by the way, 'konichiwa' is Japanese for 'hello')

The Wootton Bassett Chamber is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
Registered in England No. 02911453
VAT Reg. No. 639 4392 08

News for the New Year

2012-01-19T20:28:19Z

All the very latest news, events and special offers in 2012 from your local Chamber of Commerce.

For more details on any of the articles below, click on the news title or the individual links.

EVENTS

A full diary for 2012 starts next week. Here are our planned events up until March:

1.   Home-workers drop-in – Weds 25th January, anytime between 12.30 and 2pm, The Croft
Coffee and chat, talk business or banter - for those who work from home and want to get away from their own company for a while and meet-up with others. Open to all – free of charge to members, £2.00 for non-members.

2.   Costa Coffee Networking Evening – Thurs 26th January from 6.30pm
Network informally over a cappuccino, latte, Americano coffee or tea in the relaxed atmosphere of the new Costa in Borough Fields. This event is FREE for members (includes first coffee). There’s a £5.00 entry charge for non-members. Booking essential.

3.   Lunch with speaker – Wednesday 8th February, 12.30pm, Ganges Restaurant
We’ll be joined by speaker Chris Hoggarth who’ll be giving us a lively talk about working with Japanese colleagues. Chris will be sharing some of his knowledge of the different business culture and day-to-day etiquette involved when working with the Japanese. Lunch is £8.00 for members, £10.00 non-members, which includes an eat-as-much-as-you-like Indian buffet.

4.   Plantronics Visit – Weds 21st March, 6pm
Our own private tour of the European base of audio technology specialist Plantronics at Interface Business Park. Look around their recently refurbished Smarter Working environment. We’ve been lucky enough to have a sneak preview and we highly recommend this visit. Click on the title link now for more info on their fantastic premises. Don’t miss this one - book early.

NEWS

BUSINESS TRENDS SURVEY
Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce (WACC) is launching a new Business Support Programme, together with Wiltshire Council, to provide advice, guidance and professional resources to help small business become established and grow. So that WACC can identify what resources are needed most urgently, an up-to-date picture of the local economy and business trends is essential. Please spare a few minutes to complete their online questionnaire by clicking on the title link above. (Closing date is 29th Jan 2012. All answers completely confidential.)

LOOKING FOR A LOCAL MEETING/TRAINING ROOM?
Local IT support specialists Valley Enterprises have just opened a new training/meeting room for business hire at their location just outside the town at Spittleborough Farm Offices. Find out more and see some pics of the facilities by clicking on the title link.

OLYMPIC & DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
Torchbearers will carry the Olympic flame along our High Street on 23rd May, and the High Street will be closed to traffic on Monday 4th June for a huge community Diamond Jubilee celebration. More info will follow soon, but for now get these dates in your diary. Businesses and residents in the town are being asked to get into the spirit of things and decorate their premises with union flags especially for these events.

QUESTION FOR THE POLICE?
Wiltshire Police and Wiltshire Police Authority (WPA) are holding a live public online chat on Monday 23rd Jan 2012. Deputy Chief Constable Patrick Greenty, Assistant Chief Constable Mike Veale and WPA Chairman Chris Hoare will be online from 7pm ‘til 8pm to answer questions from the public. It’s an opportunity for you to submit questions on any subject you want. To submit a question visit wiltshire.police.uk on the evening and follow the instructions.

MEMBERS ONLY

ANNUAL DINNER DANCE
The Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce annual Dinner Dance is on Friday 24th Feb, 7.15pm, in Trowbridge. Ttickets are £42 which include a 4 course meal and live music. If any members can offer a prize for the draw which will take place on the evening, please get in touch.

HIGH STREET QUESTIONNAIRE
The results of our survey will be sent out to members within the next few weeks. We've had over 100 responses to go through, with lots of comments and suggestions, and we are currently putting together a summary of all information received to accompany the report.

NEW MEMBERS
Welcome to Royal Wootton Bassett Mini-Mart which was officially opened by the Mayor during the Christmas/New Year period. Trading from 7am until 10.00pm daily, the Mini-Mart was even open on Xmas Day and Boxing Day.

RAF LYNEHAM – SUPPLIERS WANTED
As part of our involvement with the Lyneham Steering Group, we’re compiling a list of member businesses interested in supplying products/services to the RAF site as plans progress with the development of the new Defence Technical Training facilities. Contact us if you would like to get your business on this list.

MEMBER-TO-MEMBER OFFERS
For a list of current offers for Chamber members, click on the title link. Get in touch to join in and add your offer/discount to these.

We’d like to wish you a Happy New Year. The more we can all work together to promote business within our community, the better chance we have of rising to the challenges of the year ahead. And we’re sure that 2012 will continue to bring plenty of opportunities too. We’ve got lots of plans for the coming months and hope to welcome many of you along to our networking evening at Costa this month so that we can tell you more.

We’re always keen to hear members’ news to include in future emails and also to submit for consideration for inclusion in in Business, the monthly business supplement of the Gazette & Herald.

The Wootton Bassett Chamber is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
Registered in England No. 02911453
VAT Reg. No. 639 4392 08

The latest Events, News & Member Offers

2011-12-15T11:46:14Z

All the very latest news, events and special offers from your local Chamber of Commerce.

This month’s email has a different layout. Please let us know what you think and/or if there’s anything else you’d like to see in the future. For more details on any of the articles below, click on the news title or the individual link.

EVENTS:
We’re planning a full diary of events for 2012. The next ones coming up are:

1.     Home-workers drop-in – Weds 25th January, between 12.30 and 2pm, The Croft
Informal coffee and chat for those who work from home. Open to all – free of charge to members, £2.00 for non-members.

2.     Lunch with speaker – Weds 8^th February, 12.30pm, Ganges Restaurant
We’ll be joined by speaker Chris Hogarth who will be talking about working with Japanese colleagues. Different cultures, language, society, etiquette, and manners are all elements to be considered when working with business associates from Japan. Lunch is just £8.00 for members, £10.00 non-members, which includes an eat-as-much-as-you-like Indian buffet.

3.     Other dates for your diary
Further lunches in 2012 are booked for 11^th April, 13^th June, 12^th September and 14^th November. Future speakers include David Mitchell on business branding, and George Croxford, headmaster of Wootton Bassett School, on how businesses can work with the school. We’re also organising a site visit for members to audio technology company Plantronics, based at Interface Business Park, in March.

NEWS:

HIGH STREET SURVEY
With the High Street in the news at present thanks to the Portas Review, we’ve received over 100 responses to our recent local shopping questionnaire. A full report will soon be on its way to members. A huge thank you to The Wiltshire Golf & Country Club for their generous voucher for Xmas lunch for 4 which was won by the winner of our questionnaire prize draw, Joy Moseley.

NEW MEMBER
Welcome to Naomi at Magicbeadz who is about to launch her new hand-crafted jewellery business. A great example of someone who came along to one of our homeworkers meetings, found out more about the benefits of being becoming a member, and decided to join us. See Naomi’s business details at www.magicbeadz.co.uk.

‘ROYAL’ MAKEOVER FOR GANGES RESTAURANT
Ganges Restaurant has just undergone a redecoration project and also added a range of ‘Royal Specials’ meals to the menu – which you can find on their website at ganges.co.uk. Don’t forget that Ganges offer a 5% discount off meals to Chamber members.

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT MEMORABILIA
Shopping bags, fridge magnets, pin badges, mugs, tea towels, pens, pencils, window stickers & trolley key-rings are still available from Dandelion, Guelder Rose, the Post Office, Brian Taylor Music, Town Hall Tea Rooms and Motorsave.

SCAM ALERT
We’ve been made aware of the following possible scams:

· Advertising in the World Trade Register (similar to the Expo-Guide publication which Trading Standards warned of in our November newsletter). Although mentioning that ‘updating is free of charge,’ read the small print and you will see that you’re entering into a contract which costs 995 euros annually for 3 years!

· Fake parcel delivery companies, such as PDS (Parcel Delivery Service), post a card through your door telling you they were unable to deliver your parcel and asking you to call a phone number to arrange delivery. The number is premium rate and could cost you a lot of money! If you’re unsure, contact Royal Mail Fraud on 020 7239 6655.

WILTSHIRE BUSINESS PERCEPTION SURVEY
The Wiltshire Strategic Economic Partnership promotes the economic wellbeing of Wiltshire. It’s made up of a board comprising senior business people from the region, Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce, Federation of Small Businesses, JobCentre & representatives from Wiltshire Council. To help with future planning, please spare a few minutes of your time to complete their online Business Perception Survey (click on the title link).

AND ALSO….
Nothing to do with business this one, but here’s a news story we thought we’d sneak in just for fun. Dickenson’s Real Deal will be visiting our town on Saturday 28^th January, filming at Wootton Bassett School. If you’re interested in going along with your ‘bobby dazzlers’, click here for their website with more info.

MEMBERS ONLY:

FREE COSTA COFFEE
The new Costa in Borough Fields has given us some free coffee vouchers. We’ve got lots of them and they’re valid until the end of December, so drop us a quick email if you’d like some vouchers delivered to your business.

HIGH STREET SURVEY
A full report is being prepared and will be sent to you in the near future.

MEMBER-TO-MEMBER OFFERS
New member Magicbeadz is offering 10% discount for orders over £25. Click on the title link for a list of other member-to-member special offers.

PRESS RELEASE SERVICE
Don’t forget we’ll write and distribute your news to the local press free of charge! Bill Edwards Dental Technician recently took us up on this offer earlier this month and benefited from an article and picture in the Swindon Advertiser.

RAF LYNEHAM – SUPPLIERS WANTED
As part of our involvement with the Lyneham Steering Group, we’re currently compiling a list of member businesses interested in supplying products/services to the RAF site as plans progress with the development of the new Defence Technical Training facilities. Contact us if you’re interested in getting onto this list.

EVENTS
Don’t forget that all our events are discounted for members.

Finally, we’d like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year. Thank you to all our members for your support and participation – without this our Chamber would not exist. We hope to continue working with and for all members throughout 2012.

Non-members - if you’d like to get more involved in supporting your local business community, as well as benefiting from the many advantages of being part of your local Chamber of Commerce, click here for more information.

Follow us at twitter.com/wbchamber

Support local trading at facebook.com/BuyBassett

The Wootton Bassett Chamber is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
Registered in England No. 02911453
VAT Reg. No. 639 4392 08

November News from Wootton Bassett Chamber

2011-11-14T15:45:51Z

All the very latest business news & events, with special offers for our Chamber members.

For more details on any of the news stories below, click on the news title or the individual links.

EVENTS

Our diary of events for 2012 will be published very soon. Remaining events for 2011 are:

1.     Bank of England Breakfast – 24^th November, 7.30am, Marsh Farm Hotel
A free opportunity for Chamber members to discuss business financial issues directly with the Bank of England’s deputy agent for the South West. We need 12 attendees from different types of business sectors. Hot bacon rolls & coffee will be provided.

2.     Home-workers drop-in – 30th November, anytime between 12.30 and 2pm, The Croft
A great opportunity for informal coffee and chat for those who work from home. Open to all –free of charge to members, £2.00 for non-members.

3.     Christmas lunch – Tuesday 13^th December, Bowood Golf & Country Club
Join us for a group celebration with Calne, Chippenham & Corsham Chambers over a 2 course turkey (or veggie) lunch at Bowood Golf & Country Club on Tues 13^th December. £22.50 for members & £25 for non-members. Booking and payment required no later than 2^nd December (sorry, but we can’t take bookings after this date).

HIGH STREET QUESTIONNAIRE

We’ve had around 100 responses to our local shopping questionnaire carried out in the High Street and online. Results are currently being analysed and a full report will be available to members in the near future.

MEMBER BENEFITS
Don’t forget that as a member of Wootton Bassett Chamber, you and your staff are entitled to discounts/special offers from other members as part of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce (WACC) Privilege Card – see www.wessexchambers.org.uk. WACC are also negotiating further deals, such as free financial healthchecks, sickness income replacement, RAC discounts and EPoS systems. These will be announced in the near future.

NEW MEMBERS

A great month for membership in October which saw us welcome 4 new businesses: Railston shopfitters, Brian Taylor Music, Royal Wootton Bassett Visitor & Tourist Information Centre, and Finance 4 Business Great Western. For more info on these businesses, including discounts for members, click on the title link.

RAF LYNEHAM

We are continuing to represent local businesses by attending bi-monthly Lyneham Steering Group meetings. Contact us if you have any questions on latest developments with the RAF site.

REGIONAL GROWTH FUND FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Just announced - small businesses can benefit from funding from the Government. Click on the title link for the details.

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT MEMORABILIA

As you know, our Chamber organised the supply and sale of official Royal Wootton Bassett souvenirs. We’ve also been selling cotton shopping bags with the Royal name as part of a separate project promoting our Buy Bassett facebook page. Huge demand means we have ordered extra supplies. More bags will shortly be on sale from Dandelion gift shop, with memorabilia items (fridge magnets, pin badges, mugs, tea towels & trolley keyrings) available from Dandelion, Guelder Rose, the Post Office, Brian Taylor Music, Town Hall Tea Rooms and Motorsave.

THANK YOU

Many thanks to town crier Owen Collier who organised a Ghost Walk for members of our Chamber and town council in October. This was so popular that he had to run two walks on the same evening! We all enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining time. Thanks also to the Museum Steering Group who kindly opened up the town hall especially for us and served drinks and delicious home-made cupcakes.

FREE TICKETS – GALA DINNER
We’ve got a handful of free tickets for Chamber members for a charity gala dinner on 17^th November at Bowden Hall. Upton St Lenards, Gloucester. Raising funds for Help for Heroes, guests include our Mayor, along with sportsmen Gavin Hastings, Andy Nicol, David Syd Lawrence and Glenn Catley. If you’re interested get in touch quickly.

WANTED
Does anyone have a cash till they no longer require? A local retailer is looking for one. Contact us if you can help.

WARNING FROM TRADING STANDARDS
We’ve received the following warning regarding advertising in Expo-Guide, an online database of trade shows and events - Invitations are sent out offering businesses a free listing; HOWEVER what you will actually be signing up for is a 3 year contract at an approximate cost of £1,100 per year! Trading Standards advice is to steer clear of this publication.

XMAS LIGHTS & SHOPPING EVENING
Friday 2^nd December, from 6pm. Falklands veteran Simon Weston will be switching on the lights. There will also be real reindeer again this year, along with a carol service, drum workshop, face painting, fire eaters, jazz player & much, much more. And we are hoping plenty of retailers will be opening late to welcome lots of visitors.

Chamber members - keep sending us your latest news to include in future emails and also to submit for consideration for inclusion in Wessex in Business, the monthly business supplement to the Gazette & Herald.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/wbchamber

Support local trading with facebook.com/BuyBassett

The Wootton Bassett Chamber is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
Registered in England No. 02911453
VAT Reg. No. 639 4392 08

Two events in two weeks - all welcome to join us

2011-10-25T13:31:36Z

Like to meet up with others over coffee and cakes?
Weds 26th October, anytime between 12.30 & 2pm, at the Croft (next to St Bartholomew's church)
All welcome to come along to our informal get-together where, this month, we will be selling cakes, coffees and teas to raise funds for MacMillan's World’s Biggest Coffee Morning fund. Stay as long as you like, or just pop in for a quick catch up with other people from around our business community. Eat as many delicious home-made cakes as you can, or maybe take some back to the office to share. No need to pre-book - just turn up and join us.

Enjoy networking and/or art? Keen to support the next generation of business people?
Thursday 3rd November, anytime between 6 & 8pm, at the Museum (town hall)
Come along and meet with other local businesses whilst also enjoying an exhibition and sale of student art.
Our Chamber has been working with year 11 Wootton Bassett School students who are raising funds for a new business initiative. This is a unique opportunity to network informally amongst a fabulous display of all types of artwork - and also to show your support for the students in their project.
Just £5.00 a ticket, which includes drinks and nibbles. Pre-book at secretary@woottonbassett.biz or call 01793 323103.

Click here for more info on the Art event.

The Wootton Bassett Chamber is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
Registered in England No. 02911453
VAT Reg. No. 639 4392 08

All the latest in October from WB Chamber

2011-10-07T18:23:18Z

All the very latest news, events and offers from Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce.

For more details on any of the stories below, click on the news title or the individual links.

EVENTS

1.     Committee Meeting – Tues 11^th October
These are always on the second Tuesday of each month at The Croft (in the grounds of St Bartholomew’s church) from 5.45pm (the meetings are really informal & pizza is provided for those who get peckish!) All welcome to come along, share ideas and get involved.

2.     Home-workers drop-in – 26th October, anytime between 12.30 and 2pm, The Croft
Drop in for informal coffee and chat. We’ll be selling drinks and cakes at this event to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, as part of their Worlds’ Biggest Coffee morning. All welcome – homeworkers or not!

3.     Bank of England Breakfast – 24^th November, 7.30am, Marsh Farm Hotel
Book now for this free opportunity for Chamber members to discuss financial issues affecting business directly with the Bank of England’s deputy agent for the South West. We need around 12 attendees from all different types of business sectors.

4.     Christmas lunch – Tuesday 13^th December, Bowood Golf & Country Club
This year we’re having a joint celebration with Calne, Chippenham & Corsham Chambers over a two course turkey (or veggie) lunch at Bowood Golf & Country Club on Tues 13^th December. The cost is £22.50 for members & £25 for non-members. Booking and payment required by 2^nd December.

Other Events:

GHOST WALK
We are full to capacity the Ghost Walk on Thurs 13^th October – so much so that we are now holding two walks during the evening! Numbers have had to be limited to ensure the event can run smoothly and safely. Thanks to Owen Collier who is running this exclusively for Chamber and town council members. Look out for a write-up on our website and in local press after the event.

STUDENTS’ ART EXHIBITION
We are working with WB School year 11 students who are organising an art exhibition as part of a business initiative on Thursday 3^rd November at the museum in the town hall. Come along and support them at an evening ticket event where you can view some fantastic art (which you can also buy!), have a glass of wine, and socialise/informally network. See the title link for full details.

SITE VISIT - MARSHFIELD FARM
A tour of the ice cream factory, with free samples to try and the chance to buy any of the 26 flavours at factory prices! Also includes a finger buffet lunch, to include ice cream. Cost is £10.50 for members, £12.50 non-members, and can be booked through Corsham Chamber on

peteathomas@msn.com.

HIGH STREET QUESTIONNAIRE
We’ll be by the town hall on Saturday 8^th and Wednesday 12^th October asking people to complete a short questionnaire on what they want from the High Street. We hope that as many people as possible will stop and answer our questions, to help give us a good idea of what shoppers are looking for. Please do your bit for your local town and stop and see us – you could win Sunday lunch for 4 at The Wiltshire Golf & Country Club. Or complete our survey online - click on the title link.

RAF LYNEHAM
We are continuing to represent local businesses by attending bi-monthly Lyneham Steering Group meetings. Click on the title link for an update on plans for the site from the latest meeting on 15^th September.

ROYAL COMMEMORATIVE EVENT & MEMORABILIA
Members will have received our email with the latest update on organization for this event, including security and parking. And there’s still time to buy some memorabilia, although you’ll need to be quick as the items are selling out fast! They’ll be on sale from the 16^th at Dandelion, Guelder Rose, Church Croft, Occasions, Town Hall Tea Rooms, Brian Taylor Music & others. Contact us now at secretary@woottonbassett.biz for details.

BE AWARE
We have been alerted to possible advertisement scammers targeting new businesses in this area. They are selling advertising space in an annual Wiltshire Police publication – but the police have informed us that there is no such thing! Please be aware.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/wbchamber

Support local trading with our Facebook page - facebook.com/BuyBassett

The Wootton Bassett Chamber is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
Registered in England No. 02911453
VAT Reg. No. 639 4392 08

Charity Music Video - Sponsorship Opportunities

2011-09-26T14:57:26Z

On Sunday 11^th September a music video was filmed in our High Street to accompany the soon-to-be-released Wootton Bassett Charity Single.

This is a huge and exciting project, involving many organisations and individuals from the local community who have come together to help raise money for military charities.

With last minute editing and cover design currently underway, the video will be screened at a cinema premiere on 13th October, becoming available to buy/download shortly afterwards.

Local sponsors are now urgently required!

Time is of the essence with this project, so if you’d like to know more about sponsorship opportunities please contact wbcsvproject@gmail.com as soon as possible.

For more info see www.wbcharitysingle.co.uk.

The Wootton Bassett Chamber is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
Registered in England No. 02911453
VAT Reg. No. 639 4392 08

September News

2011-09-13T10:20:49Z

All the very latest news, events and offers from Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce.
For more details on any of the news stories below, click on the news title or the individual links.

CHRISTMAS 2011

If you’re interested in sponsoring lights in the trees which line the High Street, contact the town council on 850222. Or if you’ve issues or questions regarding the Xmas Lights & Shopping Evening, let us know so that we can raise when we attend the next meeting with the town council.
Our Xmas lunch this year is a joint celebration with Calne, Chippenham & Corsham Chambers over a two course meal at Bowood Golf & Country Club on Tues 13^th December. The cost will be around £20 for members (£25 for non-members). More details on this very soon.

CONGRATULATIONS

Well done to town crier Owen Collier who took first place in the Welsh Border Champion Criers’ competition on Saturday 20^th August. Congratulations to Owen for bringing home the winner’s trophy from the top town criers competition in Wales!

EVENTS

See our website for all diary events for 2011. Next ones are:

Home-workers drop-in – 21^st September, anytime between 12.30 and 2pm, The Croft
(NOTE CHANGE OF DATE FOR SEPTEMBER ONLY)
Resuming after our summer break, an informal way for those who work from home to meet up and chat.
Homeworkers drop-in – 26^th October, 12.30pm to 2pm, The Croft
As our October Homeworkers is so close to the Macmillan Cancer Support Worlds’ Biggest Coffee Morning, we will be selling coffee and cakes at this event, with all funds raised going towards the charity. Whether you’re a homeworker or not, drop in and join us.
Bank of England Breakfast – 24^th November, 7.30am, Marsh Farm Hotel
A free opportunity for Chamber members to discuss financial issues affecting business directly with the Bank of England’s deputy agent for the South West. We need around 12 attendees from all different types of business sectors.

GHOST WALK

Members of the Chamber of Commerce and town council are invited to get together and find out about the town’s spooky history on a ghost walk during the evening of Thursday 13^th October, courtesy of local town crier, Owen Collier. We are limited in numbers, so let us know asap if you’re interested in coming along.

HIGH STREET QUESTIONNAIRE

What do you want to see in your High Street? Do you shop here regularly and, if not, what would encourage you to do so? These are just some of the questions we want to find out the answers to. We’ll be carrying out a survey in the town centre on Saturday 8^th and Wednesday 12^th October, so please come and see us. Or do your bit for your local town and visit our online survey which will be available shortly.

PLANNING PERMISSION DIFFICULTIES?

Has your business experienced difficulty with planning applications to Wiltshire Council? Following a recent meeting with leaders of Wilts Council, Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce is compiling evidence of businesses which have had issues with planning. Details are required by email or letter before 23^rd September please.

RAF LYNEHAM

We are continuing to represent local businesses by attending bi-monthly Lyneham Steering Group meetings. Now that a decision for use of the site has been announced, the Steering Group will be working with the MoD to help ensure a smooth transition to Defence Technical Training. If there are any relevant issues you want raised at this, please get in touch.

SALE OF MEMORABILIA

Have you ordered any of the Royal Wootton Bassett memorabilia which we’re organising yet, with the help of the town council? There may still be time, so contact us urgently. Items to sell include mugs, key-rings, pin-badges, pens, etc, all with the official and brand new Royal Crest and Name. We will also soon have reusable cotton bags printed with the Royal name and Crest, and our BuyBassett Facebook page.

WELCOME

Welcome to our latest new member, Pink Connect, based in Wootton Bassett. They provide cost-led telecoms solutions/services to businesses, covering landlines, mobiles, broadband and wi-fi. And they are offering Chamber members a 10% discount off land-line calls!

WOOTTON BASSETT VIDEO
Don’t forget that if you want to be part of the Wootton Bassett video for the song ‘When September Ends’, to be in the High Street on Sunday 18^th September, when filming is taking place.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/wbchamber

Support local trading with our Facebook page - facebook.com/BuyBassett

The Wootton Bassett Chamber is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
Registered in England No. 02911453
VAT Reg. No. 639 4392 08

Is your Business Ready for Royal Wootton Bassett?

2011-09-08T17:36:21Z

An opportunity to buy/sell official Royal Wootton Bassett memorabilia

Many thousands of visitors are expected when our town receives the Royal Patent on Sunday 16th October. We are already welcoming numerous tourists, and numbers are likely to remain high for some considerable time. Demand is anticipated to increase from visitors wishing to purchase reminders of the 'Royal' event and of their trips to our town in the future, and locals may also be looking for items to commemorate the occasion.

Thanks to the help of the Town Council, our Chamber has the use of funds to acquire memorabilia - a range of items for businesses to sell which depict the brand new official Royal Crest and Name.

By working together and buying these items in bulk, we can keep costs as low as possible. This is not a profit making exercise for the Chamber. Our volunteers are giving up their time free of charge to coordinate this project. We are selling items at cost price plus a donation to the town's war memorial fund.

Items include pens, pencils, mugs, notebooks, keyrings, fridge magnets, pin badges, tea towels, wristbands and window/car stickers.

If you are interested in talking to us regarding the purchase/sale of any memorabilia, please call us urgently on 01793 323103 or email secretary@woottonbassett.biz

* As the Royal Crest cannot be used before 16th October, the items will be delivered a few days beforehand. Payment required on delivery. A 10% discount is available for Chamber members. There is a suggested RRP for resale of the memorabilia.

The Wootton Bassett Chamber is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
Registered in England No. 02911453
VAT Reg. No. 639 4392 08

Social Media for Business - Book now for next week's lunch

2011-09-01T09:15:02Z

With the huge growth in social media offering effective and inexpensive methods of engaging with customers, how many businesses these days can afford to ignore it?

Although it’s easy to get started, are you fully utilising the potential of Twitter, Facebook, blogs etc. to increase visibility of your products/services?

Expert Roland Millward will be joining us to explain how to maximise the many opportunities which social media can bring to business.

And you can eat as much as you like at a buffet lunch of delicious Indian food!

Wednesday 7^th September, 12.30pm, Ganges Restaurant, 147 High Street.

Just £7.00 for members, £9.00 for non-members.

Book your space as soon as possible.
Email secretary@woottonbassett.biz Tel 01793 323103

The Wootton Bassett Chamber is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
Registered in England No. 02911453
VAT Reg. No. 639 4392 08

August News from WB Chamber

2011-08-10T09:11:12Z

All the very latest news, events and offers from Wootton Bassett Chamber of Commerce.

For more details on any of the news stories below, click on the news title or the individual links.

BANK OF ENGLAND BREAKFAST
In the current volatile economic climate, we’re offering members the opportunity to discuss financial issues affecting business directly with the Bank of England. We are organising a small group of people from different types of local businesses to meet with the Bank’s deputy agent for the South West over breakfast on 24^th November to discuss the local economy, economic trends and the effects of interest rates. Get in touch if you are interested so that we can begin compiling names in advance. (This free event is for members only at present & includes breakfast).

BUY BASSETT
We’re up to 167 followers at present (and still rising) for the Buy Bassett Facebook site, designed to promote local trading. That’s 167 people you can talk to directly with news/special offers from your business – totally free of charge. So get posting your news now, or email us and we’ll do it for you. If you’re a Facebook user, make sure you visit the site and click on ‘Like’ to start receiving regular updates.

CHRISTMAS 2011

Yes, it’s time to start thinking about it already! Some of our committee met with the town council planning group recently to help starting putting together this year’s event. Sponsors are needed for lights for trees which line the High Street. If you’re interested contact the town council on 850222.
And for our Xmas lunch this year we are looking at a joint celebration with Calne, Chippenham & Corsham Chambers over a two course meal at Bowood Golf & Country Club on Tues 13^th December. The cost will be around £20 for members (£25 for non-members). More details on this soon. For now though, get the date in your diary.

COMMUNITY CAMPUS

Views are still required from local people on the facilities wanted from a new community campus. Drop in and talk to members of the Shadow Community Operations Board at the library on Weds 17^th August, 10.30am to 2.30pm or Sat 3^rd Sept, 10.30am to 1pm (no appointments needed).

EVENTS

See our website for all diary events for 2011. Next ones are:

SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER – WEDS 17^TH AUGUST, from 6pm at The Angel. A purely social evening where you can find out more on an informal basis regarding plans for the future, including info on WB becoming Royal, business events for 2012, Buy Bassett Facebook page, retail survey, the Xmas Lights & Shopping evening, Diamond Jubilee celebrations & more.
MONTHLY LUNCH WITH SPEAKER ON SOCIAL MEDIA – WEDS 7^TH SEPTEMBER– 12.30pm, Ganges Restaurant – (PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE). You can’t ignore the rise of social media where business is concerned, so come long to hear our expert Roland Millward talking on how you can use Twitter, Facebook etc to help build relationships with your customers.
No Home-workers drop-in for August. This resumes on Weds 28^th September.

FREE TRAINING
Local business and Chamber member Safewell is offering free training on Health & Safety for business owners/directors. The business will be running 2 courses a month for the remainder of the year. Click on the title link for more info of this opportunity.

MAYOR’S FUN RUN & FETE
Sunday 28^th August sees the Wootton Bassett Fete and Mayor’s Fun Run, 10.00am ‘til 3pm at Gerards Buxton Sports Ground. The day includes stalls, refreshments, and demonstrations from various local sports groups. Do you want to have a stall or find out more? If so, contact the town council on 850222 (see attached flyer).

OLYMPIC TORCH BEARER NOMINATIONS
This time next year the London Olympic games will be almost upon us. The Torch Relay will be a major event and will be coming to Wiltshire – the route through our county will be announced in November. Local people are wanted to carry the flame in Wiltshire, and nominations are being requested for those who have made a difference in their communities. Click on the title link for info.

RAF LYNEHAM
The main points from the recent announcement on the future of the RAF site are summarised here. From a business perspective, what are your views on the decision? Please pass your opinions on to us as one of our committee sits on the post-RAF Lyneham community group.

ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT MEMORABILIA
We are working with the Town Council on sourcing items of memorabilia for local retailers and businesses to sell from October 16^th when the town is granted its Royal status. Commemorative mugs, keyrings, pens, bags and other similar items depicting the new town Royal Crest. If you’re interested in selling any of these, please get in touch urgently as we are compiling a list of the most popular items now before ordering.

WOOTTON BASSETT VIDEO
The people of Wootton Bassett are coming together in a real community effort this summer by planning to release a single and charity music video in September to coincide with the awarding of “Royal” status in October and the fact that there will be no more repatriations through RAF Lyneham after August. If you want to know more and get involved click on the title link.

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The Wootton Bassett Chamber is a member of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce
Registered in England No. 02911453
VAT Reg. No. 639 4392 08