Brixham Chamber continues to enjoy a steady stream of new members, with a doubling of membership in the past year to over 70 businesses. Jacqui Shaw, from Coralline Health, who manages membership, made the announcement in front of 50 members and guests who attended the recent Brixham Chamber General Meeting.
At the meeting, each of the 12 Executive Members gave a brief update of developments in their specific areas including membership, treasury, marketing, parking, hospitality/tourism and Saturday and Sunday markets. The members also discussed new retailers coming into the town, Tesco developments and the plans for the Pirates Festival and Brixfest.
The successful growth of the Sunday markets was a particular highlight. Headed up by Jo Choppin from the West Country Deli, the Sunday market is held on the 2nd Sunday of the month from 10-4pm. With a capacity of 36 pitches, there is now a waiting list for traders keen to have a stall.
There is also a waiting list for the Art and Craft Market, which is now in full swing once more and helps to increase footfall into the town. Managed by Christine Jaffa from Hans Gifts and John Ingram from Bay Coffee Company, the market takes place every Saturday. With some new marketing materials including new branding, website, leaflets, banners, A-boards and window posters, the awareness of the markets is growing and visitor numbers continue to increase.
The meeting also heard how the income from the markets goes into the chamber community budget, which supports events like the Pirate Festival and BrixFest, as well as community-led groups such as Pride in Brixham and facilities for the town such as the Park and Ride.
Martin Brook, from the award-winning Pilgrims Rest Cottages came especially from Babbacombe Bay to find out what’s happening in Brixham so he can pass information to guests at his 5 star luxury cottages. Martin was very impressed with the chamber, saying ‘”It was a vibrant meeting and there is so much going on in Brixham. The town is fortunate to have such a strong community of committed, enthusiastic and skilled volunteers.”
Mike Franchi from IMS Marketing who manages the marketing for the Chamber said; “ It was another action packed meeting with very positive, feel-good atmosphere. We come away from these meetings with a renewed enthusiasm for all that is good about Brixham. I would encourage all businesses in Brixham to join the chamber, for the benefit of their own business, the combined benefit of all businesses in the town and for the support the chamber gives to the community. At only £35pa membership is such great value for money and it only takes a couple of minutes to join at www.brixhamchamber.co.uk/join.”