The working parties report was a thorough and professional document which reflected a conscientious review. As viewed from the perspective of our members as established after the Member’s Meeting on “economic development” of last November, all its recommendations were pointing in the right direction even if our view they were rather muted and less assertive than our members would have liked.

Instead of identifying the need for the appointment of a senior economic development officer, it recommended that a current senior officer should take on the additional role of leading economic development. It said that the Council should revise its previous “economic strategy statement” of 2003, but didn’t call for development of a genuine “economic strategy”. It recommended that the Council should actively seek external funding to support economic development activity, but didn’t require the Council to allocate a budget that would demonstrate a resolve to effect a change in priorities.

However, we must acknowledge the positive steps now taken by the Council in appointing Claire Tester to take the lead role in “economic development”, with Steve Tilbury supporting her on a full time basis. It is clear that the Council now positively want to enter into real dialogue with business and jointly develop an “economic strategy” in 2009. We in EGBA should clearly now offer our active support.

It was at this meeting that the Retailers formed their section within the EGBA, appointing five members to their new sub-committee and electing their two representatives to sit on the EGBA’s Executive Committee that runs the Association.

They also reviewed the draft meeting paper on “car parking” that was sent out to all members ahead of the debate that they then led to establish the considered views of the membership on what they wanted from the District Council with regard to management of the town’s car parks.

They had succeeded in raising the retail membership of the Association from 12 to 26, giving the Association a genuine ability to claim that we are now able to sensibly represent all the businesses of the town.
 

Our Chairman, Nicholas Soames, was sorry not to attend this meeting as the House was sitting, but support from the Town Council was much appreciated as was the attendance of Cllr Susan Seward, deputy leader of MSDC. Over forty attended the meeting and after the presentation of the meeting paper, the issues were debated and everyone had a chance to air their views and hear what others had to say.

The two key issues were the choice of the new machines with their overly complex key boards and the proposed 40% uplift in the average level of parking charges as from 1st April. Our retailers were seriously concerned of the effect these would have on their trade, coming as they do on top of the worst recession in living memory.

25 members registered their votes after the meeting, in time for the results, which established a positive consensus view on all six issues, to be sent to all Councillors ahead of their meeting on 4th March. This was clearly too late to effect the vote that night, but it did register EGBA as a professional association capable of developing an informed and constructive consensus view from its members and that merits serious consultation before any further changes are made to the management and charges of the car parks in the future.
 

All District Councils are required to establish “Local Strategic Partnerships” within which all the different authorities that have jurisdiction within that District coordinate their efforts. There are perhaps eight of nine such authorities including those responsible for health, education, fire and rescue, the police, help the aged etc.

The EGBA has been invited, through its Chief Executive Chris Parker, to act as one of two members to represent “business” within Mid Sussex, and one of the key actions of the Partnership since its formation early last year has been to develop first a coherent strategy, structured in four sections…health, environment, safety and economic.
Then to develop an agreed action plan that translates “intent” into “actions that effect change”.

All the priority issues identified by our members last November are included within the Partnership’s strategy document. All are within the economic section, excepting traffic congestion, integrated public transport and development of business parks which fall within the environmental section.

Efforts are now being concentrated on developing the “action plan”, and now that MSDC are taking steps to open structured dialogue with business, probably in separate meetings with each of our three sections, these efforts will give a real framework within which such dialogue can take place
 

This was a routine administration meeting at which the two new Executive Members from the Retail Section were welcomed and introduced to the formalities of our structure and our ways of working. As the level of activity grows, and as the three sections become more active, so the administration tends to take more time.

The service sector will hopefully have established their sub-committee by the next meeting in May, and discussions with accountants, solicitors, estate agents, banks and consultants will progressively identify their needs and aspirations. With some 60 members they are by far the largest section, and it is hoped that they can be persuaded to come alive, and increase their participation at meetings and events.

It is still intended to distribute our first six monthly events folder by the end of the month, and this will show that we will start with Members Meetings every two months rather than monthly, until we have gauged members reaction and level of interest.
 

We are very sad to have to announce the death of David Gaiman, who was instrumental in the establishment of the EGBA with our Chairman Nicholas Soames some five years ago. He was always the most supportive and enthusiastic of committee members in the early days, and though lately had taken more of a back seat, his perceptive contributions to our discussions, and his always wise counsel will be sadly missed. He had a natural gift for taking confrontation out of contentious debates and his unfailing and delightful sense of humour endeared him to us all.

If you feel that that East Grinstead’s rateable values are too high and want to know how they are structured, and what scope there is for doing something about them - come along and hear Roderick, a specialist on the subject. His talk will be both informative and entertaining. Our hosts have made a bar available after the meeting where discussion can be extended, and where Roderick can be questioned informally.

Make this a Date…..Start your Contribution to our Business Community.

Meeting with the Leaders of WSCC and MSDC - Friday 3rd April.
Our Chairman, Nicholas Soames has arranged for three members of the EGBA Executive Committee to meet both Henry Smith – Leader of WSCC, and Gordon Marples – Leader of MSDC in East Grinstead on Friday 3rd April. This will be an important opportunity to bring our Association and its concerns to the attention of the two most influential local government leaders who influence the development and wellbeing of our town and our community.

Opening consideration of alternative solutions to traffic congestion on the A22 through our town, now that the “relief road” option is no longer viable will be their first concern with Henry Smith of WSCC, and it will be a chance to show Gordon Marples our appreciation of MSDC’s response to our request for dialogue between business and the District Council.

Our Chairman, Nicholas Soames has arranged for three members of the EGBA Executive Committee to meet both Henry Smith – Leader of WSCC, and Gordon Marples – Leader of MSDC in East Grinstead on Friday 3rd April. This will be an important opportunity to bring our Association and its concerns to the attention of the two most influential local government leaders who influence the development and wellbeing of our town and our community.

Opening consideration of alternative solutions to traffic congestion on the A22 through our town, now that the “relief road” option is no longer viable will be their first concern with Henry Smith of WSCC, and it will be a chance to show Gordon Marples our appreciation of MSDC’s response to our request for dialogue between business and the District Council.

We are delighted to inform you that the East Grinstead Business Association is holding its first Business Exhibition (EG ‘BizEx 2009’)at Chequer Mead Community Arts Centre on 24th June 2009.

The purpose is to showcase the wealth of local business skills and resources available and will be a unique opportunity to market your goods and services. It will also be a superb occasion for those companies who as part of their corporate social responsibility wish to support the community. In addition, those companies who are active in attracting and encouraging work experience, may wish to show their support to the next generation - with a view to keeping job opportunities available to local talent.

The exhibition is primarily a business-to-business event, designed to show local firms who is trading in the area and to engender trust and confidence by providing an opportunity to meet face to face.

We will also have a range of seminars on the day that will be of interest to local residents and people who live and work in the area.
There is limited space – so avoid disappointment and book today. Spaces will be allocated first to members and the cost for a stand is only £80.00.

Bookings are now being taken - contact Caroll Everest on 01342 324353 or em: caroll.everest@everestevents.co.uk.

New EGBA Member Benefits
We are delighted to inform you of an offer for all members from Chartham Park Golf & Country Club.

EGBA members will be eligible to receive a corporate rate at the club providing that at least 10 new members initially sign up.

The price for new EGBA Corporate membership will be:

Health membership £47.50 per month normally £62.50)
Golf membership £76 per month (normally £102)

I’m sure you will agree that this superb offer is a fantastic opportunity to be part of this superb club to relax and get fit. So if you had thought about joining a gym or golf facility or are thinking of changing your existing arrangements, please let me know by return. We need 10 new members to join up initially for this offer to take place. Please contact Caroll Everest on 01342 324353 or em: caroll.everest@everestevents.co.uk.
 

Executive Committee Meeting - Tuesday 5th May - 6.30pm Charlwoods Rd.