2015 was a busy year for the Chamber and there are more challenges ahead in 2016.
Brixham Chamber of Commerce has continued to expand its activity this year. By that I do not mean merely in membership terms, but in many other areas. We have a terrific team of dedicated business members that form our executive team. We also gather some great feedback from you, our members. Only by listening to your challenges, ideas and aspirations can we all mobilise to promote a healthy commercial community within the town.
The Chamber has worked hard to both expand and strengthen its ties with relevant bodies and organisations. In particular Torbay & Brixham Councils and our local MP Sarah Wollaston where we have utilised these ties to increase dialogue and to acquire a respected voice in representing the best interests of our members, of commerce and the community as a whole.
Our two very well managed markets have enabled our chamber to channel funds into more projects and support local groups, such as the Brixham Christmas Lights, Pride in Brixham and Friends of Furzeham Green and of course our Pirate Festival and Brixfest.
This year’s Business show at the Berryhead Hotel was an outstanding success and born out of much hard work by our exec committee members Pauline Neal and Anthony Blackaby.
As always there are many challenges ahead. Next year, after the collapse TTBID, tourism and hospitality will be high on our agenda, but also inward investment for the town including the Wayfinding project, retail and trying to make sure we support our retailers; parking both in terms of access and the cost of parking are both issues that need addressing with Torbay Council.
I believe our chamber is in great shape going forward into 2016 to meet these challenges.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!
Keith Williams
Chairman BCC