Chamber News: June 2005
Newsletter of the Burnham-on-Sea Chamber of Trade
NEXT GENERAL MEETING:
6PM, TUESDAY, 5 JULY 2005
UPSTAIRS FUNCTION ROOM, THE SOMERSET & DORSET PUBLIC HOUSE
OPEN TO MEMBERS AND PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS
SPEAKERS:
ANNE-MARIE SPALDING, TOWN CENTRE MANAGER
FOLLOW UP & ACTION PLAN FROM APRIL’S INTRODUCTION
MARK NEWMAN, BURNHAM-ON-SEA.COM
USING THE WEB TO PROMOTE BUSINESS IN THE TOWN
Cllr. LOUISE PARKIN, CHAIR OF THE TOWN IMPROVEMENTS COMMITTEE
EXPLAINING THE TOWN COUNCIL’S PRIORITIES FOR 2005/2006
JOSH HAYWOOD, RADIO COAST – 105FM
INTRODUCING A NEW LOCAL RADIO STATION FROM 2 AUGUST 2005
COMMITTEE
‘SHOPPING IN BURNHAM’ PROMOTIONAL LEAFLET
UPDATES ON REGENERATION, THE LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN, CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
AND MUCH MORE!
WORKING TOGETHER WITH
.
The Chamber of Trade is delighted to announce that shortly it will have its own page within This page will be regularly updated with important information, events and contact information for the committee.
The aim is to develop a virtual business community to promote business in the town, with links to member’s existing websites or their own page on
We are very pleased to be working with the leading local website, which attracts up to 1500 visitors per day. Mark Newman will be explaining more on Tuesday, 5 July 2005.
PROMOTIONAL LEAFLET ABOUT ‘SHOPPING IN BURNHAM’
The Town Council produces an excellent Resident’s Guide. Sedgemoor has a wide range of leaflets about tourist attractions. But there is little promotion to tourists of Burnham’s businesses.
The Chamber of Trade wishes to fill this marketing gap by producing its own leaflet. However, this cannot be done through general Chamber funds and so we would like to hear from any businesses that would be interested in promoting ‘Shopping in Burnham’ through advertising.
Further information about this promotional leaflet will be available at the meeting on Tuesday, 5 July 2005.
TRANSPORT & PARKING
The Chamber very much enjoyed reading the 174 pages of draft Local Transport Plan and 66 pages of draft parking strategy!
Within the rather short consultation period, the Chamber made a response to these documents, which really did not address the chronic transport and parking problems faced by Burnham. Copies of the Chamber’s response will be available at the meeting on Tuesday, 5 July 2005.
On a more productive note, John Edwards & Alex Turco had an excellent meeting with Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset County Council in April about Parking Signage.
Already some of the dozen of improvements to signage have been made, including enhanced signage to the Oxford Street and Berrow Road car parks, and maintenance to signage on Berrow Road and Sea View Road. Further enhancements within the core of the town are anticipated imminently.
FEEDBACK REQUIRED:
It is proposed that Technical Street should be made one-way. The Chamber will be making a formal response and members should contact David Baker as soon as possible with any views.
BUSINESS TIPS:
The Government’s Small Business Service wants to know which pieces of red tape businesses would like to see removed. Fill in the questionnaire at
Please be aware that it is illegal for cold callers to sell advertising space in publications that support emergency services and charities. Info at
Watch your identity! Fraudsters are attempting to steal the identity of small firms through forging and lodging forms at Companies House. This risk can beminimized by using the online filing system at
Businesses should plan now for new age discrimination laws due to come into force in October 2006. Ageist jokes and remarks are likely danger areas if matters proceed to a tribunal. Info at
UPDATING OUR RECORDS:
If members would like to receive this newsletter via email, please would you drop David Baker an email? This will help to reduce the Chamber’s costs. David’s contact details are below. Please note that your email address will only be used for Chamber of Trade business.
IMPORTANT: A-BOARDS
The Town Council will only allow advertising boards where pedestrians are allowed 6ft (1.8m) of clear pavement. Otherwise, boards should only be flat against premises. Under no circumstances may boards be attached to street furniture, or obstruct the highway. Compliance does not negate the possibility of civil action in the event of injury. Please contact the Town Clerk on 788088 for further guidance.
YOUR COMMITTEE:
Chairman: John Edwards.
(T) 794751, 07742 390569. .
Secretary: David Baker.
(T) 782326, .
Treasurer: Jonathan Walter.
(T) 01454 846033
Vice Chairman: Gerry Germain.
(T) 785031, .
Committee (Newsletter, Transport, Regeneration): Alex Turco.
(T) 788646, .
Committee (Christmas Lights): Mike Ham. (T) 782568
IF YOUR BUSINESS WOULD LIKE TO JOIN OR RENEW CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP, PLEASE CONTACT DAVID BAKER.
The production of this newsletter has been facilitated by:
which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Services Authority in the conduct of investment business. : 232489. 55 Victoria Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, TA8 1AW. Contact Alex Turco on 01278 788646.