MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING HELD AT

HARLEYFORD GOLF CLUB

MONDAY 16^TH NOVEMBER 2009 – 6pm

There were 35 members present.

1.         The President welcomed everybody to the meeting and introduced Trevor  Collingwood of Harleyford Golf Club who gave a short presentation on the available at Harleyford  Mr. Collingwood confirmed that the Club to integrate more into Marlow than in the past and he himself to become more involved in the Marlow Chamber.

2.         Minutes of the September meeting (October was AGM) were signed as a true record.

3.         Sainsburys/Waitrose – There are no developments at present to the  Sainsburys/Waitrose applications although it is understood that Waitrose       may be staying at their present site until possibly May next year.  This is unconfirmed.

4.         Marlow Experience – The Vice President informed the meeting that 21 had signed up to the Marlow Experience which was designed to       encourage helpful and courteous service.  There had been training sessions and these would commence again in the New Year in the hope more          businesses would take part.

5.         Late Night Shopping Event  - The Secretary reported that all was going well for the Late Night Shopping Event to be held on Thursday 3^rd December.  The Street and Causeway would be closed from 4pm  to allow setting up of etc. Inspector Wilks confirmed the police would be in attendance during    the evening.   With regard to Christmas light donations, there had been a report in the local requesting donations from companies and this was producing a  reasonable response. “Buy a bulb” collecting tins were still in varying and there would be a stall at the Late Night Shopping event in the that residents would donate towards the lights.  Members were also reminded that a carol service would be held at the Causeway from 6pm following which the Mayor would be switching on the  Christmas tree lights.  All members were invited to attend.

6.         Martins Matters – Mr. Spittle informed the meeting that it was now too late for  paper tax returns to be filed and encouraged members to make sure their returns were submitted to the Tax Office on line by 31^st January 2010.

            Mr. Spittle went on to give details of the loss relief available for tax purposes  for the year ended 5^th April 2009 and encouraged members to discuss this with their accountants together with details of the Working Tax Credit.

The pre budget report would be available on the 9^th December.

Mr. Spittle also reminded members that the VAT would be increased to 17.5% on 1^st January 2010 and encouraged the members to visit the HMRC web site    and refer to HMRC Guidance Note dated 23/10/2009. 

Details were given of a recent court case regarding employees health issues when sitting at a computer for a length of time. Members should be aware of their responsibilities as employers.

The  Valuation Office Agency (VOA) have issued notices to occupiers of  business premises of the Non Domestic Rates Valuation effective from            1/4/2010, but   assessed on rent values at 1/4/2008.  Businesses have until 30/11/2009 to notify the VOA of any discrepancies or inaccuracies of   assessment. Mr. Spittle suggested that anyone with a query should contact the VOA, as soon as possible,  to discuss the valuation.  It was a good idea to  compare the value of similar premises.  A web site to assist in this is  www.voa.gov.uk/2010.  It is not possible to lodge a formal appeal against the valuation until after 1/4/2010.

7.         A.O.B.

 Newsletter – The Vice President suggested any member who would like to be the featured business in the January issue, contact her as soon as possible.  A resume of approximately 300 words would be required.

Rates Meeting – The President requested a show of hands of those in favour of a special meeting to be held with a rating expert speaker. Several hands  were raised and this would be considered in the near future.

 The meeting closed at 6.40pm followed by networking..

 Hospitality was provided by Harleyford Golf Club and the President thanked Trevor Collingwood again for hosting  the meeting

 NO MEETING IN DECEMBER. 

NEXT MEETING – JANUARY 18^TH –  VENUE TO BE ADVISED