Witham Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Christmas Lunch - 21st December

2011-11-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

Witham Chamber of Commerce

Christmas Lunch

Wednesday 21^st December 2011

At Crofters Wine Bar, Maldon Road, Witham

12.45 for 1pm

£20 a head inc service charge

Starters

Homemade leek & potato soup, crusty bread (v)

Onion & Gruyere Tartlet (v)

The Crofters Classic Prawn Cocktail

Chicken Liver Paté, toast & chutney

Mains

Roast Norfolk Turkey Breast with all the trimmings

Pan fried salmon fillet, green beans, new potatoes & hollandaise sauce

Wild mushroom & parmesan risotto (v)

Slow Roast Pork Loin, apple sauce, bubble & squeak

Deserts

Classic wine bar cheese slate, chutney & biscuits

Traditional Christmas Pudding, brandy cream

Crofters chocolate brownie & Baileys liqueur ice cream

Sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream

Please tick your selection from the menu above and fill in your details as follows:

Name:.....................................................................

Address: ....................................

.....................................

....................................

...................................

A deposit of £5 per person is required and cheques should be made payable to “Witham Chamber of Commerce” and returned to Ian Cass, Dickens House, 9 Guithavon Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 1BJ or ian@divadani.com

Drinks have to be paid separately.

Here’s another reason to proud of our county!

2011-08-17T03:56:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about the support that’s here in Essex for start-ups?

No?

Well take a look at this exciting seminar and exhibition that’s being organised by top Essex business people –

It’s called ‘Go Self-Employed’ and if you are considering becoming your own boss and want some advice and support before you begin, or you would like some help on how to fulfil your dream of becoming a successful business person, this event is for you!

At the seminar you will have access to some of best local business minds and all they are there to share the inside story on how to become self-employed quickly, easily and fully supported.

Held at the Lota Training Centre in the heart of Witham, ‘Go Self-Employed’ will have a wide variety of business sectors and experts. So whether you want to talk Twitter with a social media expert or legalese with a solicitor, there’s sure to be the help you want.

6pm - 8pm on Tuesday 13th September

So come along for a coffee, a chat with the exhibitors or just to listen to the excellent speakers lined up and get your new business off to the best possible start!

Just click here to reserve your seat: https://www.eventelephant.com/goselfemployed

Isn't that Priti?

2011-07-27T07:07:00.000-07:00

Our thanks go out to Chris and Ronni for hosting the AGM and providing an excellent buffet at the Grange Guesthouse.

The new committee is :

Chairman : Chris Bailey from the Grange Guest House

ViceChairman - Daren Harker from AngliaComputers

Treasurer - Ian Cass from Compliant Solutions Ltd

Membership - Gerry Gould from Brainwave

Committee - Tony Stote from Witham Carnival Association

Paul Ryland from Witlet

Peter McKinlay from Monni and Mezzos

Our Keynote speaker this year was Priti Patel MP.

Key points :

Too Much red tape - forget one in one out what is required is none in several out (Legislation)

Need to balance the books - but cut corporation tax levels to stimulate investment and create wealth and employment - the State is too big and needs to be significantly scaled back.

The Banks are not doing enough to help small businesses - too many conditions

Need to sort out the National Insurance Holiday scheme - no benefit to Witham based businesses and take up poor.

Astounded by the number of HMRC cases - appalling and unreasonable behaviour which has been taken up with the Minister.

Agency Working Directives from Europe - Imposed on businesses with little regard for the consequences.

Is in weekly contact with Braintree District Council about the regeneration of Witham Town Centre

3700 businesses in the District that employ under 50 staff

Localism - how the local authorities need to engage with the business community; which employs 83 % of the workforce. Local businesses need to be heard by Councils.

We also had a brief presentation by Martin from Dalebrook Supplies, an official supporter of Children in Need. Martin is looking to work closely with others in the business community to promote a "Pudsey Highstreet" Further details may be obtained from Martin

The business card draw was won by Daren after a re-draw

Put questions to Pritti and a free Lunch!

2011-07-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

Our local MP Priti Patel will be joining us for Lunch as our guest speaker at our AGM on Wednesday 27th July 2011 at The Grange Guesthouse, Chipping Hill, Witham.

12.45pm for a 1pm start

In order for Chris to finalise the catering arrangements if you are able to make it please drop him a line at chairman@withamchamber.co.uk (yes, the lunch is free!)

I understand from the Chairman that he will, as has been the case in previous years, endeavour to wrap up the formal part of the AGM including the election of committee members promptly.

Our Guest Speaker will be Priti Patel MP for Witham.

www.priti4witham.com

www.withamchamber.co.uk

Chamber Committee Meeting

2011-07-01T04:19:00.000-07:00

Our next Witham & District Chamber of Commerce committee meeting takes place next Friday (8th July) - 1pm at the Grange Guest House.

Agenda items include :

1. Preparation for the AGM on 27th July when we have Pritti Patel MP as our guest speaker
2. Update on Town Centre Strategy Group
3. New Members
4. Treasurers report
5. Recent dealings with Press / Witham Town Council
6. Report back from Economic Development & Partnership Board meeting

Another new member - Hunnaball of Witham

2011-06-07T03:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Chris Partner from Hunnaball of Witham, an independent family funeral service.

1 Coach House Way
Newland Street
Witham
CM8 1YJ

www.hunnaball.co.uk

Four new Members this week

2011-06-07T02:40:00.000-07:00

A warm welcome goes to Amy from Silver Rose photography; Phillippa from Yaxleys Hair; Emma and Leah from Thairapy and Samantha from Nat West Bank - our four latest new Members.

Samantha Smith

Nat West Bank

95 Newland Street

Witham CM8 1YZ

07500 922151

Philippa Gigg

Yaxley Hair & Beauty

51 Newland Street

Witham

01376 513997

Amy Lee

Silver Rose Photography

9 HomeBridge Cout

Hatfield Road

Witham

Emma Smith

THairapy

2B Maldon Road

Witham CM8 2AB

01376 512600

AGM 27th July: Guest speaker Priti Patel MP

2011-05-27T06:54:00.000-07:00

The Annual General Meeting of Witham & District Chamber of Commerce will take place at 1pm on Wednesday 27th July 2011 at The Grange Guesthouse, Chipping Hill, Witham.

Chris Bailey has kindly offered the facilities of his tent for the meeting - and yes it is available for hire.

Our Guest Speaker will be Priti Patel MP for Witham.

I understand from the Chairman that he will, as has been the case in previous years, endeavour to wrap up the formal part of the AGM including the election of committee members promptly.

For further details please contact chairman@withamchamber.co.uk

www.withamchamber.co.uk

Braintree Business Council - change of date

2011-05-16T10:25:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of Braintree Business Council will now take place at 6pm on Monday 6th June.

The meeting will take place at The Corner House, Market Place, Braintree.

The main focus for discussion with Braintree District Council will be what now for the retail trade in the District.

Representatives from Witham Chamber of Commerce will be going - if you wish to join us please contact ian@divadani.com

www.withamchamber.co.uk

Next Chamber Lunch - Wednesday 27th April

2011-04-15T08:01:00.000-07:00

The next Witham & District Chamber of Commerce Lunch will take place at Rias restaurant in Newlands Precinct. Rias won first prize in the recent "Talk of the Towns" awards organised by Braintree District Council

Wednesday 27th April

12.45 for 1pm - only £10

If you are interested in attending please get in touch with Cheryl@witlet.co.uk

New Member - Lota Training

2011-03-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

A warm welcome to Wendy Twydell and the team from Lota Training.

Training are an innovative training provider with sites across Essex. They deliver Apprenticeship training with a real understanding of the needs of the employer.

Unit 3, Cullen Mill, Braintree Road, Witham CM8 2Dd

tel 01376 503324

New Member - Witham Carnival Association

2011-03-08T03:58:00.000-08:00

A warm welcome to Tony Stote and the team at Witham Carnival Association - our latest new member.

The Witham Town Carnival will be on Saturday 9th July 2011 and the procession will commence at 1.45pm from the Town Football club via Spinks Lane and The Grove and then on to Maldon Road - finishing at the Recreation Park

Tony and the committee can be contacted via the website at http://www.withamcarnival.org.uk

New Member - 123 Easy Book Keeping Services ltd

2011-02-23T09:43:00.000-08:00

A warm welcome to Cheryl Kemp from 123 Book Keeping Services Limited

Book Keeping services including Payroll Bureau; VAT Returns and Sage training

Website : www.123easybooks.co.uk

Telephone 01376 566891

Talk of the Towns

2011-01-29T04:14:00.000-08:00

Don't forget that Braintree District Council will be in Newlands Precinct today.

This is your chance to put across your ideas to the Council and tell them what you think about and value in your town.

Further details may be found at www.talkofthetowns.co.uk/town/witham

or follow on twitter @talk_witham

New Member : Acacia Business Services Ltd

2011-01-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Tina from Acacia Business Services Ltd

www.absl-safety.co.uk

Tina is also involved with the Witham TLGC that meets regularly on Tuesday mornings at Rivenhall Oaks Golf Club.

Another new Member - Essex Business Machines Ltd

2010-11-29T01:43:00.000-08:00

Our best month ever for new members joining Witham & District Chamber of Commerce.

A warm welcome is extended to Michel and Mark Bailey from Essex Business Machines Limited, our newest member.

Based at Units 38-40 Stepfield Road, Witham CM8 3TH, EBM supply and service photocopiers, fax machines, printers, white boards and supporting consumables.

Tel : 01376 512575

Further details may be found on their website www.ebmltd.co.uk

Witham Chamber Christmas Lunch 2010

2010-11-25T08:53:00.000-08:00

We will be having our annual Christmas Lunch at Crowded House Brasserie, Maldon Road on Wednesday 15th December - 12.30 for 12.45.

Members, Guests and other local business owners are all invited. If you are interested in attending please get in touch with Cheryl by Friday 3rd December in order that we can confirm numbers.

Cheryl may be contacted at:

membership@withamchamber.co.uk

or by telephone 01376 502500

another new member : Paws Pet & Garden Supplies

2010-11-18T09:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Fergus from Paws Pet & Garden Supplies

35 Newlands Precinct
Witham CM8 2AP

Tel 01376 512944

Suppliers of Pets, pot accessories, garden supplies, pet foods and wild bird food.

New Member - Bawtrees Solicitors

2010-11-13T02:09:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to advise that Bawtrees Solicitors have joined Witham Chamber of Commerce.

Liam Hastings may be contacted at

Bawtrees LLP
65 Newland Street
Witham Essex
CM8 1AB

tel 01376 513491
web : www.bawtrees.co.uk

New Chamber Member - welcome to Sign a Rama

2010-11-12T23:45:00.000-08:00

Delighted to advise that Mike & Lyndsey from Sign a Rama are our latest new member.

Unit 14 Crittall Road
Witham Essex
CM8 3DR

tel : 01376 517117

website : www.signarama-witham.co.uk

"Lovely food - much better than a ploughmans!"

2010-10-27T10:24:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Ivy from Rias Restaurant for putting on a excellent selection for the Chamber lunch today.
Chris Bailey gave an update on future plans for the Chamber.
John Spademan from Holdfast Credit Union provided an update on how the Credit Union came about and expansion plans to cover all of Essex.

Daren and Ian gave an update on www.withamchamber.co.uk and how each Chamber of Commerce member is allocated their own dedicated page

Chris Trim from Braintree District Council gave an update on the planned Town Centre retail map - non retail businesses are welcome to participate.

Attendees this week included:

Daren Harker - Kempco

Simon Bell – SJB & Co

Chris Trim – B D C

Liam Hastings – Bawtrees

Paul Ryland – Witlet

Ian Cass – Compliant Solutions

Jica Bates – Holdfast

John Spademan – Holdfast

Peter McKinlay – Monni’s

Adam Shirley – Bawtrees

Amanda Bright – Bright & Sons

Chirs Bailey – The Grange B&B

Andy Holmes – Barclays

Michael Bevis – School Serve Ltd

Cheryl Slater – Secretary

Gerry Gould – Brainwave

David Owen – Brainwave

If you would like to join the Chamber details may be found at http://www.withamchamber.co.uk/members.html or contact membership@withamchamber.co.uk

Witham Chamber Lunch meeting 27th October

2010-10-13T07:44:00.000-07:00

The next Chamber lunch meeting takes place on Wednesday, 27th October.
Rias Restaurant
16 The Newlands
Witham, Essex CM8 2AP

12.50 for 1pm £10

to book contact Cheryl@witlet.co.uk

Braintree Business Forum - 14th October

2010-10-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

Please note that this is a Joint Business Forum from Braintree Business Council & the Four Chambers

BREAKFAST MEETING

FREE to Braintree Businesses

7.45am Thursday Oct 14th 2010

Howard Hall

36 Bocking End

Braintree CM79AA

AGENDA

Presentations start at 8.00am

Speakers

· Cllr Nigel Harley, Braintree District Council

· Justin Allen, Valuation Office Agency, East Anglia Group

· Pauline Gibbons, Essex Social Care on Disability & Work

· Louisa Steel, Essex Library - Business Information Service

A real breakfast will be served

7.45am start and 9.00 am finish

Please RSVP to chair@braintreechamber.co.uk

or 01376 550373

AGM - new committee elected

2010-08-04T04:59:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to everyone for turning up to the Annual General Meeting - including 5 new faces that may join soon.

The new committee is :

Chairman : Chris Bailey from the Grange Guest House

ViceChairman - Daren Harker from Kempco and AngliaComputers

Treasurer - Ian Cass from Compliant Solutions Ltd

Membership - Gerry Gould from Brainwave

Committee - Annie Northfield from Witham in Bloom

Paul Ryland from Witlet

Peter McKinlay from Monni and Mezzos

Minutes Secretary - Cheryl Slater from Cheryls Flowers

Our thanks go out to Brian Smith for his role as Treasurer on the old committee - we wish Brian well in his new salaried position in London and also to Annie Northfield as Membership Secretary - Annie remains on the committee representing Witham in Bloom.

Our thanks also go out to David Miles from Divadani Limited for his informative and thought provoking presentation on Social Media and in particular Twitter. For more updates follow @davidmiles on Twitter.

Are you a twitterer?

2010-06-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

Want to learn about #FF and how Twitter can help your business?

Come hear @davidmiles talk at the next Witham Chamber of Commerce lunch / AGM on Wednesday 21st July 12.45 - 2.15pm at Monni's Lounge Bar, Newland Street, Witham.

Non members welcome - lunch £10 and prebooking is essential. Contact Cheryl or Ian for details.