Dear Members

Well what an eventful few months it has been! In the last newsletter I said that we were eagerly awaiting the results of the parking consultation – well as you by now know they did arrive, somewhat quietly initially! However, we made sure that as many people as possible were made aware of the proposals. Meetings were rapidly organised, posters distributed with many thanks to those who helped with the printing and distribution. I am sure you are familiar with the catalogue of events that followed, and I do not think it is productive to mention that again now. Despite what may appear to be comparative silence on this subject the Chamber is still working with Town and County Councillors, a meeting has been organised for later in April to discuss alternative proposals - proposals that we trust will be right for Seaford. We are pleased that the process and been slowed down, but please do not think that the issue has gone away.

People often ask “What does the Chamber do?” I hope the strong stand we have made regarding the future of parking and with it the future of a vibrant and successful town, will go some way in demonstrating what an active Chamber can do. We have been told “Seaford will get what Seaford wants”, we will make sure this is not forgotten, of course we will keep you posted.

Last month saw the launch of the new Business Lunch Club, organised by Jon Terry, of Swindells and Gentry, and Chamber Treasurer. These lunches will be held on the third Wednesday of each month, at Blatchington Golf Club. The lunch was very successful with 29 representatives of local businesses attending. The meeting is open to both member and non-members, places must be reserved, please contact Jon on the telephone number shown above if you would like to attend.

The monthly business breakfast (first Thursday of each month), is increasingly popular, at Diella’s in Dane Road, 7.15am for a 7.30am start, this provides a very enjoyable, informal opportunity to meet with other local businesses, booking is not necessary, there is a nominal charge of £5 per person. We try to have a “10 minute speaker” at the meetings, our speaker in June will be Shelagh Rolland of Young Enterprise.

Chamber membership is increasing steadily, do encourage other businesses to attend one of our events, or speak to one of the committee members, we are always looking for new ideas to assist and encourage businesses locally and provide an enjoyable social side too.

Yours sincerely

Lyn Kemp

President Seaford Chamber of Commerce

What’s been happening ………………………

November saw the Seaford Chamber of Commerce Personal Triathlon. We were asked to consider raising funds for Seaford Lifeguards to enable them to purchase a Rescue Board, so we went into training! The group raised in excess of £1,100 and the board will be officially presented to the Life Guards shortly. We will be organising a presentation event so do please come along.

 

December – a very successful Late Night Shopping Event, a great atmosphere was enjoyed by all, organised by Mark Flowers and Dave Argent. Despite dreadful forecasts the weather treated everyone kindly on the night. A number of members enjoyed a very special Christmas trip to Hever Castle organised by Julie Boocock of Personal Service Travel, a trip I hope we will be taking part in again this year. We were all in the Christmas spirit at the end of the evening.

 

March – I was invited to take part in a trip, organised by ESCC, to Dieppe with representatives of tourism businesses in East Sussex to promote closer tourist links between the two areas with the launch of the Normandy Sussex initiative. Seaford has a lot to offer visitors, with the wonderful surrounding countryside, famous landmarks and unspoilt beaches. Chambers of Commerce in France are very powerful organisations, the Vice President had a lot to tell me, if only I had worked harder on my French at school!! Luckily excellent translators were provided . A return trip is being organised later this month

Signage in Seaford is still totally inadequate, we are continuing to put pressure on the respective Councils to expedite this very important issue. We will also be working with various authorities to put together a visitor leaflet to promote the town. The committee are working on a number of points to make membership of the Chamber more attractive and offer added benefits. The views of the Chamber and it’s members are now being sought by several organisations, and it is now being involved in several consultation processes.

Seaford Chamber of Commerce is now regularly represented on the Seaford Community Partnership, the Smarter Seaford Group and the Fairtrade Group. We will be supporting the Seaford Carnival further details to follow from Doug Cockroft. We will continue to raise issues with Town and District Councils, the Chamber is a non-political organisation and will work with all of the political parties without prejudice. We will continue to strongly represent businesses with regard to the future of parking in Seaford. The finishing touches are being put to the new Chamber website and will be launched very soon. Social events are being planned – a summer evening event and a formal dinner later in the year, let us know if you have any ideas.